I'm brand new to this community and just filed my first unemployment claim yesterday! This entire thread has been absolutely incredible - I was literally googling "do I report savings account interest EDD" at 2am last night because I was so stressed about it. My high-yield savings earns about $38/month and I was completely torn between wanting to be honest and not wanting to accidentally reduce my benefits over something that might not even matter. Reading through everyone's real experiences and the clear explanations about "work income" vs "passive income" has been such a lifesaver! It makes total sense that EDD only cares about money you actively earn through work or services, not interest that just accumulates automatically from your assets. The fact that so many people got official confirmation from EDD reps really gives me confidence going into my first certification. Thank you all for sharing your situations and helping us newcomers understand this confusing system - this community is amazing!

I'm completely new to this community and unemployment benefits in general, and this thread has been such a lifesaver! I just started my claim last week and have been absolutely terrified about making any mistakes during certification. I have a money market account that earns around $52/month in interest, and I was planning to report it just to be on the safe side. But after reading through everyone's experiences and explanations about the difference between "work income" (money earned from actually working/providing services) vs "passive income" (money that accumulates automatically from your assets), it's so much clearer now! It's incredible how many people were dealing with the exact same worry - makes me feel less crazy for stressing about it. The fact that multiple community members got direct confirmation from EDD representatives that bank interest doesn't need to be reported is really reassuring for those of us who are new to this whole process. Thank you everyone for sharing your real experiences and helping newcomers like me navigate this confusing system with confidence!

This thread has been such a goldmine of information! I'm a web developer who just got laid off last month and started my UI claim. I was actually turning down small freelance projects because I was scared they'd mess up my benefits, but after reading all these experiences, I realize I was being way too cautious. The key takeaways seem to be: 1) Keep certifying every two weeks no matter what, 2) Report ALL earnings and hours honestly, 3) The system automatically calculates partial benefits or $0 if you earn too much, and 4) Your claim stays active throughout. It's so helpful to see that multiple people have gone through this successfully without any major issues. I'm definitely going to start taking on some of these smaller gigs now that I understand the process better. Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences - this is exactly the kind of practical advice you can't find on the official EDD website!

I'm a freelance photographer who went through this exact situation twice last year! Both times I had 4-6 week gigs while on UI, and the process was exactly as everyone described - keep certifying every two weeks and report your earnings honestly. The system handled everything automatically. One additional tip I'd add: if your freelance work involves equipment expenses (like if you need to rent gear), you still report your GROSS earnings before any business expenses when certifying. Don't try to deduct expenses on your certification - that can trigger reviews. Save expense documentation for tax time instead. Also, since you mentioned it's design work, definitely emphasize in your certifications that you're maintaining professional skills in your field. EDD actually views this positively as part of your overall job search strategy. You've got this - the system really is designed to handle temporary work situations smoothly!

I had a similar situation when I first got my Money Network card last year. The initial transfer took about 4 business days for me, which was longer than expected but pretty normal from what I've learned. Since you initiated it Sunday night, it likely didn't start processing until Monday, so you're probably looking at Thursday or Friday for it to hit your account. One thing that really helped me was calling my bank to give them a heads up about the incoming transfer. Some banks flag these government card transfers as potentially suspicious and put automatic holds on them. When I called ahead, they were able to note my account and release the funds as soon as they received them instead of holding them for additional review. Also, if you're really pressed for time with rent, you might want to ask your landlord if they'll accept a money order. You can get one at most grocery stores or post offices using the Money Network card, and it's treated the same as a cashier's check. Not ideal but could save you late fees while waiting for the transfer to complete!

Hey Camila! I just wanted to share my recent experience since I went through this exact same thing about 3 weeks ago. My first transfer from the Money Network card took exactly 3 business days to show up in my checking account. Since you initiated it Sunday night, it probably didn't actually start processing until Monday morning, so you should see it by Wednesday or Thursday at the latest. One tip that really helped me - log into your bank's mobile app or website and look for any pending transactions. Sometimes the transfer will show up as "pending" before it's fully available, which at least gives you peace of mind that it's on its way. Also, if you haven't already, download the Money Network mobile app and enable push notifications. They'll send you an alert as soon as the transfer is completed on their end. Since your rent is already late, you might want to call your landlord and explain the situation. Most landlords are understanding about unemployment payment delays, especially if you can show them proof that the payment is processing. Hang in there - it's frustrating but the money will come through!

Just wanted to update - I called today using the number sequence I mentioned and got through in about 8 minutes. The rep confirmed my card was actually mailed 18 days ago. They asked if I wanted to report it lost and get a replacement (which would take another 10+ days) or expedite a new one for $15 that would arrive in 3 business days. I chose the expedited option and they're sending it out today. Hope this helps others!

I went through this exact nightmare last month! Here's what finally worked for me: I contacted my state assemblyperson's office and filed a complaint about the delayed benefits. Within 48 hours, someone from EDD called me directly and expedited my card at no charge. It arrived 3 days later. Most people don't know that elected officials' offices have direct lines to EDD for constituent services. You can find your assemblyperson on the CA legislature website - just enter your zip code. They deal with EDD issues all the time and actually get results. Worth trying while you're also attempting the other suggestions here!

@Isaac Wright - I just went through this exact transition last year and want to echo what others have said about filing immediately when your SDI ends. A few things that really helped me: 1) When you file your UI claim, be very specific about your work restrictions in the "able and available" section. Don't just say "light duty" - list exactly what you can/cannot do based on your doctor's note. 2) The EDD will likely schedule a phone interview within 2-3 weeks to verify your situation. They'll ask about your medical restrictions and why your employer can't accommodate them. Be honest and factual - don't embellish. 3) During that gap waiting for your first payment, see if you qualify for CalFresh (food stamps) or emergency rental assistance through your county. Many people don't realize these programs can provide temporary help during benefit transitions. 4) If your employer does formally terminate you, ask for the termination letter to specifically state they cannot accommodate your medical restrictions. This documentation will help your UI claim process more smoothly. The whole process took about 4 weeks for me from filing to first payment, but I got backpay to my filing date. Hang in there - it's stressful but you'll get through this!

I'm going through a similar situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! One thing I wanted to add that my worker's comp attorney mentioned - if your injury was work-related (you mentioned it was a warehouse accident), you might also want to check if you're entitled to any additional benefits through workers' compensation. Sometimes there can be vocational rehabilitation benefits or temporary disability payments that could help bridge gaps. Also, regarding the job search requirement for UI - make sure you're looking for positions that actually accommodate your restrictions. The EDD wants to see genuine job search efforts, but they understand you can only apply for suitable work within your medical limitations. Keep detailed records of where you apply and any responses you get about accommodations. Has anyone dealt with the work search requirements while having medical restrictions? I'm trying to figure out how many applications per week they typically expect when your job options are more limited.