whatever u do just make sure u pick something when they ask... my roommate didnt select anything (thought he could decide later) and they automatically gave him the money network card by default. total pain

One more thing I should mention - if you do choose paper checks, make sure your mailing address is always current with EDD. Unlike the debit card (which is issued once) or direct deposit, each check needs to be physically mailed to you. If you move during your claim period, update your address immediately in UI Online under the Contact Information section.

Just wanna add - make sure ur husband keeps certifying EVERY WEEK even if the claim is pending. My friend didn't certify while waiting for EDD to process his claim and lost 3 weeks of benefits he couldn't get back!!

One additional point worth noting: If your husband applies and is approved for UI benefits based on reduced hours, he'll still need to meet all other eligibility requirements. This includes being able and available for work and actively seeking additional employment to supplement his reduced hours. During certification, EDD will ask if he's looking for work. He should be applying for additional part-time jobs or full-time positions to maintain eligibility. He'll need to list at least 3 work search activities per week typically. Also, depending on his industry and skills, he might qualify for EDD's training extension if he wants to use this opportunity to gain new skills while working reduced hours. Just something to consider for the long term if his employer doesn't restore his schedule.

my friend had same problem last month, she just certified next day and got payment normal time. EDD knows when their site is down so they dont penalize u for it

This happens every other month honestly, and it's so frustrating. The most ridiculous part is that they never put any notice on their site saying "We're down for maintenance" - it just errors out. Like, how hard would it be to put up a simple message?? My system was rejecting my password earlier. I'm going to try again after midnight when there's less traffic. If it's still down tomorrow, definitely call them.

The EDD appeals process is DELIBERATELY slow to discourage people from appealing! They hope you'll give up or find another job before your hearing. It's a disgraceful tactic that punishes people who are already struggling. I had to contact my state assembly member's office to get any movement on my appeal. They have staff who can sometimes expedite cases. Worth a try!

check ur spam folder! my hearing notice went to spam and i almost missed it!! they sometimes send email notifications now not just mail

Has anyone actually beat one of these school employee overpayment cases? I'm scared OP is going to end up having to repay no matter what they do. The system is so rigged against school workers!

One more important thing: many substitute teachers don't realize that EDD distinguishes between different types of substitutes. If you're on a preferred substitute list or have been working regularly before breaks, EDD might consider that "reasonable assurance" even without a formal guarantee. What helps your case is if you can show that: 1. You actively sought work during non-break periods but still had weeks with little or no work 2. You weren't on any preferred list or didn't have priority status 3. You had to compete with other substitutes for assignments with no guarantee Include this information with your response to make it clear you truly didn't have reasonable assurance of work after the breaks. This is the legal distinction that matters for your case.