FREMONT, Calif. (KGO) — When Odie Cruz’s spouse of 41 years died in February, she left behind a debit card loaded with $59,000 in incapacity advantages. Unlocking these advantages from an EDD debit card proved tough because the pandemic has stretched the state company to a breaking level.Odie reveals off a photograph of his late spouse Herminia. The devoted husband locations recent flowers beside her photograph each week.Her loss of life following a coronary heart ailment is tough for him to speak about.VIDEO: California Unemployment: Lawmakers name for accountability for EDD’s ‘unacceptable’ efficiency”In order that was very painful. To be sincere with you, I nonetheless cry on daily basis,” he mentioned.Herminia left her job as a registered nurse following a coronary heart assault simply two years in the past. She was on incapacity ever since.These advantages have been loaded onto a debit card administered by Bank of America and EDD.”I am an previous man. I am old fashioned. I do not know learn how to switch her funds into our joint financial savings and checking account, which we use for the whole lot,” Odie mentioned.After Herminia died, Bank of America notified Odie that his spouse’s account had been frozen.VIDEO: Unemployment in CA: EDD spokesperson talks future of additional $600 pandemic fee, wait timesTo get these funds, the bank instructed him to submit paperwork, after which weeks later requested him to contact EDD.”Oh my God, EDD? I feel that was in mid-March. That was the time when hundreds of thousands of individuals have been submitting for unemployment advantages,” mentioned Odie.Odie has fond reminiscences of his spouse’s piano live shows. When he did not hear something from the state, he remembered one thing his spouse instructed him.”She’s at all times been telling me when you have any client issues, name 7 on Your Aspect,” recalled Odie.He did. We reached out to Bank of America.It tells us: “We have to obtain EDD approval earlier than releasing cash to an property. As quickly as we obtain required documentation, we’ll work as shortly as attainable and can ship to the EDD for overview and approval.”RELATED: Lady will get EDD letters awarding, denying advantages in the identical daySome 10 days later, Odie acquired a test within the mail for $59,000.”My spouse could be happy with me. I contacted 7 On Your Aspect,” Odie instructed us joyously.He plans to place the cash in direction of his retirement, which he hopes shall be very quickly.Check out extra tales and movies by Michael Finney and seven On Your Aspect. Copyright © 2020 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.
