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UI has done EVERYTHING possible to NOT give me unemployment!! This is starting to look like a ploy by the State of California to NOT pay me for money they've been collecting from me since I started working at 18 years old!! I have done everything that "society" says that I am supposed to do to be successful. I have a BS degree, got a mid-level management job, bought a condo...But I got sick and my life hasn't been the same since. I was foreclosed on. My job FIRED me after I got sick...I had to fight with Disablity to get my payments and to receive them in a timely fashion. Since they didn't do that, my credit is screwed. Now I'm fighting with UI, they sided with my former employer, which I don't understand since they fired me while I was only 10 days into disability. Now it's MY responsiblity to appeal their decision. I have NOT been paid any monies in over 6 weeks! It took me 3 weeks to even get through to a PERSON over the phone and they have had me jump through all the hoops for an additional 3 weeks!! Until I was told today that I'm NOT going to get paid any money until my appeal date, which is NOT the info I had been given from EDD all this time!! That means I've been receiving incorrect info from employees in EDD. They input false info in their computers which allowed them to make the decision against me in the first place. (A decision that is made by an employee, not a judge of any kind). They have NOT recorded info in my files correctly, which has prevented me to get money. Now I am being evicted, EVERYTHING I own in my storage unit will be seized. How am I to even look for a job with having to deal with ALL of this?! I have spent most of my days calling into UI, going up to the EDD office to try to talk to somebody, going to public social services for aide (which I still haven't received). Doing all of this with no money for food, gas, rent...I have been a responsible person and don't have any children, but that prevents me from getting decent help financially and medically. The State of California STEALs money out of YOUR paycheck before you can even set your eyes on it, then does EVERYTHING possible to NOT give it back to you when you NEED it!! There is something SERIOUSLY wrong with that!! That is THEFT and that is AGAINST THE LAW!!!! I'm tired of being a victim...being continuously RAPED by this system! I understand why people are suicidal and/or criminal and it looks like that is what the government is counting on. I don't know what to do or who to talk to. I'm fed up with GOVERNMENT employees treating me like I'm a loser when I am only wanting back rightfully, what they have taken from me for 15+ years of employment!! I cannot fathom allowing the government to continue taking money from me for programs that OBVIOUSLY DO NOT help the people they are intended to help. I just spoke to the UI Appeals office supervisor...she claimed that I was berating her and accusing her staff of wrongdoing. I was not raising my voice nor cursing (I hope they recorded the convo), but explaining my situation as SHE requested. I was trying to file a complaint regarding misconduct of her staff that I have proof of and she hung up on me!!! I am not creating this forum just to vent, but I need help! I need advice from people who have been through this. I think that these types of stories NEED to be in the news media for awareness and accountibility. I would be MORE than happy to talk to any media that is interested in learning of what's really going on with these programs. Please email me @ exoticjadeeyez@yahoo.com if you have any advice, info, or anything for me. Thank you!!
I feel your pain.
Submitted by Supersean on
First, you have to understand that UI is funded 100% by EMPLOYERS, you never "paid into it". Understanding this fundamental fact should help you adjust your attitude when it comes to dealing with EDD employees.
UI is insurance and employers pay the premiums and half the benefits, so its common for employers to contest UI claims. Unfortunately, there is no sanction for employers who falsely contest claims. EDD has not "sided with your boss", it's insurance and your claim is being contested. The only thing you can do is file an appeal and wait for an administrative law judge to hear your side of it. If they side with you, you'll get all the benefits you were entitled to.
What to do in the meantime? This is where it gets tough, because right now you're "in the suck". First I'd advise you to appeal to the goodwill of your friends and family, this was the reason you cultivated all those relationships in the first place, to help you when times got tough. Second, try calling 211 to find out about support programs, everything from help with your utility bills and rent to getting assistance for food. Third, calm down. All it takes is one EDD employee to note that you were "abusive" to change the tenor of every future communication with them from one of trying to help you to one of just trying to get you off the phone.
I know the 800 number they give you can be maddening, try 408.436.5603, this will at least skip you past the automated system and get you to an operator who can connect you to a claims adjuster, appeals specialist, or whoever. Be patient, you're still gonna have to hold.
Best of luck to you. Don't forget to send back those claim forms every 2 weeks even if you're not getting paid right now.
Thank you!
Submitted by exotcjadeeyez on
Thank you! I really appreciate your advice...the professional & personal. I went to the appeal and the company brought their attorney, so I'm not encouraged regarding the decision going my way, but it is what it is. Just disappointed in a system that I always thought was available to me as a safety net. Totally my fault for assuming. You learn from every situation and I've learned a ton from this one.
Jeanine Brown
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