Another thing that might help - if you do get through but can't hear anything, try staying on the line for at least 2-3 minutes before hanging up. Sometimes there's a delay or they're transferring you to another department. I've had calls where it was completely silent for like 90 seconds and then suddenly someone came on the line. Also, if you have a landline available, try using that instead of a cell phone - the connection tends to be more stable. The system is definitely overwhelmed right now but don't lose hope!

Just want to add my experience for anyone still struggling with this - I had the exact same silent call issue three times before I figured out what was happening. Turns out my phone's automatic noise cancellation was somehow interfering with the EDD system. Once I turned that off in my phone settings and also disabled any call recording apps I had running, the next call went through perfectly. Also echoing what others said about calling right at 8 AM - I set multiple alarms for 7:55 AM and had the number already dialed and ready to hit send. Got through on the first try that way! The whole process is incredibly frustrating but these little technical details can make a huge difference.

This whole thread is so helpful! I'm in a similar situation - just got my first EDD payment on the card yesterday and was wondering about transfer times. Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like 2-3 business days is the norm for first transfers. I think I'll plan ahead and do transfers earlier in the week to avoid weekend delays. The ATM option is good to know as a backup too. Thanks for sharing your experience and the update that it worked out!

This is such a comprehensive thread! I've been on unemployment for about 6 months now and can confirm most of what's been shared here. One thing I'd add - if you're doing regular transfers, try to stick to the same day of the week. I always do mine on Tuesday mornings and it's become pretty predictable (usually hits my account Thursday). Also, keep screenshots of your transfer confirmations just in case something goes wrong. I had one transfer get "lost" for a week and the screenshots helped when I finally got through to customer service. The consistency in everyone's 2-3 day timeline is reassuring - shows the system does work, it's just slow!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the stress and financial pressure must be overwhelming! As someone who successfully appealed a similar EDD overpayment case, I want to emphasize that you absolutely have grounds to fight this. The key is framing your situation correctly: during the COVID emergency, you were "able and available for suitable work that was compatible with your extraordinary caregiving circumstances." Document everything - your parents' medical conditions showing high-risk status, any communications with EDD from that time period, proof of remote job searches, and CDC guidelines about protecting vulnerable populations. The fact that you explained your situation during certification and to an EDD rep shows you weren't trying to hide anything. File your appeal IMMEDIATELY (don't wait for perfect documentation), and remember that collection is paused during the appeals process. The Administrative Law Judges handling appeals are much more reasonable than regular EDD staff and have authority to consider the unique pandemic circumstances that made family caregiving medically necessary. You did nothing wrong by protecting your vulnerable parents during a global health emergency - don't let EDD convince you otherwise. Many of us have been in similar situations and won our appeals by showing that the pandemic created extraordinary circumstances that changed what "available for work" meant in practice.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it's absolutely infuriating how EDD is retroactively punishing people who made compassionate, responsible decisions during an unprecedented crisis. I went through something very similar last year when they demanded $5,800 back after I cared for my grandmother with diabetes and COPD during the worst of COVID. What helped me win my appeal was gathering evidence that showed three key things: 1) My caregiving was medically necessary (doctor's notes about her high-risk status), 2) I was genuinely seeking work that would accommodate my circumstances (saved emails from remote job applications), and 3) EDD's own guidance during the pandemic was confusing and contradictory (screenshots of their website and notes from phone calls). The most important thing is to file that appeal IMMEDIATELY - you have strong grounds since you were transparent about your situation from the beginning. The ALJ who handled my case was incredibly understanding about the impossible choices families faced during COVID, unlike the regular EDD staff who seem to have zero compassion. Don't let them gaslight you into thinking you did something wrong by protecting your elderly parents during a global health emergency. You were following your moral compass and the guidance available at the time. Stay strong and fight this - many of us have been where you are and there is hope!

Just wanted to add my experience for anyone still struggling with this! I finally got my name change processed after 2 months of back and forth. The game changer for me was actually going to a local EDD office in person with all my documents. I know not everyone can do this, but if you have one nearby, it's worth trying. The staff there were able to look up my case immediately and process everything on the spot. They told me that name changes often get stuck in the system when done over the phone or mail because there are multiple verification steps that can only be completed by someone with direct system access. Brought my marriage certificate, driver's license with new name, social security card, and a filled out DE 1101 form. Was in and out in 45 minutes! Sometimes the old-fashioned approach really works best with government agencies.

This thread is incredible - so much better than anything I could find on the official EDD website! I've been trying to change my name after divorce for about 6 weeks now with zero progress. Reading through everyone's experiences, I'm realizing I've been doing everything wrong. I was just calling the main number randomly during lunch breaks and getting nowhere. Tomorrow I'm going to try the strategic approach: calling 1-877-238-4373 at exactly 8:01 AM, asking specifically for a "name change specialist," and having my court order, new driver's license, and DE 1101 form ready to go. If that doesn't work, I'm definitely going to look into visiting a local EDD office like @StarStrider suggested - 45 minutes in person vs months of phone tag sounds like a no-brainer! Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences and actual strategies. It's so refreshing to get advice from people who've actually been through this process instead of just generic government website instructions. Fingers crossed I'll have a success story to add to this thread soon! 🤞

I'm going through something very similar right now! Just had my eligibility interview 5 days ago and have been refreshing UI Online constantly waiting for any sign of what's happening with my claim. Reading through everyone's experiences here is so reassuring - especially seeing that most people who are legitimately laid off do eventually get approved even when the interviewer doesn't give clear signals during the call. My situation was a company closure due to financial issues, and like others mentioned, the interviewer was completely neutral and professional but didn't hint at all about their decision. It's nerve-wracking when you're depending on these benefits to pay rent and bills! Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines and outcomes - it really helps to know what's normal in this process. Natasha, so glad everything worked out for you! Hopefully I'll be posting a similar success update in a week or two 🤞

This whole thread has been incredibly helpful and reassuring! I'm currently waiting for my eligibility interview to even be scheduled (filed my claim about 3 weeks ago) and the uncertainty is driving me crazy. It's so comforting to read success stories like Natasha's and see that the process does work, even when it feels like you're stuck in limbo. One thing I'm curious about - for those who've been through the interview process, how much detail did you go into about your job separation? I was laid off due to budget cuts at my marketing agency, and I'm wondering if I should prepare specific documentation or if a straightforward explanation is usually sufficient. Also, should I be worried that I haven't heard anything about scheduling my interview yet after 3 weeks? Thanks to everyone who's shared their experiences here - this community is such a valuable resource for navigating this confusing process! 🙏