Just want to add - when you file online, make sure you have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment records handy. The system will ask for specific dates when your hours were reduced, so if you have any texts or emails from your boss about removing your class from the schedule, keep those as documentation. Also, don't stress too much about the application process. The online portal walks you through everything step by step. The hardest part is usually just getting started, but once you submit that initial claim, you'll feel so much better knowing you're taking action to protect your finances during this frustrating situation.

I went through almost the exact same situation last year with a yoga studio! They "temporarily" suspended my classes due to "scheduling changes" but kept me as an employee. I was so confused about whether I could file for UI, but it turned out to be a straightforward partial unemployment claim. One thing I wish I had known - start documenting everything NOW. Screenshot any texts or emails about the hour reduction, save your old schedules showing your regular hours, and keep records of any conversations about when (or if) they might bring your class back. EDD may ask for this information during the eligibility review. Also, don't let your employer make you feel guilty about filing. You paid into the unemployment insurance system through your payroll taxes, and this is exactly what it's designed for. They made a business decision that affected your income - you have every right to seek benefits to bridge the gap. The good news is partial UI claims are usually processed faster than full unemployment claims since you're still working. Just be super accurate with your earnings reporting and you should be fine!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my new claim last week after my previous one expired and saw the interview notification pop up in my UI Online account. I was totally freaking out at first because I'd never seen this before, but after reading through everyone's responses here I feel SO much better about it. It's really reassuring to know this is just standard procedure now in 2025 and not a red flag. I love all the practical tips everyone shared - definitely going to write down all my key employment info beforehand and have my UI Online account pulled up during the call. The fact that most people's interviews only took 8-15 minutes and the reps were actually friendly is such a relief! Thanks for starting this thread - I'm sure it's helping tons of people who are in the same situation. I'll try to remember to update after my interview too in case it helps others. Good luck with yours!

I'm a new member here but wanted to share my recent experience since it might help others! I just went through one of these verification interviews two weeks ago after filing a new claim. Like everyone else, I was initially worried when I saw it scheduled, but it turned out to be completely routine. The rep called exactly on time and was very professional. They asked standard questions: verified my identity, confirmed my last employer and separation reason, asked about my availability for work, and checked if I'd done any work since my last claim ended. The whole call took about 11 minutes. One thing that really helped me was having a quiet space with good phone reception - I made sure to be somewhere with strong cell signal about 10 minutes before the scheduled time. Also, I kept a notepad handy to jot down any important info they mentioned during the call. My payments processed normally throughout the entire process. The rep even mentioned that these interviews are now standard for most people filing new claims, especially if you've had unemployment benefits before. It's definitely not a sign that anything is wrong with your application! Hope this helps ease some anxiety for others going through the same thing. The community advice here has been spot-on from my experience!

Have you checked if your license is expired? Sometimes that can cause login issues.

I had a similar issue after updating my email! What worked for me was clearing my browser cache and cookies completely, then trying to log in again. Sometimes the system gets confused with cached login data. Also, make sure you're using the exact same format for your driver's license number as you did when you first created the account (some people add dashes or spaces differently). If that doesn't work, you might need to contact them directly to merge or clean up any duplicate entries in their system.

Just wanted to add one more thing since you're filing tomorrow - make sure you have your Social Security card or W-2s handy when you file. EDD's system sometimes asks you to verify your SSN during the application process, and having the physical documents nearby can save you from having to start over if there are any input errors. Also, try to file early in the morning if possible - their system tends to be less sluggish before peak hours. You've got all the right information now, so you should be in good shape!

One more thing to keep in mind - since you mentioned productions might not resume until February, make sure you're prepared for the work search requirements during your claim period. As an entertainment industry worker, you can focus your search on industry-specific opportunities, but EDD will expect you to demonstrate active job seeking efforts. Keep detailed records of any applications to studios, networking events, union job boards, or even remote wardrobe consultation gigs. Having a solid paper trail of your job search activities will be crucial if you ever need to prove you're meeting the work search requirements, especially with an interstate claim where they might scrutinize things more closely.

I'm really sorry you're going through this tough situation. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like filing for both would likely cause more delays rather than speed things up. Since you already have medical certification that you can't work for 8 weeks, SDI seems like the right path. While waiting for SDI to process, here are a few things that might help with your immediate financial crisis: - Contact your county's emergency rental assistance program - many have expedited processing for people facing eviction - Look into local food banks and emergency assistance programs through 211 (dial 2-1-1) - Call your utility companies to set up payment plans or see if they have hardship programs - Check if your area has emergency cash assistance programs through social services Also, make absolutely sure you're checking your UI Online account daily for any requests for additional documentation. Missing those notifications seems to be a major cause of delays based on what others have experienced here. Good luck, and I hope your claim processes quickly!

Just wanted to add that if you're really in a bind while waiting for SDI, some credit unions and community banks offer emergency micro-loans (usually $200-500) that you can get within 24-48 hours, especially if you can show pending benefits documentation. Also, many churches and community organizations have emergency assistance funds that don't require you to be a member - they often can help with utilities or groceries to free up your remaining cash for rent. One more tip: if your doctor filled out the SDI forms, ask them for a copy of what they submitted. Sometimes there are small errors or missing information that can cause delays, and catching those early can save weeks. You can also ask your doctor's office to follow up proactively if EDD contacts them for additional information. Hang in there - this situation sucks but you'll get through it. Focus on the SDI claim and use these emergency resources to bridge the gap.