I'm also dealing with a manufacturing layoff (precision machining) and just started my claim after getting laid off two weeks ago. This thread has been incredibly educational - I had no idea about programs like TAA, ETP, or the specific Fed-Ed thresholds everyone mentioned. The 2.8% vs 5% unemployment rate gap really puts things in perspective about how unlikely extensions are right now, which helps me set realistic expectations rather than banking on benefits lasting longer than 26 weeks. My shop also closed partially due to overseas competition and cheaper imports, so I'm definitely going to look into TAA eligibility based on all the detailed information shared here. I love the structured approach several people have taken - dedicating specific percentages of time to immediate job searching versus exploring retraining options. I'm going to start with that CalJOBS career assessment this week to see what adjacent industries might be good fits for my machining skills. It's both reassuring and sobering to see so many of us in manufacturing facing similar challenges with foreign competition and plant closures. Thanks to everyone for sharing such specific program details and strategies - this peer knowledge sharing is exactly what I needed to approach my situation more strategically instead of just feeling overwhelmed by the 26-week timeline!

I'm another manufacturing worker who just got laid off (chemical processing equipment) and filed my first claim this week. This entire thread has been absolutely incredible - I had no idea about TAA, ETP, or any of the specific Fed-Ed threshold requirements before reading everyone's experiences. That 2.8% vs 5% gap really shows how far we'd need to fall economically for extensions to kick in, which definitely helps me plan more realistically for just the 26 weeks. My plant also cited foreign competition and cheaper overseas manufacturing as major factors in the closure, so I'm going to research TAA eligibility based on all the detailed information shared here. The pattern of manufacturing layoffs due to international trade issues seems to be affecting so many different sectors - it's both reassuring to know we're not alone and concerning to see how widespread the problem is. I'm going to adopt the structured approach several people mentioned: splitting my time between immediate job applications and exploring retraining options. The CalJOBS career assessment sounds like a great starting point to identify which of my manufacturing skills might transfer to more stable industries. Thanks to everyone for sharing such specific program names, threshold numbers, and practical strategies. This kind of peer knowledge sharing is exactly what those of us new to unemployment need to navigate this situation strategically instead of just feeling overwhelmed by the timeline. It's amazing how much we can learn from each other's experiences!

Just went through this same confusion when I started my claim a few months ago! The key thing to remember is that your certification schedule is locked in from your first certification - so if you certified on a Sunday, you'll always certify every other Sunday after that. The payment timing can vary slightly (I usually get mine on Tuesday or Wednesday), but the certification date never changes. One tip that really helped me: download the EDD mobile app if you haven't already. It sends you push notifications when it's time to certify, which is super convenient. Also, if you ever need to check your payment history or see exactly when your next certification is due, it's all right there in your UI Online account under "Claim History" and "Payment Activity." The first few cycles feel confusing but you'll have it figured out in no time!

I totally get the confusion! When I first started my EDD claim, I spent way too much time trying to figure out the timing. Here's what I learned after a few months: your certification schedule is set in stone from day one - every other Sunday, no exceptions. The payment usually hits 2-3 business days after you certify, so if you certify Sunday morning, expect it Tuesday or Wednesday. One thing that really helped me was setting up direct deposit instead of using the debit card - it seemed to arrive a bit more consistently. Also, don't stress if your payment is a day or two off from what you expect, especially around holidays or weekends. The system is actually pretty reliable once you get into the groove. Pro tip: I keep a simple note in my phone with my certification dates for the next few months so I never have to wonder "is this my week?" You'll have it down pat after your third or fourth cycle!

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation! My part-time retail job (18 hours/week) got cut to just 6 hours and I'm so confused by all the EDD requirements. Reading through these responses has been super helpful - especially about the "good cause" exception for part-time work restrictions. I didn't realize you could get documentation from a doctor for caregiving responsibilities. My situation is a bit different - I'm caring for my disabled sister - but it sounds like that might qualify too? Also really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences with actually getting through to EDD. I've been putting off calling because I keep hearing horror stories about wait times, but it sounds like I really need to push for that determination interview to get everything sorted out properly. Has anyone here had success with the good cause exception for family caregiving? I'm wondering what kind of documentation EDD typically accepts for that.

I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I've been working part-time at a small marketing agency (22 hours/week) and recently got my hours slashed to just 10 hours. Like many others here, I was totally confused by the "must be available for full-time work" requirement when I've been part-time by choice for over two years. What really resonates with me is the discussion about documenting everything. I'm also dealing with a job that's trying to change the fundamental terms - they want me to start doing cold calls and door-to-door sales when I was hired specifically for digital marketing work. It feels similar to the remote-to-in-person issue others have mentioned. Reading about the "good cause" exceptions gives me hope. I don't have caregiving responsibilities, but I am finishing my bachelor's degree part-time in the evenings, which is why I've always worked part-time hours. Does anyone know if being in school counts as a valid restriction for the part-time availability requirement? I'm wondering if I need documentation from my school as well. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it's making me feel less alone in navigating this confusing system!

