Hey @Liam Brown - I'm really glad to see you were able to get through to a Tier 2 specialist! That's exactly what I was hoping would happen when I suggested trying that route. The fact that they could see the documents were correctly uploaded but flagged in error is so frustrating, but at least now you have someone working on fixing it. The 7-10 business day review timeline that @Elijah Jackson mentioned is pretty accurate from what I've seen. Since you already filed the appeal as backup, you're in a really good position either way. If the review doesn't work out for some reason, you'll still have your appeal hearing scheduled. Keep us posted on how the review goes! Stories like yours really help other people who are dealing with the same broken system. It's proof that persistence pays off and that there ARE people at EDD who can actually fix these technical errors when you can reach the right department. Fingers crossed you'll have good news soon and can put this whole nightmare behind you!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the EDD document verification system is absolutely awful right now! I went through something very similar last year where my documents kept getting rejected even though they were crystal clear. One thing that helped me was taking screenshots of EVERYTHING - the upload confirmations, any error messages, confirmation numbers from calls, etc. When I finally got through to someone who could help, having all that documentation made it much easier to prove the system had made an error. Also, when you do get through to EDD (whether through regular calling or that Claimyr service others mentioned), ask the rep to put detailed notes in your file about what happened. Something like "Documents uploaded successfully on [date] but incorrectly flagged by system - claimant has confirmation from previous rep that docs were accepted." This creates a paper trail that appeal judges and other specialists can reference. The good news is that once someone with the right access looks at your case, these technical errors are usually pretty obvious to fix. It's just a matter of reaching the right person who can actually do something about it. Don't give up!

This thread is such a lifesaver! I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - my certify button has been greyed out for 3 days and I was starting to panic. @Sophia Nguyen thank you for sharing your whole experience and the resolution! It's absolutely ridiculous that EDD can put silent holds on accounts for quarterly reviews without any notification whatsoever. The fact that honestly reporting part-time income (which they literally require you to do!) triggers these automatic flags is just mind-blowing. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service that @Ava Kim recommended - spending days trying to get through their phone lines when you have bills due is pure torture. This whole situation really shows how desperately EDD's communication system needs an overhaul. It's 2025 and they still can't send a basic email saying "your account is under review"? Bookmarking this entire thread - it should be pinned as essential reading for anyone dealing with California unemployment!

This thread is incredibly helpful - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences! I'm actually bookmarking this because I have a feeling I'll need these tips at some point. @Sophia Nguyen I'm so glad you got it resolved! The fact that EDD can silently flag accounts for quarterly reviews when you're doing exactly what they tell you to do (report part-time work honestly) is absolutely insane. No notification, no explanation, just a greyed out button and days of panic - it's like they designed the system to make people give up. The Claimyr recommendation from @Ava Kim sounds like a game changer for getting through their impossible phone lines. This whole situation really shows why EDD desperately needs to implement basic transparency - a simple automated email saying "your account is under review, please call us" would prevent so much unnecessary stress and confusion!

I had a similar situation when I quit due to workplace harassment. Here's what I learned from my experience and research: **Regarding coworker emails:** EDD doesn't automatically forward your evidence to employers, but during their investigation they may share the general nature of your allegations. If your emails contain specific details that could only come from certain people, your employer might be able to identify who provided the information. **Better approach for coworker support:** - Ask them to write brief, factual statements on personal letterhead/paper (not company email) - Focus on specific incidents they witnessed rather than opinions - They can use first name and last initial if they're concerned about identification - Have them date and sign the statements **On Indeed reviews:** These can be useful supporting evidence showing a pattern of workplace issues, but EDD gives much more weight to your own documented experiences. Include screenshots, but don't rely on them as your primary evidence. **Strongest evidence for your case:** - Your own emails to HR documenting complaints - Any written responses from management - Medical documentation if stress affected your health - Your personal documentation with dates/times of incidents The key is proving YOU had good cause to quit based on YOUR documented experience. Good luck with your claim!

