One more important tip: during the interview, if you don't understand a question, ask for clarification. Sometimes the interviewer's questions can be confusing or seem like they're fishing for something. It's perfectly okay to say, "I want to make sure I understand your question correctly, are you asking..." This prevents misunderstandings that could affect your claim. Also, remember that the interview is being recorded, so take your time to think before answering. There's no rush, and thoughtful answers are better than hasty ones you might regret.

Just checking in - how did your interview go? Did they ask about the PIP?

My sister had her employer in New York file an appeal when she was living in California, and what a nightmare that turned into! I still remember her calling me crying because they froze her benefits for almost two months while they sorted it out. She had to provide like a million documents proving she was actually working from California. Eventually she won the appeal because she was able to show her internet service bills, rent payments, and other evidence that she was physically working in California. The whole time she was so stressed about potentially having to pay back thousands of dollars.

Just to clarify for everyone in this thread: 1) Remote workers file for unemployment in the state where they physically perform their work (usually where they live) 2) Multi-state workers may have their wages combined through a process called a Combined Wage Claim 3) Employers have 30 days to appeal an EDD determination 4) If an appeal happens, you'll receive a notice for a telephone hearing with an Administrative Law Judge 5) Benefits typically continue during the appeal process but could be subject to repayment if the decision is reversed The system can be confusing, especially with remote work becoming more common, but these are the basic rules EDD follows for interstate employment situations.

Just checking back - has your payment status changed yet? As mentioned earlier, a recent address change could definitely cause a brief delay in payment processing. The system may be doing additional verification.

YES! It just changed to

did u report all ur work hours correctly when you certified? if u mess that up it can cause delays

Just following up - any update on your payment status? Has it changed from pending to paid yet?

have u checked linkedin? i saw some edd jobs posted there too. might be easier to apply that way

Thank you everyone for all the helpful responses! Based on your advice, I'm going to: 1. Look into both EPR and Tax Auditor positions at EDD 2. Take the exams for both positions ASAP 3. Apply through CalCareers 4. Apply to other jobs in the meantime since the process takes so long 5. Check out CalFresh for some temporary assistance I really appreciate all your insights and experiences. I'll update if I make progress with the application! Fingers crossed something works out soon.

UGHHH I finally got through to EDD yesterday after trying for WEEKS and they told me my federal claim needs ANOTHER review from some special department!!! This is absolute INSANITY. Meanwhile rent is due TOMORROW and I have no idea what to do. These county job applications are taking forever too - why do I need to upload my resume AND fill out all the same info in their system?? Makes no sense!!!

One thing that helped me with the transition was applying for county jobs while still going through the EDD process. If you're strategic about it, you can time things so you get a few weeks of unemployment benefits while going through interviews, then hopefully start your new job before benefits run out. Just make sure to stop certifying for EDD once you start working!

Just a final thought - be sure to continue certifying this Sunday even if you haven't received the previous payments yet. Missing a certification can create even more delays. The money for the previous weeks will eventually come through (though I understand how frustrating the wait is), but you don't want to create any gaps in your claim.

UPDATE: Finally got through to a Tier 2 specialist this morning! There IS a system-wide delay affecting Money Network card transfers for claims filed around the time mine was. The specialist confirmed my payments are approved and the money should be deposited in the next 48 hours. She added a note to expedite the transfer. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions! If anyone else is experiencing this, definitely ask to speak with a Tier 2 specialist who can see the payment processing system.

wait i'm confused... if u were in school full time how were u eligible for unemployment anyway? don't u have to be available for full time work?

btw make sure u check that they didn't take TOO MUCH money from ur refund. sometimes they mess up the calculations and take more than u actually owe. happened to my friend and he had to fight for months to get his $600 back

Just wondering - has anyone here successfully gotten backpay for the weeks during the appeal process if you were initially denied but then approved? I'm in week 4 of waiting for my appeal hearing after leaving a toxic workplace...

Thank you everyone for all this helpful advice! I'm going to follow the suggestions about creating a paper trail. I just sent a formal email to HR summarizing our conversation and specifically requesting intervention. I'll give them two weeks to address it, and in the meantime, I'll continue documenting any further incidents. I also managed to get through to an EDD representative using the Claimyr service someone suggested. The rep confirmed that harassment can qualify as good cause to quit, but I need to show I tried to resolve it first. They suggested I keep a detailed log with dates/times/descriptions of incidents and any witnesses present. If things don't improve after my formal complaint, I'll draft a resignation letter specifically citing the hostile work environment as the reason. I'm still hoping it won't come to that, but at least I feel more prepared now if it does. I'll update this thread once there's a resolution.

something to think about... if u work part time while on unemployment you can still get partial benefits. i worked 2 days a week at a coffee shop and still got partial unemployment, ended up making more than the $450 max. u just report earnings when u certify and they reduce ur benefit some but not dollar for dollar. might be worth looking into temp work while job hunting in ur field.

One other thing to keep in mind - California does periodically offer extension programs when unemployment is high, though none are active right now. Also, don't forget that your benefit year lasts for 12 months from when you file, but the maximum benefit amount is calculated by multiplying your weekly amount by 26 (so 26 weeks maximum of full benefits). If you find temporary work and then lose it within your benefit year, you can reopen your claim rather than filing a new one.