This thread has been such a wonderful read! As someone who's relatively new to this community, I'm really impressed by how quickly everyone rallied to help calm your nerves about those EDD letters. The collective wisdom here is incredible - from practical tips about UI Online registration to advice about work search documentation. @ce3be8be9f13 your experience is probably going to help so many future newcomers who find themselves in the same situation. That initial panic about multiple government letters is so understandable, especially when you're already stressed from job loss. But seeing how it all worked out with your $675/week benefit gives hope to others who might be going through the same worry. I also love all the additional tips people shared about timing your certifications, keeping good records, and using resources like library career services. Even though I'm not currently dealing with unemployment myself, I'm taking mental notes of all this advice just in case I ever need it. Thanks for sharing your journey and keeping everyone updated - it's these kinds of positive community interactions that make me glad I found this group! 🙌

What a heartwarming thread to read as someone new to this community! @ce3be8be9f13 your story really shows how that first-time unemployment anxiety is so universal - I think anyone who's been through job loss can relate to that sinking feeling when you see multiple official letters coming your way. It's amazing how this community came together with such practical, reassuring advice. Reading through everyone's responses, I'm learning so much about what to expect from the EDD process, from the initial paperwork flood to tips about UI Online registration and certification timing. Even though I'm fortunate not to need unemployment benefits right now, this kind of information is invaluable to have for the future. Your $675/week benefit amount is really solid and should provide good stability during your job search. The fact that what seemed like a crisis turned out to be completely routine paperwork is such a good reminder not to panic before we have all the facts! Thanks for sharing your experience and keeping everyone updated with the positive outcome - threads like this are exactly why community forums are so valuable for navigating life's curveballs! 💛

I was in almost exactly your situation about 6 months ago - got terminated from my retail job for attendance violations, mostly due to public transit failures and one car breakdown. My HR department told me the exact same thing about not qualifying for benefits, but I applied anyway and got approved! The phone interview was actually pretty straightforward. The EDD representative asked detailed questions about each absence - what caused it, whether I notified my supervisor, and what efforts I made to get to work despite the problems. Since I always called in when I knew I'd be late and tried alternative transportation when possible, they determined it wasn't misconduct. What really helped was that I had saved text messages showing I notified my manager each time there was a transit issue. The interviewer explained that EDD looks at whether absences were due to "willful misconduct" versus circumstances beyond your control. Transportation problems generally fall into that second category if you're making good faith efforts. With your 2.5 years of solid employment history and the fact that these were legitimate transportation issues that you communicated about, you have a strong case. Don't let HR's scare tactics stop you - they're not unemployment law experts and have their own financial reasons for discouraging applications. Apply immediately and gather any evidence you have of notifying your supervisor about the car troubles. Good luck!

I went through this exact situation last year and want to share some hope! Got fired from my call center job for attendance issues - 6 occurrences in 4 months, all related to my unreliable car and having to take my kids to doctor appointments. HR gave me the same speech about being "fired for cause" and not qualifying. Applied anyway and got approved after the phone interview! The EDD rep was really fair and asked about each specific absence. What helped my case was that I always texted my supervisor when issues came up, and I could show I was trying to be responsible despite the circumstances. The key thing the interviewer told me was that EDD distinguishes between "couldn't work" vs "wouldn't work." Car troubles and transportation issues usually fall under "couldn't work" as long as you're making reasonable efforts to communicate and get to work when possible. Your 2.5 year track record will definitely work in your favor, and the fact that you always let them know about the transportation problems shows good faith. Don't let HR intimidate you - they're protecting their own interests, not giving you accurate legal advice about unemployment eligibility. Apply today!

Have you tried looking at the Amazon warehouse? They're always hiring and the pay is decent until you find something better in your field. That's what I did when my benefits ran out last year.

I'm sorry you're going through this tough situation. As others have mentioned, the pandemic-era extensions are gone, but there might still be some options worth exploring quickly since you have that one week of benefits left. Beyond the Training Extension that others mentioned, I'd also suggest: 1. Contact your local One-Stop Career Center - they often have emergency assistance programs and can help with resume optimization for the current tech market 2. Look into emergency rental assistance programs in your county - many are still active and can help with that rent payment 3. Check if you qualify for any union or professional association assistance programs (some tech groups have hardship funds) The key thing is to act fast on that Training Extension application while you still have benefits remaining. Even if it's just $112 for one week, it might be enough to qualify you for the program. Also, don't forget about food banks and local emergency assistance programs - they're designed exactly for situations like yours and can help bridge the gap while you figure out next steps. Hang in there, the tech market is brutal right now but you're not alone in this struggle.

Just checking back - have you had any success with the resources suggested here? One additional recommendation: If your mother banks with a credit union or local bank, their fraud department might be willing to help advocate on her behalf, especially if she's been a long-term customer. Also, the America's SBDCs (Small Business Development Centers) sometimes help with PPP fraud cases even for non-business owners. They understand SBA systems and may have contacts who can expedite the case. You can find your local office at americassbdc.org.

I'm so sorry your family is going through this nightmare. Identity theft targeting seniors is absolutely heartbreaking, and the fact that government agencies are making victims feel like criminals is unacceptable. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - consider reaching out to your state's Attorney General's office. Many AGs have elder fraud units that specifically handle these types of cases and can put pressure on federal agencies. Also, if your mom receives any more threatening collection letters, respond in writing (certified mail) stating that this is a case of identity theft under investigation and that you dispute the entire debt. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, they must stop collection efforts once you dispute it in writing. Document everything with photos/scans. The fact that she's been retired for 9 years and never owned a business should make this a slam-dunk case once you get the right people involved. Stay strong - you're doing everything right by advocating for her!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! I just went through the exact same thing two weeks ago - $540 stolen from ATMs in San Diego while I was home in Fresno. It's such a violation and the stress is unreal, especially when you're already dealing with unemployment. Here's what I learned from my experience: - Money Network took exactly 12 business days to return my funds (longer than I hoped but at least they did return everything) - They required me to fill out a detailed fraud affidavit and I faxed it back the same day I received it - NO temporary credit during investigation, which was brutal for my budget - I had to get a new card issued and change my PIN immediately The good news is that based on your description (ATM withdrawals in areas you've never been to), you have a very strong case. Geographic evidence like that usually makes their investigation pretty straightforward. I immediately switched to direct deposit after getting my money back and I wish I had done it from day one. These Money Network cards seem to be magnets for fraud. If you need help getting through to EDD to set up direct deposit, several people here have mentioned good strategies. Hang in there - I know the waiting is stressful but you should get your $630 back. Document everything and follow up with them regularly!

This is exactly why I always tell people to immediately transfer their EDD funds to their personal bank account! I've been fortunate enough to avoid card fraud myself, but seeing all these stories makes me so angry on behalf of everyone dealing with this. A few additional thoughts based on what I've read here: - The 10-15 day timeline seems pretty consistent, which is helpful for planning (though still way too long when you need that money) - Definitely document EVERYTHING - take photos of the fraud packet before you send it, keep confirmation numbers from phone calls, etc. - If you're really desperate and can't wait for the investigation, some credit unions offer small emergency loans to members who can show proof of pending unemployment benefits The whole system is broken when people who are already financially vulnerable have to become fraud investigation experts just to access their benefits. I really hope California eventually moves to a more secure payment system or at least partners with banks that have better fraud protection. Stay strong everyone - it sounds like most people do eventually get their money back, even if the process is unnecessarily stressful and slow.