Just wanted to add that your husband should also register with CalJOBS if he hasn't already - it's California's official job search site and EDD actually requires registration for most claimants. You can find it at caljobs.ca.gov. Once he's registered there, he can use job searches on that site as part of his weekly work search activities. It also has some decent resources for resume building and career exploration that might be helpful during his job search.

Quick tip that really helped me - I created a simple template in my phone's notes app with fields for "Company Name," "Position," "Date Applied," "Method (online/email/in-person)," and "Contact Info." Every time I apply somewhere, I just fill out a new entry. When certification time comes, I have everything organized and ready to copy into the UI Online boxes. Makes the whole process way less stressful! Your husband might find this approach easier than trying to remember everything later.

Has anyone else noticed that EDD ALWAYS finds a way to make us wait for money even when we're LEGALLY entitled to it?? Like, we win an appeal which PROVES they were wrong, and instead of rushing to fix their mistake, they make us wait ANOTHER month?! It's almost like they're hoping we'll just give up!!

UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning! The rep confirmed they received my appeal decision but said it's in a processing queue. She put in a request to expedite it due to my financial hardship, but couldn't give me an exact timeframe. She did say I should see some movement on my account within 7-10 days though. Just wanted to update everyone in case someone else runs into this same situation. Will post again once I actually see the money! Thanks everyone for your help so far!

MAKE SURE YOU KEEP CERTIFYING!!! Even during the appeal process!! I say this because I made this mistake and lost out on 6 weeks of payments even though I won my appeal. The system is DESIGNED to trip you up! Also, don't be surprised if you get different answers from different EDD reps - write down the name and ID number of EVERY person you talk to. I caught them contradicting each other multiple times!

I went through something very similar earlier this year - EDD accused me of underreporting earnings by about $4,200 and wanted me to repay everything. It's terrifying when you get that letter! The good news is that based on your update about HR confirming the double-reporting error, you have a strong case. A few additional tips: 1) When you submit your appeal, include a cover letter that clearly summarizes the issue (employer double-reported overtime) and lists every document you're including. 2) Request a phone hearing rather than in-person if given the option - they're scheduling faster right now. 3) If you have any text messages or emails with your former supervisor about that October overtime, include those too. The fact that you have HR backing you up makes this much more likely to be resolved in your favor. Keep us posted on how it goes!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! To update: I spoke with my employer today and they confirmed the reduction starts next Monday. I'm going to apply for partial unemployment as soon as my hours are officially reduced. I also found my past pay stubs showing my consistent 40-hour weeks for the last 9 months. Feeling a bit more prepared now, but still anxious about how long the EDD process might take.

btw when u certify make sure u say YES to the question about looking for work and keep a record of job applications somewhere in case they ask for proof!!! they've gotten really strict about work search requirements lately!

WAIT I just realized something!! Are you ABSOLUTELY SURE the refund is from this year's taxes?? Because last year my husband got a refund in our account in July that we thought was from that year's taxes but it was actually a DELAYED refund from the PREVIOUS year that finally processed, and then a week later our ACTUAL refund for that year got intercepted by EDD!!! Don't spend that money until you're 100% sure!!!!

Just wanted to add my experience - I had an EDD overpayment of about $3,200 and they did intercept my tax refund last year, but like others have said, they never touched my bank account directly. The key thing is that tax refund interception happens automatically through government systems, but bank account access requires your explicit permission. One thing I learned is that if you're proactive about setting up a payment plan, EDD will often stop future tax refund interceptions as long as you're making your monthly payments on time. I set up a $50/month plan and they released the hold on my tax refunds. It's definitely worth calling them or using one of those callback services people mentioned to get it sorted out before they move to wage garnishment. Also, definitely verify that refund is actually from this year's taxes like someone else suggested - the IRS has been processing things really weirdly lately and delayed refunds have been showing up at random times!