Just wanted to share another resource that might help - if you're struggling to get through to EDD by phone, you can also try their online Ask EDD feature or contact your local Assembly member's office. Sometimes constituent services can help expedite things when you're dealing with benefit deadlines. Also, while you're waiting on the CTB application, don't forget to keep certifying for your remaining weeks and maintaining your job search activities. I know it feels pointless when you're planning to go into training, but you want to keep everything current until you get that approval. One more thing - if the IT certification doesn't work out for any reason, I've seen people get approved for CTB with trade programs too (welding, HVAC, etc.). The key is making sure whatever you choose is on that ETPL list and leads to in-demand jobs in your area. Hang in there! It sounds like you have a solid plan and you're taking all the right steps. The fact that you're being proactive about this with 4 weeks left puts you in a much better position than people who wait until the last minute.

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now and this thread has been a lifesaver! My benefits are ending in about 3 weeks and I've been panicking. The CTB program sounds like exactly what I need - I had no idea it existed. @Kaitlyn Jenkins - really appreciate you sharing your experience calling EDD and getting concrete answers. That gives me hope that I can get through too. The 12-week IT certification sounds like a smart move. I'm curious though - for anyone who's gone through the CTB application process, do you know if there are any income or asset limits? I have a small savings account (maybe $2000) that I've been trying not to touch, but I'm worried that might disqualify me somehow. Also wondering if the training program has to be full-time or if part-time programs are eligible too? The job market has been absolutely brutal. I've been out of work since August and despite applying everywhere, I'm not getting anywhere. At least with CTB I could be learning new skills while still getting some income. This thread has given me the first bit of hope I've had in weeks!

Just joined this community because I'm going through the exact same nightmare! Been stuck in pending status for 2.5 weeks after reporting some Instacart earnings on my certification. That "max callers" message is absolutely soul-crushing when you're already stressed about making ends meet. This thread has been incredibly helpful though - I had no idea about the technical support line strategy! Reading all the success stories with calling 1-833-978-2511 at 1:45pm on Thursdays gives me actual hope for the first time in weeks. The assemblymember office tip is genius too - never would have thought of that but it makes perfect sense they'd have direct EDD contacts. It's beyond frustrating that we have to develop these elaborate strategies just to talk to someone about our own benefits, but I'm so grateful this community exists to share what actually works. The fact that reporting ANY income seems to automatically trigger "pending hell" for so many of us shows there's clearly a broken process on EDD's end. Going to try the tech support line tomorrow at 1:45pm - fingers crossed! Will definitely update with results. Thanks everyone for the hope and practical advice when the official system has completely failed us! 🙏

New to this community but unfortunately not new to EDD frustration! I've been stuck in pending status for over 3 weeks after reporting some delivery app earnings on my last certification. Like everyone else here, I keep getting that soul-crushing "max callers" message no matter when I try calling the main line. This thread has been absolutely invaluable though - I had no clue about the technical support line strategy or the assemblymember office option! The fact that multiple people have had success calling 1-833-978-2511 at 1:45pm on Thursdays gives me real hope for the first time in weeks. It's beyond maddening that we have to crowdsource these "insider secrets" just to access our own unemployment benefits, but I'm so grateful this community exists to share what actually works when EDD's official resources are basically useless. Planning to try the tech support line strategy this Thursday - will definitely update with results. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and proving we're not alone in this broken system! 🤞

Quick question - how long ago did you submit the application? If it was very recent, you might have a better chance of getting it fixed quickly.

Pro tip: if you cant get through on the main line, try calling some of the other EDD numbers. Sometimes the disability or employer lines have shorter wait times and they can transfer you.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Got my interview notice last week for a claim that ended in early 2023. I've been losing sleep over it thinking they're going to accuse me of fraud or demand thousands back. Reading through everyone's experiences here is actually making me feel a lot better. It sounds like most people who were legitimately eligible had positive outcomes. I was laid off due to company downsizing and have my termination paperwork, so hopefully that's enough documentation. My interview is scheduled for next Friday. Did anyone else feel like the questions on the notice seemed really basic/generic? Mine asks stuff like "are you ready and able to work" which seems weird for a claim that ended years ago. Makes me think this really is just some automated review process they have to do rather than targeting specific people for fraud. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread is way more helpful than anything I could find on the EDD website!

I'm in a very similar boat and this thread has been incredibly reassuring! Got my notice two weeks ago for a claim that ended in March 2023. Like others mentioned, the questions are super generic and don't seem targeted at all - mostly the same stuff they ask during initial eligibility. I've been gathering what documents I can find from that period. Luckily I kept my layoff notice and some pay stubs, but I'm kicking myself for not keeping better records of my work search activities. One thing I'm curious about - for those who already had their interviews, did they ask for any documentation to be mailed or faxed in afterwards? Or was it all handled during the phone call? I want to make sure I'm prepared for any follow-up they might request. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences. It's such a relief to know this is happening to so many people and that most outcomes have been positive for those who were legitimately eligible. The anxiety of getting that notice out of nowhere after so long was really getting to me!

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

Thanks for sharing your experience with claimyr! It's good to hear that you eventually got through and had your pending payments processed. That 2+ hour wait time is frustrating but at least the actual resolution was quick once you reached the right person. The "quarterly review" hold seems to be a common issue many people are facing lately. Did claimyr charge you for their service, and do you feel it was worth it compared to trying to get through on your own?