Thank you! That's really helpful advice for my mortgage situation. I'll definitely request that statement once I get this sorted out. I appreciate everyone's help here!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My $2,200 refund was intercepted 4 weeks ago and my UI Online balance hasn't budged at all. It's so stressful not knowing if they even received it properly. I've been trying to call but can never get through. Reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel a bit better knowing I'm not alone, but also worried it might take months to resolve. Has anyone had success with the EDD overpayment email address, or is calling really the only way to get answers?

Glad you got it sorted! Just a heads-up that it might take one payment cycle for the change to take effect, so keep an eye on your next payment to make sure it goes through correctly.

Just want to add another option for anyone still stuck with Money Network - you can also get cash back at most grocery stores and pharmacies when you make a purchase with the card. I usually buy something small like gum or a drink and get $20-40 cash back with no fees. Then I can deposit the cash into my regular bank account. It's not as convenient as direct transfer but way better than paying $25!

I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare! I just went through something extremely similar last month - had over $3,200 showing as available but couldn't access it for 2 months because of payment preference issues. Reading your update about Money Network confirming no card was issued is actually good news because now you know exactly what the problem is. I went the paper check route too and honestly, it was the best decision. My first check arrived in 8 days once EDD properly updated my preference in their system. One thing that really helped me when I finally got through to EDD was being very specific about the timeline and what each rep told me. Write down dates, reference numbers, and exactly what they said they would do. The inconsistency between reps is unreal - having that documentation saved me from starting over multiple times. Also, don't feel bad about using a service like Claimyr if the regular phone lines aren't working. I was stubborn and kept trying the free way for weeks, but honestly the stress wasn't worth it when I had bills piling up. Sometimes you just need to get a human on the line who can actually see what's wrong with your account. Keep us posted - rooting for you to get this resolved soon!

I just went through this exact same issue a few weeks ago! The frustration is real when you can see the money but can't touch it. Here's what finally worked for me: Since you already confirmed with Money Network that no card was issued, you're ahead of where I was. I also switched to paper checks using the DE 5800 form and it was the right call. My first check arrived exactly 9 days after EDD updated my payment preference. A couple things that helped me: - When you call EDD (or use Claimyr), ask them to check for any "payment holds" or "address verification flags" on your account. Sometimes there are hidden issues blocking the payment setup - Request they send you the confirmation letter about your payment preference change via both mail AND email if possible - Get a reference number for the call and ask them to put detailed notes about what they changed The paper check system is honestly more reliable than the debit card mess. You can always switch back to the card later once you know everything is working properly. Don't feel bad about using a paid service to get through - I wasted weeks trying the free route and wish I'd just paid to talk to someone sooner. You're so close to getting this resolved! Keep us posted on how the Claimyr call goes.

UPDATE FOR THOSE FOLLOWING: I just wanted to clarify something important. While EDD technically goes by the postmark date, there are situations where appeals can still be rejected if: 1. The postmark is illegible or missing 2. You have no proof of mailing on that date 3. The appeal arrives significantly late (like 3+ weeks after deadline) For maximum protection, I always recommend sending appeals via certified mail with return receipt, or faxing (yes, faxing still works and provides timestamp proof). Also, even if your appeal is initially rejected as "late," you can appeal THAT decision by showing good cause for the delay - such as post office issues, personal illness, or misinformation from EDD staff.

Hey Angelica, I totally get your stress about this! I went through something similar last year. The postmark date is definitely what counts, but here's what I learned the hard way - keep calling EDD every few days to confirm they received it. I know the phone lines are awful, but it's worth the hassle for peace of mind. Also, start preparing your evidence NOW for the actual hearing. Get any emails, texts, or documents from your employer about the layoff. If you have coworkers who witnessed what happened, ask them to write statements. The appeal deadline stress is nothing compared to actually winning your case, so use this time wisely to build your argument that you were laid off, not quit. One more tip - if you do end up needing to file a late appeal for any reason, "postal delays" is actually considered good cause by EDD. You're not as screwed as you think even if something goes wrong!

As someone who went through a similar situation with EDD overpayment collections, I want to emphasize that time is critical here. The sooner you get that hardship reduction in place, the better. When I called EDD, I made sure to have all my documentation ready - rent/mortgage statements, utility bills, grocery receipts, anything showing our monthly expenses with two kids. Also, don't be discouraged if the first representative you speak with says they can't help or that 100% collection is "standard policy." Ask to speak with a supervisor or tier 2 representative who has authority to make adjustments. I had to escalate my call twice before finding someone who could actually process the hardship reduction. One tip for calling: try calling exactly at 8:00 AM or right after lunch around 1:30 PM. Those seem to be the best times to get through. Good luck - you shouldn't have to choose between paying rent and EDD getting their money back!

I went through this exact nightmare last year and want to share what worked for me. EDD was taking 100% of my benefits for a $3,100 overpayment from 2022. After reading advice similar to what's been shared here, I called at exactly 8:00 AM and got through on my third try. The key was being persistent but polite, and having ALL my financial documents ready. I brought up my rent, utilities, groceries, and childcare costs, and explained that with zero income coming in, we couldn't even afford basic necessities. The tier 2 rep was actually understanding and reduced my collection rate to 30%. It made such a huge difference - I was finally getting some money each week instead of nothing. The whole process took about 45 minutes on the phone, but it was worth every minute. Don't give up if you get disconnected or if the first person says they can't help. Keep calling back and asking for someone with authority to adjust collection rates. You have rights as a claimant, especially when you have dependents and can prove financial hardship.