I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! Finished a web development bootcamp and got approved for a React/Node.js specialization program. The whole process was pretty stressful but it worked out. Here's what I learned that might help you: **Documentation is EVERYTHING** - I created a folder with screenshots of job postings that specifically mentioned needing both general coding AND front-end framework skills. I also saved rejection emails from companies that said I was "close but needed more specialized experience." **Timing matters** - Submit your DE 8736 form at least 2 weeks before your current program ends if possible. Mine took 12 days to get approved, and I was sweating it because I only gave myself 10 days buffer. **The phone interview** - They called me to discuss my application (which I wasn't expecting). The EDD rep asked really specific questions about why I couldn't find work with my current skills and how the new program would change that. Having concrete examples ready made a huge difference. **Gap period survival** - I had a 1-week gap between programs where I had to go back to regular job search requirements. It wasn't fun but manageable if you stay organized. Now I'm working as a front-end developer making 40% more than the general web dev positions I was applying for before. The specialized training was 100% worth the hassle. You've got this! Your situation sounds very similar to mine and front-end specialization is definitely in demand right now.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I just finished a UX/UI design bootcamp last week and I'm looking at applying for a specialized user research certification program. Reading everyone's experiences gives me hope that it's possible to get approved for a second training. From what I've learned here, it sounds like the key is really demonstrating that clear skill gap between what your first program covered and what employers are actually looking for. In my case, I've had several interviews where they loved my design portfolio but said they needed someone with formal user research methodology training. I'm going to follow the advice here about starting the DE 8736 application early, documenting everything, and getting letters from instructors/employers about the skill gap. The tip about including job postings with salary ranges is brilliant too. Has anyone here specifically done design-related training programs back to back? I'm curious if EDD views creative fields differently than technical fields like coding when it comes to consecutive trainings. The job market for UX is pretty competitive right now and user research skills seem to be what sets candidates apart. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community is amazing for navigating the EDD maze!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm actually going through the exact same situation right now - completed my online eligibility questionnaire last Friday but my phone interview is still showing as scheduled for next Tuesday. I called EDD and got the exact same response about the interview "auto-canceling" once the online questionnaire processes through their system. After reading everyone's experiences here, it's clear that EDD reps are consistently providing incorrect information about how their systems work. It seems like the online questionnaire and phone interview are completely separate processes that don't communicate with each other, despite what customer service tells us. I'm definitely going to take everyone's advice and be prepared for my phone interview next week. Already took screenshots of my completed questionnaire as proof, and I'll have all my documentation ready. Based on what others have shared, it sounds like the call should be much shorter since I've already provided the information online - they'll just be verifying details rather than collecting everything from scratch. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences! This community discussion has been way more reliable than anything I could get from EDD directly. It's frustrating that so many of us have gotten the same wrong information from their reps, but at least we can help each other navigate these confusing processes.

I just went through this exact scenario last month and can confirm what everyone else is saying - the phone interview will NOT automatically cancel after completing the online questionnaire, despite what EDD reps keep telling people. Here's what happened in my case: I completed the online eligibility questionnaire immediately after receiving the email notification, but my phone interview remained scheduled. When I called to ask about it, the rep gave me the same line about "letting the system process" and that it would "disappear from my account." Well, it never disappeared. I ended up doing both - the online questionnaire AND the phone interview. During the call, the interviewer actually pulled up my online responses and said "I can see you've already answered these questions online, so I just need to verify a few key details with you directly." The whole interview took about 7 minutes instead of the full 30 minutes they had originally scheduled. My situation was also related to work availability (I had to temporarily limit my job search hours due to childcare issues), and the interviewer was very understanding about the process confusion. She even mentioned that a lot of people call asking about the same thing. Bottom line: Don't trust what the customer service reps tell you about the system auto-canceling anything. EDD's different systems don't communicate with each other reliably. Be available for your phone interview, have your documentation ready, and treat it as a completely separate requirement from the online questionnaire. The good news is that having done the online part first definitely makes the phone call much shorter and easier!

To give you the most accurate information: California Unemployment Insurance Code Section 1952 and the CUIAB regulations require that all parties have access to the same evidence. The purpose is to ensure a fair hearing where both sides can prepare responses to any documents presented. However, you do have options: 1. You can withdraw your appeal entirely if you're concerned about the evidence being shared. 2. You can request to withdraw specific evidence you've already submitted (though this may weaken your case). 3. You can ask the judge about confidentiality concerns at the beginning of the hearing. Be aware that option #3 rarely results in evidence being kept confidential unless there are very specific legal grounds (like domestic violence protection orders). The fundamental principle of these hearings is that both sides can see and respond to all evidence.

One more thing I just remembered from my hearing - they actually mailed copies of ALL my evidence to my former employer about a week before the hearing. So even if you try to withdraw it now, if they've already sent it out, the damage might be done. Just FYI. The CUIAB process is VERY formal and follows strict legal procedures. This isn't like regular EDD stuff.

If you must keep trying manually, avoid calling after 4pm any day. They seem to stop accepting new calls even though they're supposedly open until 5pm.

Reading through all these responses, it's clear the manual calling method is completely broken. I'm seeing success stories from multiple people who used Claimyr - getting through in 18-35 minutes versus the weeks we're all wasting with manual attempts. At this point I think I need to just accept that $20 is worth more than my sanity and the dozens of hours I've already lost. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, especially the timing tips about avoiding lunch hours and after 4pm. Going to try the automated service today.

UPDATE: Finally got my card today! Exactly 15 business days after my first payment was issued. For anyone else in this situation - hang in there! Calling Money Network directly was definitely more helpful than trying to reach EDD. They confirmed it had been mailed and gave me the exact date. Thanks everyone for your advice!

So glad you got your card! I'm actually in a similar situation right now - it's been 12 business days since my first payment was issued and still no card. Your post gives me hope that it's probably just the normal delays everyone's experiencing. Did you end up calling Money Network before it arrived, or did you just wait it out? I'm debating whether to call now or give it a few more days.