I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my employer stopped paying us about 3 weeks ago but keeps insisting it's just a "temporary cash flow issue" and we should "hang in there." Reading through everyone's experiences here has been eye-opening. I had no idea I could file for UI benefits while still technically employed! The point about documenting everything really resonates with me. I've been saving all the text messages from my supervisor about delayed payments, but I hadn't thought about screenshotting my timecard entries. Starting that today. One thing I'm curious about - for those who filed in similar situations, how long did it typically take to get your first UI payment? I'm worried about the gap between filing and actually receiving benefits, especially since I'm already behind on bills from the missed paychecks. Also, did anyone here end up having their employer contest the UI claim? I'm a bit nervous about potential retaliation, even though I know it's illegal. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community has been incredibly helpful during what feels like an impossible situation.

I'm a former EDD claims processor and wanted to add some insight from the inside perspective. Your situation is absolutely eligible for UI benefits - we see cases like this regularly and they're usually straightforward once you get to the eligibility interview. A few practical tips based on what I've seen work best: 1. When you file online, there should be a dropdown for "reduction in hours/wages" - select that rather than "laid off" or "quit." This will route your claim correctly from the start. 2. During your eligibility interview, lead with the key facts: employed since [date], last paid March 15th, still working full hours but receiving $0. The interviewer will understand immediately. 3. Don't worry too much about your employer contesting - with 7 weeks of non-payment, their case would be extremely weak. Most employers in this situation are too busy trying to keep their business afloat to fight UI claims. 4. Timeline-wise, with the eligibility interview you're probably looking at 3-4 weeks from filing to first payment, assuming no complications. The fact that you're still showing up to work actually strengthens your case significantly. It shows good faith on your part and makes it clear this isn't voluntary. File today if you haven't already - you've waited long enough!

This thread has been absolutely invaluable for understanding what to expect with EDD payment delays! I'm about 5 months into unemployment benefits and just experienced my second delay this week. The first time it happened I was completely panicked and had no idea it was normal. Reading through everyone's experiences and tips here really shows how much institutional knowledge we've had to build as a community just to navigate a basic government service. I'm especially grateful for the practical advice about setting up bank alerts, the screenshot documentation strategy, and learning about the different ways to check payment status. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to become experts in workarounds and defensive documentation just to access benefits we're entitled to, but at least we have each other to share what actually works. I've already started implementing several of the strategies mentioned here - particularly the Sunday morning certification timing and keeping better records. Thanks to everyone for creating such a supportive and informative space for dealing with EDD's many frustrations!

Just want to echo what everyone else has said about how helpful this thread has been! I'm about 2 months into my EDD claim and had my first payment delay this week - found this discussion while frantically googling why my deposit hadn't arrived yet. The amount of practical knowledge shared here is incredible and honestly should be required reading for anyone starting unemployment benefits. I had no idea about the quarterly system maintenance pattern, the ACH processing delays, or that "paid" status doesn't actually mean the money is in your account yet. Already started screenshotting everything and setting up bank alerts based on the advice here. It's pretty wild that we have to crowdsource this kind of essential information, but I'm so grateful for this community. Definitely bookmarking this thread for future reference and will remember to check the EDD notices page during certification weeks. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - you've probably saved me (and many others) from a lot of unnecessary panic!

Hey Ellie! This is actually really common - I went through the exact same thing about 6 months ago and was just as confused by the split decision! What happened is you had two separate determinations on your claim that both went to appeal. The first case (disqualification under section 1256) was probably about your separation reason - like if your employer claimed misconduct or that you quit voluntarily. The second case was likely about a different eligibility issue, and that's the one they reversed in your favor. The GREAT news is that the reversal on Case #25749632 is what matters for getting paid! Since it says you're eligible starting 5/16, you should get backpay for all those weeks you've been certifying. In my experience, it took about 10 business days after getting the decision letter for payments to start showing up in my account. The system should process everything automatically, but definitely keep checking your UI Online daily. If nothing changes after 2 weeks, that's when I'd call EDD (good luck with that though lol). You won your appeal - congratulations! That backpay is going to be a huge relief when it hits. Just stay patient, the EDD moves at its own pace but you're definitely getting paid! 🎉

Congratulations on winning your appeal! 🎉 This is such great news! I went through a very similar situation earlier this year and I know exactly how confusing those split decisions can be. You definitely won - the key is that second case where they reversed the determination and found you eligible starting 5/16. That's what matters for getting your payments! The first case was probably about your separation reason (misconduct, voluntary quit, etc.) but since the eligibility determination was reversed in your favor, you're all set. Since you've been certifying consistently since May, you're looking at a pretty substantial backpay amount. In my experience, it took about 8-10 business days after receiving the decision letter for payments to start processing. Keep checking your UI Online account daily - once the status changes from "Pending" to "Paid" you'll know the money is coming. The waiting is nerve-wracking but you're almost there! Your rent stress should be over soon. Just make sure to keep certifying every two weeks while you wait for the system to catch up. The EDD moves slowly but they will get you your money!

Hey Emma! I was in a similar situation a few months back and totally get the anxiety about messing something up after already certifying. The good news is that updating your email won't affect your benefits at all - it's just a contact info change. I ended up calling the main EDD line (1-800-300-5616) around 8:05 AM on a Wednesday and got through in about an hour. The rep was really understanding and made the change super quickly. Just have your claim number, SSN, old email, and new email ready to go. Also, don't worry if you see some emails still going to your old address for a day or two - it takes a bit for everything to update in their system. You've got this! 💪

Emma, I totally feel you on this! I made the same mistake with my EDD account and was freaking out about it too. From all the advice here, it sounds like the early morning call strategy is definitely the way to go. I'm planning to try calling tomorrow around 8:02 AM (love that tip about not calling exactly at 8:00!). We should probably start a support group for people dealing with EDD phone hell 😅 At least we know we're not alone in this struggle! Let us know how it goes when you call - rooting for you! 🤞

Update: I FINALLY got through this morning! For anyone with the same problem, I used the Claimyr service that someone suggested above, and they connected me with an EDD rep in about 25 minutes. The agent was able to see that my payment was pending because of an "eligibility review" flag that somehow got placed on my account. She removed it and said my payment should process within 48 hours. Fingers crossed, but at least I finally got an explanation! Worth every penny not to spend another week trying to get through.

I've been dealing with EDD phone hell for the past month trying to get my identity verification resolved. What worked for me was calling the 1-800-300-5616 number at exactly 8:00am on Tuesday mornings. I noticed they seem to have more staff available on Tuesdays compared to Mondays when everyone calls. Also, when you get to the menu, press 1-2-1 instead of the usual sequence - this sometimes gets you to a different queue that's less backed up. Had to call 47 times over two weeks but finally got through and resolved my issue. The key is being persistent and varying your call times slightly. Good luck!