[Mandingo Rex]

A few months ago, I was one of the unfortunate millions out there who got laid off as part of this lovely recession.

Well guys, tomorrow I am one of the lucky ones who goes back to work full-time, and I realize I am very fortunate to only have been out of work for only a few months. Not so many Tankers (or US Citizens, for that matter) can say the same, but I wanted to see if anyone had any issues with unemployment, or dealing with the EDD (state unemployment division in California) in California.

If anyone can contribute any pointers or offer advice to fellow CA Tankers who may be dealing with the incompetent and almost-impossible-to-get-through-to EDD, their system, or just a virtual hug/gripe session, I wanted to offer up my experience and any "shortcuts" I found as far as getting through the impossible phone lines...

[Mandingo Rex]

I'm sure most people know this already, but register online if at all possible. The phone lines are absurd, nearly impossible to get through to a real person, and hang up on you if you get the recorded message (almost always, this will be the case):

(EDD Racks Up $4 Million Phone Bill | News10.net | Sacramento, California | Local News)

If you keep calling and get a recording, or finally get through the phone tree, you may still get hung up on. Go online if at all possible, even if you can't register (in my case since I lived and worked out of state within the last 18 months, the website told me I HAD to call) and file a "complaint" in the CONTACT section. Tell them you have tried for weeks to register and can't get through. Leave your contact info (specify to be contacted by phone), and they'll call you. If you get a weird call from an unlisted number, answer it, that's them. Yes, they suck.

[Mandingo Rex]

If they ask for your employer history, only submit places where you filed a W-4 and will get a W-2 at the end of the year. If you were paid via 1099, don't bother, that's considered "contract" work.

Here's the kicker that got me:

They TELL you to accept any and all work, whether it's full-time, "odd jobs", contract work, or whatever. So I ended up with freelance contract work, because my field actually deals a lot in contracting. The thing is, if you are an "independent contractor" and aren't on payroll, then they consider you "self-employed", even if you were just laid off from a full-time job (like I was) who had been paying into the unemployment insurance pot.

Be honest, and if you are getting money, even on a 1099 basis, put that down. Just be aware that you will eventually get a "phone interview" to determine whether or not being "self-employed" will interfere with you being able to look for full-time work. It's absurd, but you'd get in deeper trouble if you didn't claim it.

It's seriously a big runaround and a lot of paperwork and BS to deal with, but hang in there guys, you'll eventually get your unemployment checks if everything is on the up-and-up on your end. The thing that bothers me is people rely on the checks while they're looking for work, and EDD makes it nearly impossible to get that much-needed income.

[Blaster'spunchingbagg]

Haven't had to do the unemployment yet, and am glad I haven't, but it's good to hear you have work now Rex. Good luck on your new job.

[Mandingo Rex]

Anyways, that's the little bit of info that I couldn't find any answers to anywhere else (even online or through friends who have dealt with unemployment). If anyone has any questions but don't want to post here, feel free to PM me. If you know my e-mail already, contact me via that.

If anyone else can offer up any advice on how to deal with the EDD or unemployment office in their state, or just a "been there, done that, hang in there" post of support, please guys, help out if possible.

I hope everyone ends up pulling through this rough time.

[Mandingo Rex]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blaster'spunchingbagg

Haven't had to do the unemployment yet, and am glad I haven't, but it's good to hear you have work now Rex. Good luck on your new job.

Hah, thanks man.

Fortunately, I have established a decent network in my field, and one can freelance and keep afloat if you know how to swing it. Thankfully, I honestly never had to dip into the unemployment fund, so at least that money's there for someone else who needs it more than me. My former employer dealt us a decent severance package, and I was able to keep myself afloat with contract work in the meantime, but believe me, the stress alone did a solid number on my ego and personal life, and I honestly hadn't felt a true "sting". My support goes out to those guys who are struggling, I can't imagine how tough it is for those who are getting to the point that they can't make ends meet.

The zany thing is, I filed for unemployment but was lucky enough to get enough work to not ever have to claim anything from the UI fund, but I still had to deal with all the paperwork and phone tag with the Unemployment division, and it's no picnic. So I had to put up with all the BS, paperwork, stress and headaches and didn't even benefit from the program. But, I can say I was fortunate enough not to depend on unemployment, so I guess I am really lucky with only dealing with the stress. I feel for the guys who are doing everything properly and honest, and still getting strung around by the government.

California max payout is $450 a week ($475 a week with a new stimulus package) but it's still taxed, and with the cost of living out here, there's no way you can support a family on that.

[pud333]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mandingo Rex

Fortunately, I have established a decent network in my field, and one can freelance and keep afloat if you know how to swing it.



California max payout is $450 a week ($475 a week with a new stimulus package) but it's still taxed, and with the cost of living out here, there's no way you can support a family on that.

Networking is one of the most important things when it comes to finding or maintaining work. Even when I was working at retail for minimum wage back in college, it was about who you knew, not what you knew. Even though I consider my job to be somewhat secure, I still talk to others in my field, go play basketball with them, etc. Cause you never know when a) you'll want to jump ship for a better opportunity, or b) you'll be laid off and need a job.

I don't live in California, I live in Canada, but benefits for unemployment in Canada is 55% of income up to a max of $447 per week. It's taxed also. If you're the sole breadwinner in the home, that's definitely not enough to raise a family on. Obviously, it's only meant to be temporary, but still; depending on how bad a recession can be, it could be a while.

This just underscores the need to have 3-6 months gross income set aside for emergency funds, either as liquid funds, or a low interest rate line of credit that you'd only access in emergencies. Of course, this may be too late for some people, but going forward, it's always good to have those safety nets in place while things are going well, cause it's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Ultimately, going through the government to get anything done (regardless of what country you're in) tends to be a huge pain in the ass, and in the end, you may not get the help you need, so you always have to do your best to take care of yourself first.

I am lucky that the only effect the recession has had on me has been a large reduction in my bonus cheques. But I realize how fortunate I am to still have my job. Good luck to those who are still looking.

[crock master]

i have had trouble since x-mas. but i never do unemployment.

[Griff]

ya man i got laid off/let go 3 weeks back and i have had bupkiss finding ANYTHING even a crappy fast food or gas station job. One of the many reasons i have/want to sell my joes.