Update: I tried calling today using the tips from this thread (calling right at 8:01am) and actually got through after 45 minutes on hold! The rep confirmed my claim IS approved and the message to certify next week is legitimate. They said they'll take 25% of each payment for the overpayment like many of you mentioned. They also said my claim balance and weekly benefit amount will show up after my first certification processes. Thanks everyone for the help!

Congrats on getting through and getting confirmation! That's such a relief. The 8:01am calling tip is gold - I've had success with that timing too. It's great that they were upfront about the 25% deduction, at least now you can budget accordingly. Thanks for updating the thread, this will definitely help other people in similar situations!

This is such a comprehensive thread! I'm also preparing for my DE 4800 interview and this gives me so much confidence. One thing I'd add - make sure you have a quiet space for the call where you won't be interrupted. The last thing you want after finally getting through is background noise interfering with such an important interview. Also, have water nearby since these calls can go 30-45 minutes depending on your situation.

I went through my DE 4800 interview last month and wanted to share one more tip that really helped me - practice explaining your condition out loud beforehand. I kept stumbling over medical terms and forgetting important details when I tried to wing it. So I literally practiced describing my symptoms, limitations, and how they affect my daily work tasks in front of a mirror. It sounds silly but when I got on that call, the words flowed much more naturally. Also keep a glass of water handy - these interviews can be emotionally draining and your throat gets dry fast when you're nervous. The rep was very patient with me when I needed a moment to collect my thoughts, so don't feel rushed.

I went through this exact same situation about 2 years ago and it's honestly one of the most stressful and confusing experiences with the unemployment system. The whole "benefit year" vs "benefit amount" distinction is so poorly communicated by EDD. Here's what I learned that might help you right now: 1. Even though your balance is $0, keep certifying for benefits during your benefit year - if you do any part-time work that doesn't exceed the weekly earning limits, you might still get small partial payments 2. Start applying for other assistance immediately - CalFresh, utility assistance programs, and local food banks don't have the same waiting periods as some other programs 3. Look into your local WorkSource or career center - many offer emergency assistance vouchers for things like gas money for job interviews or work clothes 4. Document everything for when you do work again - you'll need sufficient earnings in new quarters to qualify for a new claim, so keeping track helps The silver lining is that your benefit year lasting until September 2025 means if you find temporary work that ends before then, you might be able to reopen your claim if you have any balance left (though it sounds like you're at $0). It's a broken system that leaves people in exactly your situation, but you're not alone and there are ways to bridge the gap. Focus on immediate needs first - food assistance, utility help, then job searching. You'll get through this!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - it's incredibly frustrating and the way EDD explains (or doesn't explain) the difference between benefit year and actual benefit duration is really misleading. What everyone else has said is correct - once your balance hits $0, you've exhausted your benefits even though your benefit year continues until September. The benefit year is just the window during which you can collect your predetermined maximum amount, which is typically enough for about 26 weeks of payments. A few things that might help right now: - Definitely apply for CalFresh ASAP - the application process has gotten much faster - Check with your county's social services for General Relief/General Assistance programs - Many food banks now operate drive-through style and don't require paperwork - Look into temp agencies - even short-term work can help bridge the gap and potentially count toward qualifying for a new claim later I know it feels overwhelming right now, but you're taking the right steps by asking questions and looking for resources. The system really should explain this better upfront, but unfortunately most people only learn how it actually works when they hit this exact situation. Hang in there!

Just wanted to add something important - make sure to keep detailed records of your furlough period! Save any emails or documents from your employer about the furlough dates, the reason (system upgrade), and your guaranteed return date. If there are any issues with your claim or if EDD needs verification, having this documentation will be crucial. Also, don't be surprised if they contact your employer to verify the temporary layoff - this is standard procedure. Some people get worried when EDD reaches out to their workplace, but it's just part of the process to confirm your eligibility. Good luck with everything!

As someone who went through a similar short-term furlough situation last year, I wanted to share a few additional tips that helped me navigate the process smoothly. First, when you certify for benefits, be very clear about your furlough status - answer "yes" when asked if you're able and available for work, but make sure to note in any comment sections that you have a definite return date. Second, if you have any side income or do any freelance work during the furlough (which some people do to make ends meet), make sure to report it accurately when certifying. Even small amounts need to be reported and can affect your weekly benefit amount. Finally, consider setting up direct deposit if you haven't already - it can speed up payment processing once your claim is approved. The fact that your company was proactive about suggesting you file is a good sign that they'll cooperate fully with EDD if contacted for verification. Wishing you a smooth process!

I just went through this exact situation last month! Certified on a Sunday for the first time and was panicking about rent too. The waiting is definitely the worst part, especially when you're not sure what's normal. In my case, it took exactly 3 business days - certified Sunday, status changed to "paid" on Tuesday evening, and the money hit my Bank of America account Wednesday morning. One thing I wish someone had told me: EDD sometimes does a "test deposit" of like $0.01 before sending the full amount for first-time direct deposits to verify your banking info is correct. So don't freak out if you see a tiny deposit first - the full amount usually follows within a few hours. Also, if you're really cutting it close with rent, some banks will show pending deposits before they officially clear, so it might be worth calling your bank to ask if they can see anything incoming even if it's not showing in your online account yet. Fingers crossed yours processes quickly! The first one is always the most stressful but it gets so much easier after that.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my claim two weeks ago, certified for the first time on Sunday, and I'm also stressing about rent. Reading through everyone's responses has been really helpful though - sounds like 3-4 business days is pretty normal for first-time payments. One thing I noticed that might help you: when I log into UI Online, under the "History" tab it shows my certification date and has a column for "Payment Method" that says "Pending" right now. I'm hoping that will change to show the actual payment method (like "Direct Deposit") once it processes. Has anyone else noticed this or know if that's a reliable indicator of when payment is coming? Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - makes this whole process feel less scary when you know what to expect!