Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact same situation about 3 months ago. The frustrating part is that EDD doesn't give you any warning about this when you make the switch! I had about $650 stuck on my Money Network card and panicked thinking I'd lost it forever. Like others mentioned, calling 1-888-233-5916 is definitely the way to go - they were actually pretty helpful once I got through. The whole verification process took maybe 10 minutes and I was back in my account. Pro tip: if you're planning to make this switch in the future, definitely spend down your card balance first or transfer it out through the app. Would have saved me a lot of unnecessary stress!

Just experienced this exact same issue when I switched to direct deposit two weeks ago! Had about $420 left on my Money Network card and suddenly couldn't access the online portal anymore. Called the 1-888-233-5916 number that everyone mentioned and they fixed it right away. The rep explained that this is standard procedure when you switch - they disconnect the online access for security reasons but your money stays on the card. Took about 15 minutes total including hold time. Really wish EDD would mention this somewhere in their direct deposit setup process because it's pretty scary when you think you've lost access to your money! Thanks to everyone who shared the correct phone number - definitely saved me a lot of stress.

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 was in this exact situation and was terrified about making the call! I waited almost 10 months to file because I had no idea that freelancers and independent contractors could qualify for unemployment benefits. When I finally spoke with an EDD representative, I just told them the truth - that I genuinely believed unemployment was only for traditional employees who got laid off or fired, and I didn't learn about PUA and the expanded eligibility until a friend mentioned it to me. The rep was actually really patient and understanding about it. She said they've processed thousands of claims from people who were in the same boat, especially during the early months of the pandemic when information about the new programs wasn't widely known. My advice is to be straightforward about not knowing you qualified rather than trying to come up with any other explanation. They really do understand that there was massive confusion about who could apply for what benefits during that time.

I'm going through this same situation right now and it's such a relief to read all these responses! I'm a gig worker who had no idea I could qualify for unemployment benefits until my sister told me about PUA earlier this year. I kept putting off filing because I was worried EDD would think I was trying to take advantage of the system by waiting so long. But seeing that so many people were in the exact same boat makes me feel much better about being honest when I call. The pandemic really created so much confusion about eligibility - I always thought unemployment was just for people with traditional W-2 jobs who got laid off. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and advice about just being straightforward with EDD about not knowing we qualified!

I went through almost the exact same thing in 2023! Got hired at a small consulting firm, worked there for 6 days, then they said I wasn't "meshing well with the team dynamics." No specific feedback, no chance to improve, just boom - out the door. I was also worried about reopening my claim since the job was so short, but it turned out to be no big deal. EDD actually sees this kind of thing a lot, especially with companies that have probationary periods. When they called me for the interview, the agent said something like "Oh, another 'not a good fit' case" - so you're definitely not alone in this situation. One tip I'd add to all the great advice here: when you restart your job search, consider looking for companies that have longer training periods or clearer onboarding processes. Sometimes these quick dismissals happen because the company doesn't have a good system for integrating new employees. You deserve better than being thrown in the deep end and then blamed for drowning. Keep your head up - you'll find something better! And hey, at least you only wasted a week of your time instead of months at a place that clearly doesn't value their employees.

I'm so sorry you're going through this! What a terrible way to start the year. I actually work in HR and can tell you that letting someone go for "not being a good fit" after just one week is unfortunately more common than it should be - and it's rarely about the employee's actual performance. From an unemployment perspective, you should be fine. This type of separation during what's essentially a probationary period typically doesn't count as misconduct. The key is being honest about the circumstances when you reopen your claim. One thing I'd suggest for your future job searches: during interviews, ask specific questions about their onboarding process and how they support new employees in their first 30-60-90 days. A good employer should have a structured plan for integrating new hires. If they seem vague or dismissive about this, that's a red flag. Also, don't take this personally. Companies that make snap judgments like this often have deeper cultural or management issues. You dodged a bullet - better to find out in one week than after months of working in a toxic environment. Hang in there, and definitely reopen that claim ASAP!

I'm currently going through the CBT application process for a dental hygiene program and wanted to share a few additional tips that might help! First, when you call your school, ask specifically if they have a "CBT coordinator" or someone who regularly handles EDD training benefit students. Some schools have dedicated staff who know the process inside and out, which can save you a lot of headaches. Second, I learned that you can actually submit your DE 3100 form BEFORE you're officially enrolled, as long as you have a conditional acceptance letter from the school. This can help speed up the approval timeline since you won't be waiting for enrollment AND approval. Also, keep in mind that if your LVN program has any prerequisite courses (like anatomy or medical terminology), those might need to be completed separately and may not qualify for CBT coverage. Make sure the 12-month timeline you mentioned includes everything you need for licensure. The healthcare training programs seem to have pretty good success rates with CBT approval since there's such high demand for healthcare workers in California right now. Best of luck with everything!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who successfully completed an LVN program through CBT in 2024! A few things that really helped me: 1. When you call your school, ask if they can email you a sample DE 3100 form that's already been filled out (with student info redacted obviously). Seeing a completed example made the process SO much clearer. 2. Make sure your program meets the "full-time" requirement - for my LVN program, that meant at least 20 hours per week of instruction. Some accelerated programs pack more hours into fewer days, which can sometimes cause confusion with EDD. 3. Keep a folder (digital or physical) with EVERYTHING - acceptance letters, DE 3100 submissions, EDD correspondence, attendance records, etc. I had to provide documentation multiple times throughout the program. 4. If your school has clinical rotations at different locations, make sure EDD knows about this upfront. I almost had issues when my attendance verification showed different addresses for clinicals vs classroom time. The CBT program was honestly a lifesaver for me. Being able to focus on school without worrying about job searching made such a difference in my grades and stress levels. LVN programs are intense enough without having to juggle unemployment requirements! You've got this!