Wow, what a journey this thread has been! I just went through something very similar last week with a different set of documents, and reading through all these solutions makes me wish I'd found this community sooner. I ended up spending three full days trying that same fax number with zero success, then finally stumbled across the off-hours strategy on my own around 2 AM - worked like a charm! The Claimyr service mentioned here is absolutely worth the small fee if you need to talk to an actual person quickly. One additional tip I'd add: if you're using a FedEx or UPS store for faxing, ask them to try sending during their slowest hours (they usually know when that is) and some locations will actually attempt multiple sends for you if the first few don't go through. It's ridiculous that we need all these workarounds in 2025, but I'm so grateful for communities like this where people actually share real solutions that work!

This entire thread is an absolute masterclass in community support! I've been dealing with EDD on and off for the past year and have bookmarked so many random forum posts trying to piece together solutions, but this single conversation has more practical, actionable advice than everything else combined. The progression from Ethan's initial panic to his successful resolution, with everyone chiming in with real strategies that actually work, is exactly what makes online communities invaluable. I'm particularly impressed by how people shared specific details - exact times that worked, actual service recommendations with links, even the insider info about FedEx store timing. As someone who's about to face my own document submission deadline next month, I now have a complete battle plan: attempt during off-hours first, use Claimyr if I need to speak with someone, document everything obsessively, and don't be afraid to ask for extensions when their systems inevitably fail. It's honestly criminal that EDD's infrastructure is this unreliable, but threads like this prove that we can outsmart their broken systems when we work together!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - I know exactly how terrifying it is to see that zero balance! I was in the same position about 4 months ago and the stress was overwhelming. Everyone here has given you fantastic advice about filing a new claim. I just wanted to add that when you do file, make sure you have your Social Security card and ID ready if they ask for verification. Sometimes the system flags new claims for identity verification, especially if there's been a gap or if you're filing based on limited part-time work. Also, while you're waiting to hear back on your new claim, check if your local community colleges offer free job placement services. Many have partnerships with employers and can help you identify transferable skills you might not have considered. My local college's career center helped me realize my restaurant management experience qualified me for supply chain coordination roles, which I never would have thought to apply for. One more resource - if you're struggling with that $2,300 rent, see if your city has a tenant rights organization. Some offer emergency rental assistance or can connect you with landlord mediation services if you need to negotiate payment plans. You're taking all the right steps by reaching out here and planning to file that new claim. This situation sucks, but it's temporary and you WILL get through it. Your management experience is valuable - don't underestimate what you bring to the table!

I just wanted to chime in with some encouragement - you're handling this really well by reaching out and getting advice before panicking! I went through benefit exhaustion about a year ago and it's honestly one of the most stressful things I've ever dealt with. Everyone here has covered the main points perfectly - file that new claim even if you're unsure about qualifying, apply for CalFresh, and definitely call 211. But I wanted to add one thing that really helped me: when I was calculating my part-time earnings to see if I'd qualify for a new claim, I initially forgot to include tips that I'd reported. If you received any tips at the coffee shop that you reported to EDD, make sure to include those in your calculations too. Also, regarding your restaurant management background - grocery stores are actually hiring a lot of management-level positions right now, and the skills translate really well. Scheduling, inventory management, customer service, team leadership - it's all the same stuff. Plus many grocery chains offer better benefits and more predictable hours than restaurants. The fact that you've been consistently working part-time while on UI shows you have a strong work ethic, and that 10 hours a week over several months might add up to more than you think. File that claim with confidence - you've earned those wages and deserve to have them count toward your eligibility. You've got a solid plan now and this community has your back. Take it one step at a time and don't hesitate to come back here if you need more support!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now and it's such a relief to find this thread! I was making $5,200/month as a software developer before getting laid off six weeks ago, and my EDD weekly benefit is only $425. Like everyone else here, I had absolutely no idea about the benefit caps and was completely blindsided by how little unemployment actually provides. Reading through all these comments has been incredibly helpful - I've already started applications for CalFresh and called 211 yesterday, which connected me to three different local assistance programs I didn't know existed. The mental reframe of viewing this as "temporary survival mode" rather than trying to maintain my previous lifestyle has been crucial for my sanity. One thing I've learned that might help others: if you're in tech like me, there are some industry-specific resources. Organizations like TechStars and local coding bootcamps sometimes have emergency funds or job placement assistance for laid-off developers. Also, some companies are specifically hiring people on unemployment for short-term contract work that stays under the benefit earning limits. The job market is definitely brutal right now, but this community and all the shared resources are helping me stay hopeful. Thank you everyone for being so open about your struggles and solutions - it makes this whole situation feel less isolating!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the sticker shock is absolutely real and you're definitely not alone! I just went through the same thing when I got laid off from my accounting job last month. I was making about $4,400/month and my weekly benefit came out to $375, which was such a harsh wake-up call. What's really helped me is taking advantage of all the resources people have mentioned here. I immediately applied for CalFresh (got approved in about 10 days), called 211 which connected me to local food banks and utility assistance programs, and reached out to my landlord to explain the situation - they actually worked with me on a temporary payment plan. The mental shift to "survival mode" that others mentioned is so important. I had to completely restructure my budget and cut everything non-essential, but it's actually been eye-opening about what I really need versus what I was spending on before. One thing that's helped supplement the income is doing some freelance bookkeeping work on weekends, staying under that $25/week limit so it doesn't affect benefits. Every little bit helps when you're trying to stretch these payments. The job market feels really tough right now, but reading everyone's stories and practical advice here gives me hope that this really is just temporary. Hang in there - we're all rooting for each other!

