My question involves unemployment benefits for the state of: Ca, San Francisco
Lost job (was working for last 8 years as inhome support provider for same person). Lost the job since both, the health of my employer and mine deteriorated and I could no longer perform the same duties (heavy lifting, physical work as it relates to the person who I was looking after). My union suggested that I file for unemployment benefits until I am able to find the new job. Filed for unemployment insurance, and started receiving payments for a few weeks. Later on someone suggested that I should consider filing for disability due to my health condition which I did not know yet if my doctors will confirm such. I thought I can still try to work and continued to look for job. One of my doctors has confirmed disability later on. As a result, there was 8 days period for which I received unemployment benefits while there was overlap with Disability benefits. However, I didn't' receive disability benefits as I called them and they told me that they took into consideration the fact that I received unemployment and as results my disability benefits payments didn't kick in until after unemployment benefits + 7 days wait period.
Received notice of determination and overpayment with penalty for unemployment. Called EDD, they told me to file an appear.
Called EDD again, this time got in touch with Disability department. They told me that they took into consideration the fact that I was receiving unemployment so the disability payment was revisited (start date). So basically the disability claim date was one date but payment date was another as they took into consideration unemployment payments then added to it 7 days wait period and only after that started paying disability.
I did file for appeal for Notice to Determination and Overpayment (since I thought that I can still try to work and I was looking for work and I honestly felt that since both claims are with EDD, one will overwrite another). Continued to receive payments for disability insurance for a few weeks but last week I see that EDD took the payment back (they took more than the actual overpayment was for). Called EDD and they told me that they took one payment (for 2 weeks) back but they can't explain why and they told me that I will no longer receive payment and it should be up to appeal judge but my claim is suspended. I am not even clear which claim is suspended (unemployment or disability or both). I think I need help to sort this all out as I am afraid I don't have enough knowledge and I am afraid of loosing my benefits. Should I find an attorney to appear with me at the appeal? How do I ensure that I find a good attorney? Is it very expensive?

