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This is such a comprehensive and helpful thread! As someone new to this community who's dealing with a similar situation, I really appreciate everyone sharing their real experiences. I'm currently on UI after being laid off from my retail management job, and I just found out my old workers comp case from a workplace slip and fall 18 months ago is finally settling. Reading through all these responses, it seems like the key principles are: keep certifying no matter what, report the settlement when you actually receive it (with detailed breakdown), and be completely transparent throughout the process. The fact that so many people have successfully navigated this gives me confidence that it's manageable if you follow the right steps. One thing that really stands out is how important it is to get that detailed breakdown from your attorney showing what portion is for permanent disability, medical expenses, vs wage replacement. It sounds like this documentation is crucial for both your initial reporting and any potential follow-up requests from EDD. Thank you all for taking the time to share your experiences - this thread should definitely be bookmarked for anyone dealing with workers comp settlements while on unemployment!
Absolutely agree - this thread has been incredibly informative! As someone who's also new to navigating this whole workers comp/UI intersection, it's reassuring to see so many people who've successfully handled similar situations. The consistent advice about continuing to certify and being transparent really stands out. I'm curious though - for those who've been through this, did EDD ever give you any kind of confirmation or documentation after processing your workers comp settlement report? Like do they send anything saying "we've reviewed your settlement and determined X portion affects your benefits" or do you just see the adjustment (if any) on your next payment? Just wondering what to expect in terms of communication from their end. Thanks again to everyone who shared - this is exactly the kind of community support that makes dealing with these complex situations so much easier!
From my experience handling workers comp settlements while on UI, I'd say you're asking all the right questions! The most important thing is to keep certifying while you wait for the settlement - don't stop just because you know it's coming. When you do receive it, make sure you have a clear breakdown from your attorney showing what portion is for permanent disability/medical expenses vs any wage replacement. The permanent disability portion typically won't affect your UI benefits at all, while wage replacement might reduce that week's payment. I'd also recommend calling EDD proactively once you get the settlement paperwork to discuss your specific situation. Having them document your call and the settlement details in your file can really help if any questions come up later during reviews or audits. Be prepared with the exact amounts and what each portion covers. Most importantly - this shouldn't disqualify you from continuing your UI claim as long as you're still able and available for work. Workers comp settlements are pretty common and EDD has established processes for handling them. Just stay transparent and keep looking for work!
I'm currently on day 4 after mailing my application and this thread has been absolutely invaluable! Just created my UI Online account after reading everyone's experiences and yep - got the "no claim found" message that I now know is completely normal. The anxiety is definitely real though. I keep second-guessing whether I filled out the mail application correctly or if it got lost in the mail. Having less than $200 left in my checking account makes every day feel critical. But seeing everyone's detailed timelines here (especially that most claims appeared between days 10-14) gives me hope that I just need to hang tight. It's honestly mind-blowing that EDD doesn't explain this processing gap anywhere on their official website. Like, a simple FAQ saying "mail applications take 10-14 business days to appear in UI Online" would prevent so much unnecessary panic! This community is doing EDD's job better than EDD. Planning to check my online account once daily around 8am instead of obsessively refreshing. Based on everyone's shared experiences, I've probably got about 6-10 more days of waiting, but at least now I know what to expect and I'm ready to certify online immediately once it appears. Thanks to everyone who shared their real day-by-day timelines - you're literally keeping people sane during the most stressful part of this whole process! 🙏
You're handling this so well by getting informed early! Day 4 is still really early in the process, but I totally understand that anxiety when money is tight. I went through this exact same waiting period a few months ago and that daily checking strategy is smart - obsessive refreshing just makes the time feel longer. Your timeline puts you right on track based on everyone's experiences here. The fact that you're already prepared with your online account means you'll be able to certify immediately once your claim appears, which is huge for getting payments flowing quickly. That $200 is definitely stressful, but based on the patterns shared in this thread, you're probably looking at another week or so before your claim shows up online. This community really has been a lifeline for so many of us going through this process. EDD's lack of clear communication about processing times is honestly ridiculous - this thread has more useful real-world information than their entire website! Hang in there, you're almost through the hardest part! 💪
I just wanted to share a quick update for anyone else going through this anxiety-inducing waiting period! I mailed my application 11 days ago and have been religiously following this thread since day 3. Just checked my UI Online account this morning and my claim FINALLY appeared! The relief is absolutely incredible after days of seeing that dreaded "no claim found" message. My timeline ended up being right in line with what everyone here shared - day 11 for a mail application to show up online. For anyone still waiting: this thread seriously saved my mental health during the process. The not knowing is definitely the worst part, but seeing everyone's real experiences here made it bearable. Now I can finally certify online and get this process moving! Already set up direct deposit based on the advice here. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines and kept those of us in limbo feeling less alone. This community is amazing! 🎉
Congratulations! This is such great news and perfect timing for your update! I'm currently on day 9 of waiting and seeing your success story gives me so much hope. Day 11 is right in that sweet spot everyone has been talking about, so it sounds like the system is pretty consistent with these processing times. I've been following this thread religiously too and you're absolutely right - this community has been a lifesaver for managing the anxiety. That "no claim found" message really does hit different when you're stressed about finances, but knowing it's normal from everyone's experiences here makes it bearable. Thanks for taking the time to update us! Success stories like yours keep those of us still in the waiting period motivated. I'm hoping to be posting my own "it finally appeared!" message in the next few days. Enjoy finally being able to take control of the process instead of just waiting! 🙌
I had this exact same issue last month. Turns out there was a glitch in their system that was causing a bunch of claims to need "reopening" even though they were active. When I finally got through, the rep fixed it in like 2 minutes. Such a waste of time and stress.