This is such a comprehensive thread! I'm also preparing for my DE 4800 interview and this gives me so much confidence. One thing I'd add - make sure you have a quiet space for the call where you won't be interrupted. The last thing you want after finally getting through is background noise interfering with such an important interview. Also, have water nearby since these calls can go 30-45 minutes depending on your situation.

I went through my DE 4800 interview last month and wanted to share one more tip that really helped me - practice explaining your condition out loud beforehand. I kept stumbling over medical terms and forgetting important details when I tried to wing it. So I literally practiced describing my symptoms, limitations, and how they affect my daily work tasks in front of a mirror. It sounds silly but when I got on that call, the words flowed much more naturally. Also keep a glass of water handy - these interviews can be emotionally draining and your throat gets dry fast when you're nervous. The rep was very patient with me when I needed a moment to collect my thoughts, so don't feel rushed.

I'm going through something really similar right now with a chronic condition that causes unpredictable symptoms. What's been most frustrating is that my current doctor keeps treating this like a black-and-white disability issue - either I'm totally disabled or I'm fine to work my current job with no modifications. After reading through all these responses, I'm realizing I need to be much more strategic about how I approach this. The advice about documenting specific work impacts and framing accommodation requests properly is so valuable. One thing I'm curious about - for those who successfully got UI benefits in similar situations, how long did the whole process typically take from filing to actually receiving benefits? I'm trying to plan financially for potentially being without income for a while. Also, did anyone find that having a diagnosis that's more "invisible" (like autoimmune, chronic pain, etc.) made it harder to get EDD to understand the legitimacy of the claim? I worry that because my condition isn't immediately obvious to others, they might be more skeptical. Thanks to everyone who's shared their experiences here. This has been incredibly helpful for understanding what I'm potentially facing and how to prepare properly. It's such a relief to find people who actually understand how complicated these situations can be!

I'm in a very similar situation with a chronic illness that makes my current position really challenging during flare-ups. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been so eye-opening! One thing I wanted to add that I learned from my union rep - if you're in a union, definitely reach out to them before making any decisions. Even if you're not sure they can help directly, they often have experience with members who've faced similar medical accommodation issues and can sometimes advocate with your employer on your behalf. Also, I've been working with my state's vocational rehabilitation services (it's free!), and they've been really helpful in identifying what types of work environments and job modifications would be compatible with my condition. Having that professional assessment might strengthen your case with EDD if you do need to file, since it shows you're actively trying to stay employed but need specific accommodations. The hardest part for me has been the mental toll of not knowing what's going to happen. But seeing how many people here have successfully navigated this gives me hope that there are real options, even if the process is complicated. Wishing you the best with your new doctor appointment - hopefully they'll be much more understanding about the employment implications!