


Ask the community...
I went through something similar about 6 months ago. When I updated my return-to-work date, it actually triggered an automatic review of my claim status. The system flagged it as a potential change in my disability status, even though I was just updating future dates. It took about 4 weeks to resolve once I finally got through to someone. In the meantime, I had to submit additional medical documentation to prove I was still disabled. The key is to keep all your medical records handy and be prepared to resubmit paperwork. Also, if you have a case worker assigned, try reaching out to them directly via email - sometimes that's faster than the general phone line.
I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! My payments stopped about 2 weeks ago after I had to update some information in my account. From what I've learned lurking in this community, it seems like any changes to your claim can trigger an automatic review, which temporarily pauses payments while they verify everything. It's incredibly frustrating because they don't always notify you that this is happening. I'd recommend calling first thing in the morning (like others suggested) and also sending a secure message through your online portal asking specifically about the status of your claim and if there's a review in progress. Document everything - dates, times you called, reference numbers if you get any. Hang in there, we'll get through this! 💪
UPDATE: Just checked my UI Online account and my status changed from "pending" to "paid" this morning! Hopefully that means I'll have the money by tomorrow or Wednesday. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!
Great to see your status changed to "paid" so quickly! That's usually a good sign you'll see the funds by Tuesday/Wednesday. Just wanted to add - since you mentioned inconsistent timing between your first two payments, it's worth noting that the first payment in any benefit year often takes longer due to additional verification steps. Once you're in the regular certification cycle, timing tends to be more predictable. Also, if you do decide to switch to the Money Network card for faster processing, you can change your payment method in your UI Online account under "Profile" > "Payment Information." The card usually arrives within 7-10 business days after requesting it.
Thanks for the tip about the Money Network card! I didn't realize I could switch payment methods in my UI Online account. Since my direct deposit has been inconsistent, I might give that a try. Do you know if there's any downside to using the Money Network card versus direct deposit? Like are there fees for ATM withdrawals or anything like that?
Just wanted to add my experience - I was in the exact same situation last year. I certified for the weeks before starting my new job, then continued certifying for about 3 more periods reporting my full wages. Each time I got $0 in benefits (since my new salary exceeded the weekly benefit amount), but it created the proper record with EDD that I was employed. After those few certifications showing consistent full-time work, I stopped certifying and never had any issues. The key is making sure EDD knows you're working through the certification process, not just disappearing. Good luck with the new job!
Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful to hear from someone who actually went through this process. It's reassuring to know that following the proper steps (certifying for a few periods after starting work) worked out fine for you. The fact that you got $0 benefits but still created the paper trail is exactly what I was wondering about. Definitely makes me feel more confident about doing this the right way instead of just stopping abruptly.
Great question and congrats on the new job! I went through this exact situation a few months ago. Here's what worked for me: I certified for all the weeks I was eligible for BEFORE starting work (you've earned those benefits), then I continued certifying for about 2-3 more periods after starting my new job, reporting my full wages each time. Even though I got $0 benefits once I started working, it created the proper documentation that I had returned to work. This way EDD has a clear record of your employment transition and you won't risk any overpayment issues later. Whatever you do, don't just stop certifying without reporting your new job - that can trigger fraud flags. The certification system is designed to handle this transition smoothly when you report your earnings properly.
This is exactly the advice I needed to hear! I was getting worried about the "right" way to handle this transition, but your step-by-step experience really clarifies things. It makes total sense to keep certifying for a few periods after starting work even if you get $0 - better to have that clear paper trail than risk EDD thinking you just vanished. I'm definitely going to follow this approach. Did you have to do anything special when you finally stopped certifying, or did you just stop after those 2-3 periods of showing consistent work income?
This thread has been incredibly helpful for me as someone who's new to the EDD system! I just filed my first claim a couple weeks ago and I'm still waiting for my initial determination, but reading everyone's experiences with the payment timing delays is really preparing me for what to expect. It's so reassuring to see actual real-world timelines from people (like 30 hours for @Ravi Malhotra, 36+ hours for others) rather than just the generic processing timeframes EDD gives. The anxiety around waiting for these payments when you're financially stressed is so real, and knowing that 24-48 hours between "paid" status and actual funds is becoming normal helps set realistic expectations. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this kind of community support makes navigating the unemployment process so much less overwhelming!
Welcome to the community! It's great that you're getting prepared for what to expect even before your determination comes through. I'm also pretty new to this whole process (just started a few weeks ago) and this thread has been such a goldmine of real information. The waiting and uncertainty is definitely the hardest part, especially when you're already stressed about finances. One thing I've learned from reading through posts here is that having realistic expectations really helps manage the anxiety. Knowing that even after you get the good news of "paid" status, there's still that 1-2 day wait for the actual money helps prevent that panic of "where's my payment?!" that so many of us seem to go through. Hope your determination comes through smoothly!
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.
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!
Fatima Al-Qasimi
Just wanted to follow up on this thread - did you manage to get your account unlocked and certification completed? Were you able to get through to a representative? The technical support line I mentioned earlier should be your first option, but the assembly member suggestion is also excellent if you're still having issues.
0 coins
CosmicCommander
•Great news! I used Claimyr this morning and got connected to a Tier 2 specialist within 15 minutes. They unlocked my account, reset my password, and helped me certify for all the weeks I missed! I also contacted my assembly member's office yesterday as a backup, but the call service worked so quickly I didn't need their help. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions - I was able to certify for everything and they said I should receive all my back payments within 3-5 days.
0 coins
Yara Nassar
•That's fantastic news! I'm so glad you were able to get everything resolved. It's encouraging to hear success stories like this - gives hope to others who might be stuck in similar situations. The fact that you'll get all your back payments is huge relief I'm sure. Thanks for updating us on what worked! This thread will definitely help other people who run into the same account lockout issue.
0 coins
Freya Larsen
Wow, what a rollercoaster! I'm so relieved to hear you got everything sorted out. I'm actually dealing with a similar lockout issue right now - my account got flagged after I moved and tried to update my address. Been stuck for 2 weeks unable to certify. I'm definitely going to try both the technical support line (1-833-978-2511) and the Claimyr service. Quick question though - when you called the tech support line, did they ask for any specific verification documents or just the usual SSN/personal info? I want to make sure I have everything ready before I call. This thread has been incredibly helpful!
0 coins
Harper Hill
•@Freya Larsen I just went through this exact same situation! Address changes are a major trigger for EDD s'fraud detection system. When I called the tech support line, they also asked me to verify the OLD address that was on file before the change, so make sure you remember that. They wanted to confirm both the previous address and the new one I was trying to update to. The whole verification process took about 10 minutes, then they unlocked my account and I was able to log in immediately. If the tech support line doesn t'work, definitely try Claimyr - it s'worth the small fee to avoid weeks of calling hell. Hope you get through soon!
0 coins
Samantha Howard
•@Freya Larsen I went through the exact same thing when I moved last year! Address changes definitely trigger their security system. Just wanted to add that you should also have your original claim confirmation number handy if you still have it - they sometimes ask for that during verification. Also, if you re'using Claimyr, make sure your phone has good reception because they ll'call you back pretty quickly once they get through. I was in the middle of something and almost missed their callback! Really hope one of these methods works for you. This thread shows there are actually several ways to solve this problem, which is reassuring.
0 coins