Update: I spoke with an EDD rep today (finally got through after 2 hours on hold) and they explained that even if I win my appeal, I'll likely still have to pay back some money since I did actually work those hours. But they said the penalty for "willful misrepresentation" might be removed if I can convince the judge I genuinely misunderstood based on the information I was given. My appeal hearing is scheduled for June 3rd. I'm gathering all my documentation and preparing my explanation. Thank you all for the advice and support - it's really helped me understand what I'm facing and how to prepare.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress - the uncertainty around these appeals can be really overwhelming. One thing that might help your case is to check if you have any written documentation from when you first applied for benefits. Sometimes people save confirmation emails or print out pages that might reference the phone conversation details. Also, when you write your timeline for the hearing, include not just what the rep told you, but also why their advice seemed reasonable to you at the time. For example, if you mentioned your part-time hours during that call and they specifically said not to report them, that shows you were being transparent from the start. The fact that you proactively asked about reporting requirements during your initial interview actually works in your favor - it shows you had no intent to hide anything. Make sure to emphasize that during your hearing. You've got this!

Final update: My claim went from pending to paid this morning! All 5 weeks worth of benefits were deposited to my EDD debit card at once. Such a relief! For anyone else stuck in pending limbo - definitely call rather than wait. And yes @helpfuluser86 I did use Claimyr to get through after trying on my own for 2 days with no luck. Totally worth it to get this resolved!

Congratulations on getting this resolved! Your experience is a perfect example of why persistence pays off with EDD issues. The ID.me verification glitch you encountered is surprisingly common - I've seen several cases where the verification completes successfully on ID.me's end but doesn't properly sync with the EDD system, leaving claims in limbo indefinitely. For anyone else reading this thread who might be dealing with similar delays, Oliver's story highlights a few key takeaways: 1. Don't wait beyond 3-4 weeks to take action - the system won't fix itself 2. Check your UI Online inbox regularly for any requests or messages 3. When calling, be prepared to explain your situation clearly and ask for escalation to Tier 2 if needed 4. Identity verification issues are among the most common causes of delays Thanks for sharing your updates throughout this process - it's really helpful for other community members who might be going through the same thing!

how long does it takes a certification to process if it been pending? Finally went through because the lady processed it for me but I didn’t ask when I would receive the payments

I went through a similar situation last year - pending for months! What finally worked for me was calling first thing in the morning right when they opened (8am) and staying persistent. Also, if you have any documentation of financial hardship (like past due bills or notices), that can help expedite the interview process. Don't give up - I know it's frustrating but keep calling and documenting every conversation. You might also want to try reaching out through the "Contact Us" feature on the EDD website in addition to calling. Hang in there!

To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

Hi Tina! Based on what you've described, that February payment does sound like it could be a conditional payment. EDD started issuing these in July 2021 for people who had been waiting on pending certifications for more than two weeks. Since you had to wait 7 months for your phone interview, you definitely qualify for this program. You should have received (or will receive) a DE 5400 notice in the mail explaining that this was a conditional payment while they review your eligibility. After your interview in January, they'll make a final determination - if everything checks out, you'll keep the payment. If not, you might need to pay it back unless you qualify for an overpayment waiver. The good news is that getting any payment usually means they're processing your case. Have you heard anything back since your January interview about the final decision on your eligibility?

Has he tried certifying for benefits yet? Just wondering if the system is already showing the wrong name when he logs in. Sometimes seeing the error on screen makes it more urgent to fix!

Don't beat yourself up too much about this - mistakes happen! I work in HR and I've seen this type of error before. The good news is that name corrections are actually pretty routine for EDD, they deal with this stuff all the time. Here's what I'd suggest: have your boyfriend try calling right when they open at 8 AM. The wait times are usually shorter first thing in the morning. He could also try calling from his car before work starts if he gets to the job site early. Also, make sure he has his Social Security card, driver's license, and the confirmation number from when you filed the claim. The rep will need to verify his identity before making any changes. Once it's corrected, they'll usually send an updated confirmation letter within a few days. The most important thing is getting this fixed before he starts certifying for benefits. You caught it early which is actually great timing!