I just had my EDD interview last week and completely understand your anxiety! I was also laid off due to company restructuring after several years and was terrified I'd mess something up. Here's what really helped me prepare: **Key things to have ready:** - Your exact last day worked - Clear explanation of the restructuring (be specific but concise) - Names of a few companies you've applied to recently - Your termination letter nearby (even if you don't need to read from it) **What actually happened:** The interviewer was professional and understanding. They explained it was routine verification since I was laid off involuntarily. Most questions were straightforward - why I left, when, if I'm looking for work, etc. **Biggest tip:** Answer honestly but don't over-explain. If they ask why you were laid off, say something like "My position was eliminated due to organizational restructuring" and let them ask follow-up questions if needed. Since you were laid off after 6 years due to restructuring, you're in great shape! This is exactly what unemployment benefits are for. The interview is just to verify details, not to trip you up. Take a deep breath - you've got this! The call lasted about 20 minutes and I was approved the same day. You'll be fine!

I had my EDD phone interview about a month ago and I totally get your nerves! I was laid off from my marketing job after 5 years due to company downsizing, so very similar situation to yours. The interview was honestly way less stressful than I imagined. Here's what helped me the most: **Preparation that actually mattered:** - Had my phone fully charged and found a quiet spot with strong signal - Wrote down key facts: last day worked, supervisor's name, brief reason for layoff - Kept my termination email pulled up on my computer (though barely referenced it) **What they actually focused on:** - Confirming basic details matched their records - Having me explain the layoff in my own words - Verifying I was actively job searching and available for work - Making sure I understood work search requirements going forward The interviewer was actually quite nice and said something like "Layoffs due to restructuring are common right now, so this is mainly just dotting our i's and crossing our t's." That really put me at ease! Since you have 6 years at the same company and clear documentation of the restructuring, you're in an excellent position. Just speak naturally about what happened - you lived through it, so you know the story better than anyone. The whole thing took 22 minutes and I was approved that same day. You've absolutely got this! The anticipation is definitely the worst part.

I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been so helpful! My claim balance is at about $4,700 and I've had the same pattern - laid off from a marketing role in late 2022, brief employment at a startup that folded in early 2023, and searching ever since. What's really helped me recently is setting up a simple tracking system for everything - job applications, networking contacts, and all my EDD information. After reading through these responses, I'm definitely going to check my benefit year dates in UI Online today (I've been putting it off too long!). One thing I'd add is to consider reaching out to your state assembly member's office if you run into issues with EDD. They have constituent services that can help cut through the bureaucracy when you can't get through on the phone lines. I used this when I had a payment delay issue and they were able to get me connected to someone who could actually help within a few days. The job market has been brutal, especially in marketing with all the tech layoffs affecting our industry. But seeing how many people are dealing with nearly identical timelines and situations really drives home that this isn't about individual performance - it's about broader economic shifts that have hit certain sectors particularly hard. Thanks for starting this conversation - it's exactly what I needed to read to feel less alone in navigating this confusing system!

I'm in almost the exact same situation and this thread has been incredibly eye-opening! My claim balance is around $5,400 and I've been through two layoffs since August 2022 - first from a digital marketing agency, then from a tech startup that ran out of funding in March 2023. Still actively searching with about 15-20 applications per week. After reading everyone's experiences, I finally logged into UI Online today to check my benefit year dates (procrastinated for way too long on this!). Turns out my current benefit year ends in September 2024, so at least now I have a concrete timeline to work with instead of just panicking about the unknown. What really struck me is how many of us have nearly identical stories - same industries, similar timeframes, claim balances in that $4K-$6K range. It's both reassuring and concerning that this pattern is so widespread. Clearly shows this is about broader economic conditions rather than individual career issues. I'm definitely going to implement several suggestions from this thread: creating a detailed job search tracking spreadsheet for potential EDD audits, gathering all my paystubs from that chaotic startup, and looking into those workforce development programs that I had no idea existed. The informational interview approach also sounds much more sustainable than constantly sending applications into the void. One thing that's helped my mental health recently is setting aside specific days for EDD/administrative tasks versus job searching, so I'm not constantly stressed about both simultaneously. Might help others who are feeling overwhelmed by trying to manage everything at once. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - this community has provided more clarity in one thread than months of trying to decode the EDD website alone!