Hi Jose, I've encountered this same error before! This usually happens when you've previously created an EDD account using your driver's license number, even if you don't remember doing so. Here are a few things you can try: 1. Use the "Forgot Username/Password" feature on the EDD login page with your driver's license number to recover your existing account 2. Check if you might have used a different email address when you first registered 3. Call EDD customer service at 1-800-300-5616 - they can help merge duplicate accounts or unlock your existing one 4. Make sure you're entering your DL number exactly as it appears on your license (no spaces or dashes) Don't create a new account with different info as this can cause more problems later. The existing account tied to your DL number needs to be resolved first. Hope this helps!

I'm new to this community but this thread has been incredibly informative! I'm currently on EDD and have been wondering about this exact scenario for weeks. It's so reassuring to see multiple people confirm that EDD preserves your remaining weeks when you report work properly. What really stands out to me from everyone's advice is the importance of being proactive and honest with reporting. It seems like the people who ran into trouble were those who tried to game the system or didn't report work when it was performed. The detailed record-keeping advice is gold too - I'm definitely going to start a work log template now so I'm prepared if any contract opportunities come up. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially those who went through this exact situation successfully!

This is such a thorough discussion! As someone who's dealt with EDD for both traditional employment and freelance work, I can confirm everything everyone is saying here. The key principle is simple: work weeks are based on when you perform the work, not when you receive payment. Your situation is actually pretty straightforward - when you certify for those 2 weeks of freelance work, EDD will mark those weeks as ineligible due to full-time employment, which preserves your remaining 3 weeks for later use. This is exactly how the system is designed to work. One thing I'd add that I don't think anyone mentioned yet: make sure you have a clear end date for your freelance contract. When you go back to certifying after the work ends, EDD will want to know that you're truly available and actively seeking work again. Having documentation of when your contract officially ended can be helpful if they have any questions. You're being really smart by planning this out in advance. So many people get tripped up by trying to figure out the reporting requirements after they've already started working. Keep detailed records, be completely honest in your certifications, and you should have no issues using those 3 remaining weeks when you need them!

As someone who's been lurking in this community for months trying to gather courage to deal with my own EDD claim, this thread is exactly what I needed to see. I've been putting off submitting my documents because I was so intimidated by all the horror stories about their systems not working. But seeing how everyone here actually problem-solved together and got Ethan's issue resolved gives me real hope. The practical tips about trying during off-hours, using Claimyr, and keeping detailed records are so much more helpful than the generic advice you get from official sources. It's honestly heartwarming to see strangers on the internet genuinely helping each other navigate such a stressful bureaucratic mess. I'm finally going to tackle my own document submission this week armed with all this knowledge. Thank you all for creating such a supportive space!

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!

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the EDD system can be incredibly frustrating when you're already stressed about finances. Based on what you've shared, here are a few things that might help: Your $2,300 from the February temp job could potentially qualify you for a new claim if it puts you over the minimum earnings threshold in your base period. The calculation is complex, but it's definitely worth having EDD review your case. A few immediate steps I'd suggest: 1. Apply for CalFresh (food stamps) and any local emergency assistance programs while you sort out the EDD situation 2. Contact your local Community Action Agency - they often have emergency rent assistance funds 3. If you have any medical documentation related to stress/anxiety from unemployment, consider looking into State Disability Insurance (SDI) as a temporary bridge For getting through to EDD, try calling right at 8:00 AM when the lines open - that's usually when you have the best chance of getting through. Have all your documentation ready including pay stubs from that temp job. Don't lose hope - I've seen people in similar situations get approved for new claims or find other assistance programs. The system is confusing but there are options out there. Keep advocating for yourself and don't be afraid to escalate if the first representative you speak with can't help.

I've been through this exact situation and wanted to share what worked for me. First, don't panic - there are still options even after exhaustion. Your February temp work might actually be more helpful than you think. When I was in a similar spot, I had earned about $2,800 from a short-term contract job after filing my original claim. EDD was able to establish a new claim based on those earnings, even though my benefit year hadn't ended yet. Here's what I learned: - The key is whether your temp earnings create a valid base period for a new claim - You need at least $1,300 in your highest earning quarter of the new base period - Your total base period earnings must be at least 1.25 times your highest quarter Call EDD and specifically ask them to review your case for a "subsequent valid claim" based on your February employment. Don't let them brush you off - this is a legitimate option that many representatives aren't familiar with. Also, while you're waiting, definitely apply for CalFresh and check with your county's General Relief program. Some counties have emergency assistance programs that can help with rent for people between benefit periods. The Training Extension program mentioned by others is solid too if you're interested in career training. I wish I had known about that option when I was going through this. Hang in there - the system is frustrating but there are paths forward!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - won my appeal 6 days ago and still waiting for UI Online to update. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helpful! I'm planning to give it the full 14 business days that @Mateo Rodriguez mentioned before calling the Appeals Division. In the meantime, I'm also going to look into contacting my assembly member's office like @Ethan Wilson suggested - that seems like it could really speed things up. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines and strategies, it's reassuring to know this delay is normal even though it's super stressful when you're broke and waiting!

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! Won my appeal in November and it took 12 business days for UI Online to finally update. What helped me was calling the regular EDD number (1-800-300-5616) first thing in the morning at exactly 8:00 AM - I had better luck getting through early. When I finally got connected, the agent was able to see that my appeal decision was in their system but hadn't been processed to update my online account yet. She manually triggered the update while I was on the phone and told me to check back in 24-48 hours. Sure enough, two days later all my back weeks showed up for certification and I was able to get caught up on payments. Don't lose hope - your money is coming, the system is just painfully slow at connecting the dots between departments!