My question involves unemployment benefits for the state of: California
Hello,
I filed for unemployment benefits recently and I received my claim form like usual (same as I had several years ago). Apparently I was also sent a notice that requested documents such as a copy of my drivers license, passport, and other documents that would verify my identity (this is apparently to avoid fraud and make sure benefits are paid to the proper person).
I was supposed to send these documents to the EDD within 10 days, however I did not see this notice until after I received an additional notice about 2 weeks later that stated I was not eligible to receive benefits because they had never received any documents from me that would verify my identity. I then sent the EDD an e-mail asking about the status of my claims and what needs to be done to fix the issues with my claim. They responded 12 days later and said that I needed to send in an appeal letter and the documents required to verify my identity.
My question: What are my options here? I know that I can file an appeal, however it has been more than 20 days since the last notice so it might not work. I am desperately low on cash and I really need the fastest possible option to start receiving benefits, and from what I have read it can take quite a while and be a very large hassle to go through the appeals process.
Can I just file a new claim? Instead of going through the appeals process to receive the benefits for the past 6 weeks, would it be faster for me to just file a new claim that would start my benefits from the date of the new claim filed? Is it even possible for me to file a new claim after being denied benefits due to my "failure to provide documents to verify my identity"?
I would prefer to file a new claim and start receiving benefits as soon as possible, as opposed to going through the appeals process so that I can get the checks from the past 6 weeks (which I don't really mind losing those 6 weeks worth of checks, I just really really need to get money to pay for rent so time is my priority at the moment).
Thanks for your help, it is greatly appreciated!![]()

