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i was in the EXACT same boat last month ended up driving for uber to make ends meet until i can find something in my field again not ideal but pays the bills for now
In case it helps others in a similar situation, here's a quick summary of options when UI benefits are exhausted: 1. If your benefit year has ended, you can file a new UI claim if you've worked and earned wages during the previous benefit year 2. If your benefit year hasn't ended (like the original poster): - Apply for CalFresh: www.getcalfresh.org (food assistance) - Check housing assistance: www.housing.ca.gov - Visit your county's social services office for general assistance - Contact 211 (call, text, or visit 211.org) for referrals to local resources - Consider temporary work through staffing agencies while continuing your job search Remember that even when not receiving benefits, it's important to continue documenting your job search efforts for when you can reapply.
Yes, they approved it after the interview. They asked a lot of questions about the funeral (whose it was, where it was held, etc.) but didn't actually ask for documentation. The whole thing felt invasive and unnecessary for a single day. The EDD rep even seemed embarrassed about having to ask all those questions.
I work as an employment consultant, and I can tell you that while the system seems punitive, it's actually designed to prevent fraud. The problem is that it often catches honest people in its net. For a single day of unavailability due to car vandalism, you absolutely have good cause, and any reasonable EDD representative will approve your payment. My advice is to call tomorrow with your documentation ready, but also prepare for the possibility of waiting for an interview. If you can't get through or get your payment released tomorrow, consider filing for a hardship advance on your pending payment by explaining your rent situation. Not many people know about this option, but EDD can sometimes issue partial payments while waiting for eligibility interviews in hardship cases.
UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning after 23 calls! Spoke with a very helpful Tier 2 specialist who reviewed my situation. She said the car vandalism absolutely counts as good cause for being unavailable that one day, especially since I had the police report. She released my payment right then! It should hit my account within 24-48 hours. So relieved! Thanks everyone for your help and advice!
You should call EDD now and get the process started. Let them know your employer is sending wage documentation. They may be able to look into why the wages aren't showing in their system while you're gathering those documents. No reason to delay the process - the sooner you get this sorted, the sooner you might receive benefits. When you do talk to them, be sure to ask about filing under the Alternate Base Period AND mention the possibility of a wage reporting issue. The rep should be able to guide you on the best approach based on what they see in their system.
Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. I'm going to try calling EDD first thing tomorrow morning, and I'll specifically ask about the Alternate Base Period and mention the wage reporting issue. If I can't get through after several attempts, I might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. I'll update this thread once I get some answers from EDD.
Has anyone noticed that sometimes the delay depends on what time of day you certified? I always certify super early Sunday morning (like 12:01am), and my payments seem to process faster, even after holidays. Maybe a coincidence, but my friend who certifies Sunday evening always gets hers later than me.
Sorry to hear about the termination, but you've done the right thing by applying right away. The 'pending' status and phone interview are normal parts of the process when there's a job separation that needs clarification. Make sure you continue to certify for benefits every two weeks even while waiting for the interview and decision. Good luck with everything, and definitely update us on how it goes!
The interview scheduling depends on their current backlog, but typically you'll receive a notice in the mail with the date and time about 7-10 days before the interview. Currently, interviews are being scheduled about 2-3 weeks out. Just make sure you're available at the phone number you provided on your application during the scheduled time window, and have all your documentation ready.
my friend had this happened to her but it was cuz she answered a question wrong on her certification. have u double-checked all ur certifications to make sure u didnt accidentally say u refused work or something? sometimes thats why they schedule interviews and it could be affecting ur claim now
I went back and checked all my certifications and I don't think I answered anything wrong. I always put that I'm looking for work and available to work. I did have one week where I worked a one-day gig, but I reported those earnings. Could that have triggered something?
Reporting earnings shouldn't trigger an eligibility interview unless there's a large discrepancy between what you reported and what your employer reported. However, if you reported being sick or unavailable for work for any day during a certification period, that can automatically trigger an eligibility interview. It's part of their process to verify you were 'able and available' for work, which is a core requirement for UI benefits.
After you get this resolved, make sure to set up your account to receive text notifications about interviews and important claim updates. They don't always send physical mail in time, and sometimes emails go to spam. The text system is the most reliable way to get notified about interviews. Go to UI Online > Profile > Contact Information > Communication Preferences and check the SMS option for all notification types.
DOES ANYONE ELSE THINK IT'S COMPLETELY INSANE that the EDD can just hold our money hostage for WEEKS while they take their sweet time scheduling these interviews??? Some bureaucrat decided March 1st was a good day for them without any consideration that we have BILLS TO PAY and FAMILIES TO FEED! This happens to literally EVERYONE who reports ANY work income. The system is designed to punish people for trying to work part-time while looking for full-time employment. I've been through 3 of these interviews in the past year, and each time it's the same ridiculous process. They ask basic questions they ALREADY HAVE THE ANSWERS TO, then magically release your funds a few days later. The whole thing could be handled with an automated form instead of making people wait weeks without income.
Based on everything shared here, your best immediate steps are: 1. Call EDD first thing tomorrow (8:00am) and specifically request an expedited interview due to financial hardship. Have your documentation ready. 2. If that doesn't work, reach out to your state assembly member's office the same day. They can often work wonders with EDD cases. 3. In the meantime, check if you qualify for emergency assistance through local community organizations. Many counties have emergency rental assistance and utility payment programs. 4. Continue certifying on your regular schedule regardless of the pending payment. I hope you're able to get this resolved quickly. The waiting period is definitely one of the most challenging aspects of the unemployment system.
wait are u supposed to be doing work search while waiting for interview decision?? i thought that was only after ur approved??
Update: Just wanted to let everyone know I got approved today! Only took 4 days after the interview. Such a relief. Thanks for all the advice and support - it definitely helped me manage my anxiety during the wait.
I just wanna say that it's absolutely RIDICULOUS that the EDD makes this so complicated! Why can't they just have a simple "I got laid off again" button that figures all this out automatically??? I swear the system is DESIGNED to deny people benefits they deserve!!
One last piece of advice: After you file, keep certifying every two weeks without fail, even if your claim status shows as pending for a while. Many people make the mistake of waiting until they see an approved claim before certifying, but you should start right away. This ensures you'll receive backpay for all eligible weeks once your claim is processed. Also, check your UI Online account daily for any notices or requests for additional information that might need your attention.
Emma Bianchi
anyone know if u can just go to the edd office in person to fix this?? seems easier than dealing with phone calls that never go through
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Mia Green
•Most EDD offices require appointments now, and they book out weeks in advance. Phone is actually faster if you can get through. Your best bet is to call right when they open at 8am, but even then it's tough.
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James Johnson
UPDATE: Finally got this fixed! I was able to connect with an EDD rep (used the Claimyr service others mentioned here, which actually worked great). Turns out the EDD had my mailing address wrong - they had entered my apartment number as part of the street address line instead of in the apt/unit field! The rep fixed it in their system and I was able to register right away. What a relief! For anyone else having this issue - definitely triple check ALL your info including address format, and if you're still stuck, you probably need to speak with a rep to find the mismatch.
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