How long ago did he mail the certification? If it was very recent (1-2 days ago), he could try submitting an online certification immediately that might process before the paper one. But the safest option is still to speak with an EDD representative who can note the error in the system.

btw if u do get an eligibility interview scheduled dont panic, just make sure he answers honestly. i got scared and almost didnt answer their call but its actually pretty quick and the interviewer was nice about my mistake

Just to add some clarification on the RESEA program: it's federally mandated and states are required to conduct these assessments for a percentage of UI claimants. The selection is partly random and partly based on various factors that might indicate a claimant could benefit from early intervention services. If you're selected, attendance is mandatory to maintain your eligibility for benefits. The purpose is two-fold: to ensure you're meeting eligibility requirements and to provide reemployment assistance. For your upcoming appointment, I recommend having these ready: 1. Your resume (digital version you can share) 2. List of jobs you've applied for (dates, company names, positions) 3. Documentation of interviews or follow-ups 4. Any questions you have about job search resources Since you already have interviews lined up, this will likely be a straightforward appointment. They'll probably be pleased to see you're actively pursuing employment opportunities.

i had 2 go to one of these last year & it wasn't that bad tbh. lady was actually nice & just wanted 2 make sure i was looking 4 work. showed her my indeed account with all my applications & she was happy. whole thing took like 30 mins. don't stress 2 much!

One other point worth mentioning: if you don't qualify based on the standard base period, EDD might be able to use an "alternate base period" which looks at more recent earnings. This helps people who haven't been in the workforce long or had gaps in employment. They don't automatically check this though - you'd need to specifically request they look at your alternate base period if the standard one doesn't qualify you for benefits.

Just want to throw in my experience. I had almost your exact situation back in 2023. Was at a company for 5 years, then took a new job that turned out to be terrible. They let me go after only 2 months. I was worried about qualifying but had no problems getting benefits based on my previous work history. As long as you've earned enough in your base period (which sounds like you would have with 4 years at your previous job), and you're not fired for misconduct, you should be fine.

One last bit of advice - since your situation involves potential disability discrimination, you might qualify for expedited processing of your claim. When you're able to speak with an EDD representative (which can be challenging - see the Claimyr recommendation above), specifically ask if your case qualifies for expedited handling due to the potential hardship and possible disability discrimination elements. Also, keep certifying for benefits every two weeks even if your claim is pending or under review. If your claim is eventually approved, you'll only be paid for weeks you properly certified for.

UPDATE YOUR RESUME NOW AND START APPLYING FOR JOBS!!! EDD requires work search activities and they WILL ask for proof during interviews sometimes!! Don't get caught unprepared!!

To add some official clarification: EDD's certification period runs from 12:01 AM Saturday through 11:59 PM Sunday of your designated certification week. Any certification completed during this window is considered timely and processed in the same batch. The system runs payment processing overnight Sunday, so certifying Sunday morning vs. Saturday afternoon makes no difference in payment timing. What WILL affect your payment schedule is: 1. Reporting earnings (adds review time) 2. Having a pending eligibility interview 3. Being on conditional payment status 4. Having an identity verification hold Since you've been certifying regularly without issues, you should see your payment as usual.

did u get paid yet??? curious if it came through ok

That's the right decision. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Will do! I feel much less anxious now having a clear plan.

What happens if u accidentally put the wrong start date for your new job? I think I messed up mine by one day when I certified last month... should I call them to fix it or just leave it?

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! Just to make sure I have this right: I'll certify normally for March 5-10, then for the week of March 12-17, I'll report that I worked Thursday and Friday (14-15th), enter my gross wages, indicate I have full-time work now, and that will be it. No separate notifications needed. I'll definitely screenshot everything and keep detailed records just in case. This community has been so helpful during this whole unemployment journey!

Another option to consider: if you've been actively looking for work, make sure you document all your job search efforts. In some cases, if you can demonstrate unusual barriers to employment despite consistent efforts, you may qualify for additional assistance through your local America's Job Center or Workforce Development program. They sometimes have special grants or programs for long-term unemployed individuals. Also check with your county's Department of Social Services about other financial assistance programs you might qualify for while continuing your job search.

Just to add to the excellent advice already given - when you do get back to work, even if it's part-time, make sure you work enough hours to potentially qualify for a future UI claim. The minimum earnings threshold isn't actually that high ($1,300 in one quarter as mentioned above), so even a part-time job could help you qualify for a future claim if needed. And once you do find work, try to stay employed for at least 2 quarters to build up some qualifying wages. That way, if you face unemployment again, you'll have some base period wages to potentially qualify for a new UI claim.

Update for everyone: I just checked the EDD website and they posted that direct deposit should be available to ALL claimants by September 2025. They're adding about 10-15% of accounts each month in batches. When your account gets the update, you'll receive both an email and a UI Online inbox notification with instructions for setting up direct deposit.

wait if i already have the money network card and then i set up direct deposit later will they automatically switch my payments over or do i have to call them??

Just wanted to update - I called today using the 10:30am timing I mentioned earlier and got through after 14 attempts (about 25 minutes of redialing). The EDD rep was able to help resolve my certification issue. So the timing suggestion does still work, but requires persistence. Don't give up after just a few tries!

UPDATE: I FINALLY got through!!! After trying the Claimyr service that was mentioned here. I was honestly skeptical but I was desperate after another day of failed calls. Got connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. Turns out my payment was held up because of an identity verification flag that was never cleared properly after I completed my ID.me verification. The agent was able to remove the flag and release my payment - should hit my Money Network card in 24-48 hours! Thank you everyone for all your suggestions. This community has been a lifesaver!