UPDATE: I filed this morning! It actually took me less than 30 minutes since I had everything ready based on all your advice. I selected 'lack of work' as my reason for separation, set up direct deposit, and got a confirmation number. Now it says my claim is being processed and I should hear within 10 business days. I also signed up for CalJOBS while I was at it. Feeling way less panicked than I was yesterday. Thank you everyone so much this thread genuinely helped me more than anything else I found online.

For anyone finding this thread later with the same question about how does filing for unemployment work - the short version: - File at UI Online as soon as possible after your last day - Pick qualifying separation reason (layoff = lack of work) - Certify every two weeks honestly - Register on CalJOBS within 21 days - Do 3 documented job search activities per week - Report any earnings when you certify - If your claim gets stuck or you need to reach EDD, be persistent - and if phone calls aren't working, services like Claimyr (claimyr.com) can help you actually get through to an agent The process itself isn't complicated. The complications come from edge cases, employer disputes, or the phone system when something needs fixing.

I'm in a similar boat - terminated last month from a tech job after a new manager came in and just started clearing out the team. No performance issues that I know of, was even praised in my last review. Filed my claim and it's been sitting in adjudication. Starting to panic about how long this takes.

Just want to close the loop for anyone reading this later - I got my determination letter today, about 11 days after filing. APPROVED. Two years of employment, no documented warnings, vague reason for termination = EDD sided with me. They scheduled me for an interview but it was brief, about 12 minutes on the phone, and the interviewer was professional and fair. Just answered honestly about what happened and it went fine. The job search and weekly certification requirements kicked in immediately so make sure you're on top of those. Good luck to everyone else going through this.

for anyone following this who still can't get through to California EDD employer services by phone - I tried the Claimyr thing mentioned earlier after seeing it in this thread and it actually worked for me. Had an employer account question about quarterly reporting and got connected to an agent in about 40 minutes without sitting there hitting redial. claimyr.com if you need it. not affiliated just genuinely impressed

To bring this back to OP's original question with a clean summary since the thread has gotten long: 1. As a sole proprietor: No, you did not need to pay UI on yourself. Correct situation. 2. After S-corp conversion: Your officer wages ARE generally subject to California UI/SDI/ETT unless you file for and qualify for the corporate officer exclusion. 3. As 100% owner: You likely qualify for the officer exclusion but must proactively file for it - it's not automatic. 4. Immediate action items: Check e-Services for Business to see if you're registered as employer, confirm with California EDD whether officer exclusion was elected, consult a California payroll specialist about back obligations if any. 5. Don't panic: Voluntary compliance is treated more favorably than being caught in an audit. Hope this helps clear it up for you and anyone else googling this in the future.

For anyone writing an appeal letter for a California EDD unemployment overpayment, here's a simple structure that works: Paragraph 1: 'I am writing to appeal the overpayment determination dated [DATE], Claim ID [NUMBER], in the amount of $[AMOUNT].' Paragraph 2: Brief factual background - when you filed, what type of work situation you had, that you made every effort to report accurately. Paragraph 3+: Week-by-week breakdown of disputed periods with specific dates and amounts. Final paragraph: 'I have attached the following documentation in support of my appeal: [list everything]' Sign with your full name, contact info, and date. Keep a copy. Send certified mail or upload to UI Online with confirmation.

One more thing nobody mentioned - after your appeal is filed and before your hearing, you can also request to see your complete EDD file. This includes everything EDD has on your claim - all your weekly certifications as they recorded them, employer wage reports, any notes on your account. Sometimes the overpayment is based on incorrect information IN that file and seeing it helps you know what you're actually arguing against.

Reading this whole thread as someone about to file. Can I ask one more thing - if EDD determines I WAS misclassified, does the company face any consequences or is it just about my claim?

Update for anyone following: I went ahead and filed my claim this morning. UI Online let me submit without any issues - it didn't immediately reject me for listing 1099 income. I documented my employment situation as clearly as I could in the initial filing. Now I'll wait for the questionnaire and compile all my email evidence in the meantime. Really grateful for all the information in this thread - I felt totally lost a few days ago and now I actually understand what I'm dealing with. Will try to update when I get through adjudication.