I went through a very similar situation about 8 months ago and want to share what worked for me. I was terrified about protecting my former coworkers but still needed their support for my claim. Here's what I did that was successful: - I asked 3 coworkers to write simple witness statements on plain paper (not company letterhead) - They described only what they personally observed - specific incidents, dates when possible, and factual descriptions - They signed with just their first name and last initial to provide some protection - I submitted these along with my own HR complaint emails and documentation The EDD representative I eventually spoke with told me they focus on whether YOU personally had good cause to quit. The coworker statements helped establish a pattern, but my own documented complaints to management were what really mattered. For Indeed reviews - I included a few screenshots that matched my experiences exactly, but the EDD rep said they can't verify who wrote anonymous reviews, so they're just supporting evidence at best. My claim was approved without going to appeal. The key was having my own paper trail showing I tried to address the issues through proper channels first. Focus on YOUR documented experience as your main evidence - that's what they really want to see. Hope this helps! The process is stressful but having a solid evidence strategy really makes a difference.

Welcome to the community, Derek! Your experience of finding this thread right after getting your RESEA notice is exactly what so many of us have gone through. I just had my appointment a few weeks ago and can completely relate to that initial fear when you see that official government notice in your mailbox - it's such an intimidating feeling when you're already dealing with the stress of unemployment. But like you've discovered from reading everyone's experiences, the reality is so much more supportive than our anxious minds imagine. The preparation advice you've identified is spot-on based on what I learned here too: complete the form beforehand, have that basic job application info ready, and just be genuine about your efforts. What really struck me during my appointment was how the interviewer was genuinely interested in helping me succeed rather than looking for reasons to disqualify me. She even suggested some job search strategies specific to my field that I hadn't considered. It really did feel more like free career counseling than a benefits review. I hope your appointment goes just as smoothly, and I'd encourage you to consider sharing your experience afterward too - these real-world updates are what make this thread so valuable for people going through this process for the first time!

I just got my RESEA appointment notice yesterday and this thread has been absolutely incredible! I was honestly panicking when I first opened that mail - my mind immediately went to worst-case scenarios about them trying to find reasons to cut my benefits. But reading through everyone's real experiences, especially the follow-up posts from people who came back to share how their appointments actually went, has completely calmed my nerves. The consistent pattern is so reassuring - these really are supportive conversations focused on helping people succeed in their job search rather than intimidating interrogations. I'm definitely taking everyone's advice to heart: completing that form thoroughly before my appointment, preparing a list of recent job applications with basic details, and approaching it as a helpful conversation rather than a test. The fact that so many people mentioned getting valuable job search resources and tips they didn't know about is actually making me excited for the opportunity. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world insight that makes these processes feel so much more manageable!

I'm jumping into this conversation a bit late, but wanted to share my recent experience since it might help others. I just completed my LVN program last year while on EDD benefits through CTB, and the whole process went pretty smoothly once I figured out the system. A few things that really helped me: 1. When you submit your CTB application, include a copy of your nursing program's curriculum showing total hours per week and clinical requirements. This helps EDD see exactly what your schedule looks like. 2. If you have any part-time work opportunities that fit around your class schedule, still apply for them and document those efforts. It shows you're genuinely available for suitable work. 3. Set up alerts on your UI Online account so you know immediately if EDD needs additional documentation. Response time is crucial. The biggest thing I learned is that communication with EDD is key. Don't wait if something changes with your program schedule - report it right away. I had to switch to a different clinical site mid-program and reported it immediately. No issues at all. Also, once you're in your program and approved for CTB, connect with your instructors about potential job opportunities. Many hospitals are recruiting nursing students before graduation, and having job prospects lined up actually looks good to EDD if they ever review your case. Nursing is such a rewarding career - stick with it through the EDD bureaucracy! The benefits will be worth it.

I just want to say thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread! As someone who was completely panicked about potentially losing my EDD benefits when nursing school starts, this conversation has been incredibly reassuring and informative. I had never even heard of the CTB program before posting this question, and now I feel like I have a solid roadmap for navigating the whole process. Special thanks to the EDD case worker who provided insider tips - that retroactive approval information was exactly what I needed to hear. I'm going to start by checking if my nursing program is on the ETPL list this week, then submit my CTB application as soon as I answer "yes" to school attendance on my next certification. I'll also reach out to my school's financial aid office to see if they can help with the paperwork. It's amazing how supportive this community is - knowing that so many people have successfully gotten through this process while pursuing healthcare careers gives me so much confidence. I'll definitely update this thread once I hear back about my CTB approval in case it helps future nursing students dealing with the same situation!