To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

I'm in the exact same situation! My claim also ended on 9/4/21 and I can't certify for benefits anymore. From what I understand, this is because the federal pandemic programs (PUA, PEUC, Fed-Ed) all expired on September 4th, 2021. If you're still unemployed and have wages from the last 18 months, you'll likely need to file a new regular UI claim. The system won't automatically let you certify until you do this. I'd recommend calling EDD as soon as possible to get this sorted out - the sooner you file a new claim, the sooner you can start receiving benefits again if you qualify. Don't wait too long though, as there might be time limits on when you can file. Good luck getting through to them!

I'm going through almost the exact same thing right now! Filed my claim 3 weeks ago after quitting due to workplace discrimination and have my interview scheduled for August 18th. Like you, I was completely confused when I could certify but still had the pending eligibility interview. This entire thread has been so helpful - I had no idea the system worked this way! I've been certifying every two weeks and all my payments show "PENDING" which I now know is totally normal. Based on everyone's advice here, I've organized my documentation chronologically: - Initial attempt to resolve issues directly with my manager - Formal discrimination complaint filed with HR - Follow-up emails showing the discrimination actually got worse after I complained - Request for transfer that was ignored - Final resignation letter citing the discriminatory treatment It's so encouraging to read all these success stories of people getting approved and receiving immediate backpay! I was really doubting whether I did the right thing quitting, but it sounds like EDD does recognize when workplace situations become genuinely intolerable. The waiting is definitely stressful, but knowing that having an interview scheduled is actually a good sign (rather than an automatic denial) makes me feel more optimistic. I'll keep certifying every two weeks no matter what happens with the timing. Thank you for posting this question - connecting with others going through the same process has been incredibly reassuring! Good luck with your July 24th interview - sounds like you're well prepared with your documentation!

I'm currently dealing with the exact same situation! Filed my claim 2 weeks ago after quitting due to sexual harassment at work, and my interview is scheduled for August 10th. Like everyone else here, I was totally confused when I got the certification notice but also had the pending eligibility interview showing up. This thread has been absolutely incredible - I was panicking thinking I was doing something wrong by certifying before they determined my eligibility! Reading everyone's experiences has helped me understand that this is actually how the system is designed to work. I've been organizing my documentation based on all the great advice here: - Text messages and emails showing inappropriate behavior from my supervisor - Email I sent trying to address the issue directly with him first - Formal sexual harassment complaint I filed with HR - HR's inadequate response that basically blamed me for "misunderstanding" - Documentation showing the harassment escalated after my complaint - My resignation letter clearly explaining why I had to quit It's so encouraging to read about people getting approved the day after their interview and receiving all their backpay immediately. I was really questioning whether I made the right choice leaving without another job lined up, but these stories give me hope that EDD does recognize when situations become truly unbearable. I'll definitely keep certifying every two weeks leading up to my interview. This community support has been amazing - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and helping those of us currently going through this stressful process!

I'm currently going through this same identity verification nightmare and it's been 6 weeks so far with no end in sight. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and terrifying at the same time! 😅 One thing I wanted to add that I learned the hard way - make sure your name on ALL documents matches EXACTLY what's in their system. I had my middle name abbreviated on one document and spelled out on another, and apparently that was enough to flag my case for "inconsistencies." Such a small detail but it delayed me by weeks. Also, has anyone had luck with contacting their local assembly member's office? I've heard they sometimes have direct lines to EDD that can help expedite cases. Thinking about trying that route if my current appeals don't go anywhere. The backpay situation is what's keeping me sane through all this - knowing that once it's resolved, I'll get everything I'm owed retroactively. But man, this process really tests your patience and mental health. Thanks to everyone sharing their tips and experiences here, it really helps to know we're not alone in this mess! 🤝

I'm dealing with the same identity verification nightmare right now - been stuck for about 5 weeks and feeling so frustrated! Reading through everyone's experiences here is actually really helpful though, especially knowing that backpay IS possible once everything gets sorted out. I've tried calling multiple times but keep getting different answers from different reps. One person told me my documents were fine, then another said they needed additional verification. It's like they're not even looking at the same file! Has anyone had success with the appeal process if your initial identity verification gets denied? I'm worried I might need to go that route and want to be prepared. Also thinking about trying that ID.me option that several people mentioned - seems like it might be worth a shot at this point. Thanks to everyone sharing their tips and timeline experiences. It's rough going through this but at least we're all supporting each other! 🤞

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!

Congratulations on winning your appeal! 🎉 This is such great news! I went through a very similar situation earlier this year and I know exactly how confusing those split decisions can be. You definitely won - the key is that second case where they reversed the determination and found you eligible starting 5/16. That's what matters for getting your payments! The first case was probably about your separation reason (misconduct, voluntary quit, etc.) but since the eligibility determination was reversed in your favor, you're all set. Since you've been certifying consistently since May, you're looking at a pretty substantial backpay amount. In my experience, it took about 8-10 business days after receiving the decision letter for payments to start processing. Keep checking your UI Online account daily - once the status changes from "Pending" to "Paid" you'll know the money is coming. The waiting is nerve-wracking but you're almost there! Your rent stress should be over soon. Just make sure to keep certifying every two weeks while you wait for the system to catch up. The EDD moves slowly but they will get you your money!

Hey Ellie! Congratulations on your appeal victory! 🎉 I know exactly how confusing those split decisions can be - I got a similar letter a few months back and spent hours trying to decode what it meant. You absolutely won! The second case (25749632) where they reversed the determination and found you eligible starting 5/16 is the important one. The first case was likely about your separation reason, but since the eligibility reversal went in your favor, you're getting paid! From my experience, it usually takes about 1-2 weeks for the system to start processing payments after an appeal decision. Since you've been certifying since May, that backpay is going to be substantial - definitely enough to cover your rent and then some! Keep checking your UI Online account daily and make sure to continue certifying every two weeks. Once your payment status changes from "Pending" or "Appeal" to "Paid," you'll know the money is on its way. The EDD system is slow but it does work eventually. Hang in there - the hardest part is behind you now and financial relief is coming soon! This community is great for support during these stressful times.