I'm dealing with the exact same thing right now! Got approved last week and now they're saying I need to reopen my claim just to certify. It's so backwards. I've been calling since 8am and just keep getting bounced around by the automated system. The hold times are insane too - I waited 3 hours yesterday only to get disconnected. This whole process is designed to wear us down, I swear. Hope you get through soon!
I'm a third-year doctoral student at UCLA who faced almost identical circumstances during my first year. The employment prohibition is standard, and unfortunately, EDD won't work - but there are definitely viable alternatives that can get you through this financial crunch. Here's what worked for me specifically: **Graduate Student Resource Center** - Most people don't know this exists, but UCLA (and USC) have dedicated resource centers for grad students with emergency funding, food assistance, and financial counseling. They're separate from general financial aid and often have faster turnaround times. **Professional development funding** - Many programs have discretionary funds for "professional development" that can cover conference attendance, research materials, or even living expenses if you frame it as supporting your academic progress. Ask your department administrator (not just your advisor) about these opportunities. **Teaching prep stipends** - Even though you can't TA until year 2, some departments pay small stipends for preparing teaching materials, attending pedagogy workshops, or observing classes. These are considered academic preparation, not employment. **Plasma donation** - As mentioned by another commenter, this isn't employment and can provide $400-600/month. CSL Plasma and Grifols have locations near most LA campuses. The financial stress during year one is incredibly tough, but remember that your program accepted you because they believe in your potential. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself - squeaky wheels get the grease, especially when it comes to keeping students enrolled. You've got this!
This is such comprehensive advice from someone who's been through the exact same situation! I had no idea about the Graduate Student Resource Center - that sounds like exactly what I need and the fact that it has faster turnaround times is huge. The professional development funding angle is really smart too - framing expenses as supporting academic progress makes total sense and gives me a legitimate way to access funds. I'm definitely going to reach out to my department administrator about teaching prep stipends since those sound like they'd be completely separate from the employment prohibition. The plasma donation option keeps coming up in responses, so I should seriously consider it even though it wasn't on my radar before. Your point about advocating for myself really resonates - I think I've been too hesitant to ask for help because I didn't want to seem unprepared, but you're right that programs want to keep students enrolled and successful. Thanks for such detailed, practical advice from someone who clearly understands exactly what I'm going through. It gives me real hope that I can make this work financially!
I'm a second-year PhD student who went through this exact financial crisis last year. While EDD won't work (as everyone has correctly pointed out), I wanted to share a few additional resources that literally kept me afloat: **Graduate Student Mental Health Resources** - Many universities offer emergency financial assistance through their counseling centers specifically for students experiencing financial stress. It's often overlooked because people think it's just for therapy, but many programs include emergency grants for basic needs. **Department alumni networks** - Reach out to recent graduates from your program. Many are willing to help current students with temporary financial support, job referrals, or even just practical advice about navigating the first year. Your department office should have contact information for recent alums. **University meal plans for grad students** - Some schools offer heavily discounted meal plans for graduate students that can significantly reduce food costs. Even if it seems expensive upfront, it might be cheaper than grocery shopping in LA. **Side note on CalFresh** - The work-study requirement for students has some exceptions. If you're in a program that will eventually lead to employment (which PhD programs do), you might qualify under different criteria. Definitely worth a consultation with a CalFresh enrollment specialist. The first year financial stress is brutal but temporary. Focus on getting through this year - once you're eligible for assistantships, the situation improves dramatically. Your program wants you to succeed, so use every resource available!
Caden Turner
As someone who's been on unemployment for about 6 months now, I can confirm that payment timing has definitely gotten slower in 2025. Earlier last year, my direct deposits would hit my account within 12-18 hours of the status changing to "paid," but now it's consistently taking 24-48 hours. It's frustrating when you're used to faster processing, but at least it's predictable now. The key thing to look for is that payment date and transaction number in your UI Online account - once those appear, the money is definitely on its way. I've learned to just expect the 1-2 day delay now rather than stress about it. Glad your payment came through @Ravi Malhotra and thanks for posting the update! It really helps others going through the same anxiety.
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Emma Olsen
•This is really helpful context! I'm completely new to unemployment benefits and was wondering if the delays I keep reading about were just bad luck or the actual norm now. Knowing that it used to be 12-18 hours but is now consistently 24-48 hours helps me set the right expectations. It's reassuring to hear from someone who's been through this process for a while that the delays are predictable even if they're longer than before. I haven't even had my first certification yet but reading all these experiences is definitely preparing me mentally for the waiting periods. Thanks for sharing your perspective on how the timing has changed!
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Liam Duke
This whole thread has been such a lifesaver for me! I'm currently dealing with my first ever "pending to paid" situation - my status just changed this morning and I was already starting to panic when the money wasn't in my account by lunch time. Reading everyone's real experiences and timelines (especially @Ravi Malhotra getting his payment after 30 hours) is so much more helpful than the vague "processing time" info on EDD's website. It's crazy how much anxiety this whole process creates, especially when you're counting on that money for basic expenses. I'm definitely going to bookmark this thread and try to be patient for the next day or two instead of refreshing my bank app every 10 minutes! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community support makes such a difference when navigating EDD's confusing system.
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NebulaNinja
•I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Just joined this community because I was getting so anxious about my payment timing. My status changed to "paid" yesterday evening and like you, I was expecting the money by this morning based on what I'd heard about direct deposit. Reading through everyone's experiences here - especially seeing that @Ravi Malhotra got his payment after 30 hours and others waited 36+ hours - is such a relief. I was starting to think something was wrong with my account! This is only my second time certifying for benefits and the first time I ve'experienced this delay, so I had no idea if it was normal or not. Really grateful for everyone sharing their real timelines instead of just the generic allow "several business days messaging." Definitely going to try to be patient and stop obsessively checking my banking app!
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