When I filed for good cause quit due to harassment, my attorney advised me to have coworkers submit declarations rather than using their emails directly. These were signed statements that described what they witnessed but weren't on company letterhead or from work accounts. This protected them while still providing evidence. For the Indeed reviews, they helped support my case as part of a pattern of workplace issues, but weren't considered primary evidence. What really helped was that I had documented my own experience thoroughly with dates, times, and descriptions of incidents. The key elements EDD looks for in good cause quit cases are: - Did you make reasonable efforts to preserve your employment? (Like reporting issues to HR) - Would a reasonable person feel compelled to quit under the same circumstances? - Do you have documentation supporting your claims? Focus on these elements in your claim submission.

I had a similar situation when I quit due to workplace harassment. Here's what I learned from my experience and research: **Regarding coworker emails:** EDD doesn't automatically forward your evidence to employers, but during their investigation they may share the general nature of your allegations. If your emails contain specific details that could only come from certain people, your employer might be able to identify who provided the information. **Better approach for coworker support:** - Ask them to write brief, factual statements on personal letterhead/paper (not company email) - Focus on specific incidents they witnessed rather than opinions - They can use first name and last initial if they're concerned about identification - Have them date and sign the statements **On Indeed reviews:** These can be useful supporting evidence showing a pattern of workplace issues, but EDD gives much more weight to your own documented experiences. Include screenshots, but don't rely on them as your primary evidence. **Strongest evidence for your case:** - Your own emails to HR documenting complaints - Any written responses from management - Medical documentation if stress affected your health - Your personal documentation with dates/times of incidents The key is proving YOU had good cause to quit based on YOUR documented experience. Good luck with your claim!

Update: My sister decided to take the 1-month position. We made sure to get everything in writing and her direct manager promised to provide her with a termination letter at the end of the temporary assignment that clearly states the permanent business closure. She also found out they're NOT offering any severance pay to anyone (so at least we don't have to worry about that complication). Thanks everyone for the super helpful advice! It's making this stressful situation a bit easier to navigate.

Smart choice on taking the temporary position! One more thing to keep in mind - when she files her claim after the temp work ends, she should be prepared to explain the timeline clearly during her initial interview or if EDD has any follow-up questions. Sometimes they get confused when there's a gap between the original layoff announcement and the actual last day of work. Having that termination letter mentioning the business closure will be key. Also, she might want to start putting together her job search documentation now since EDD requires proof of work search activities. Good luck to your sister!

UPDATE: I wanted to thank everyone for the advice! I called Money Network again this morning and specifically asked for the fraud department using the phone tree someone suggested. Got a much more helpful rep who processed an expedited claim AND issued a provisional credit that should appear in 2-3 business days! Also filed a CFPB complaint as backup. I'm switching to direct deposit as soon as this is resolved. Will update again when everything is finalized.

So glad you got the provisional credit! I had a similar experience where the regular customer service was useless but the fraud department actually helped. Just a heads up - make sure you keep checking on your case every few days. Sometimes they need additional documentation or the investigation stalls. Also, when you switch to direct deposit, double-check your bank account info because I've seen people accidentally transpose numbers and then their payments get delayed. The direct deposit is SO much better though - no more worrying about card skimmers or ATM fraud!

Quick update question - have you checked your UI Online account under the "History" tab as well as the "Appeals" section? Sometimes decisions don't show up in Appeals but your payment status will change under History if the decision was favorable. Also, make sure you're still certifying for benefits every two weeks even while waiting for the appeal decision!

I'm going through something similar right now - had my appeal hearing 2.5 weeks ago and still waiting on the decision. The uncertainty is absolutely brutal, especially when you're already financially stressed from months without benefits. One thing that's helped me cope is setting up a daily routine where I only check my UI Online account once in the morning instead of obsessively refreshing it all day. I've also been documenting everything (hearing date, judge's name, case details) in case I need to follow up later. Hang in there - from what I'm reading here, it sounds like 3-4 weeks is pretty normal right now, even though it feels like forever when you're living it.

Update: Finally got through to EDD this morning! For anyone with this issue in the future - they confirmed my payment was sent to Money Network and a new card is being mailed automatically. Should arrive within 7-10 business days. I asked about getting a check instead but was told that's not possible for payments already processed. For future payments though, I've switched to direct deposit. Thanks everyone for the help!

Congrats on finally winning your appeal after 4 years! That's incredible persistence. Just want to add that when you do get your new Money Network card, make sure to activate it right away and set up your PIN. I had a similar situation where my card took 10 days to arrive, but then I had to wait another 2 days because I didn't realize I needed to call to activate it first. The activation number should be on the sticker attached to the card. Also, there might be a temporary daily withdrawal limit until you verify your identity with Money Network, so don't panic if you can't withdraw the full amount immediately.