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!

I just called and can confirm they ARE open today! Finally got my eligibility interview scheduled after weeks of waiting. The rep said they removed Columbus Day from their holiday calendar back in 2020 due to budget cuts. Apparently several California state holidays were eliminated that year. Good to know for the future!

does anyone know if the in person offices r open 2day too or just the phone lines?

UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning!! Turns out my disqualification was because they thought I was working full-time when I was only doing part-time contractor work. The rep fixed it right on the spot and said my account should update in 48 hours. KEEP TRYING TO CALL THEM!! Sometimes you get lucky and find someone who actually helps.

Once you get the overpayment notice, make sure to thoroughly document everything. Here's my checklist for appeals: 1. Write out a clear timeline of events 2. Gather ALL communications with EDD 3. Pull together any evidence that shows you reported information correctly 4. Get a document that explains your work situation during the claim period 5. File the appeal within 30 days (don't wait until day 29!) 6. Request the hearing to be in your preferred format (phone or video) 7. If you miss the 30-day window, you can still appeal but need to explain why you were late The majority of appeals I've seen succeed are ones where people were organized and had documentation.

Good news - it sounds like this is a fixable issue based on what you've described. If the automated system "can't find him in the system," this typically means one of two things: 1. The claim has been temporarily suspended pending the interview (most likely) 2. There's been an identity verification flag placed on the account In either case, once you speak with a representative, they should be able to resolve it fairly quickly. Make sure your nephew has his claim number, SSN, and any correspondence from EDD (especially the interview notice) available when you call. The good news is that once resolved, any back payments for certified weeks should be processed. The key is getting through to someone who can help, which is admittedly the hardest part of dealing with EDD.

UPDATE: After trying for 3 days, we finally got through to EDD! Using the phone prompts that were suggested plus calling right at 8:01am did the trick. The representative confirmed that because the interviewer didn't call, the system automatically flagged his account for review, which is why he couldn't certify. She rescheduled his eligibility interview for next Tuesday and removed the block on his account. He should be able to certify for his past weeks once the interview is completed. Thank you all SO MUCH for your help and suggestions! This community is amazing. 🙏

Has anyone ever tried reaching EDD to ask about this specifically? I've been trying to get through to an agent for days about a similar question (vocational training) and it's impossible. All I get is the "we're experiencing high call volume" message and then it hangs up on me.

btw if ur taking classes that improve ur job skills in ur field there's also something called the CTB program (California Training Benefits) where u can actually get approved to attend school full-time without having to look for work. different situation than urs but might be worth looking into if ur classes are related to ur previous work

paper checks r fine but take FOREVER sometimes. u just have to be patient. my roommate gets them and sometimes they come quick like 4 days, sometimes like 2 weeks. completely random. better than the debit card drama tho for sure!!

Thanks everyone for the responses! I'm going to give the paper checks a chance for a few more weeks. If I keep having issues with the timing, I'll probably switch to direct deposit. Sounds like that's the most reliable option overall, I was just paranoid about giving EDD my bank info. Good to know I can always change it later if needed.

Any luck with reaching someone? I'm curious if Claimyr worked for you if you decided to try it.

wait so did you get the issue fixed? or do you still need help?

my sister went thru similar thing last yr. make sure u emphasize that u tried EVERYTHING before quitting. what sealed the deal for her was proving she asked her boss for reduced hours/different schedule and was denied. did u do that?

Yes, absolutely bring that email from HR! That's exactly the kind of documentation that helps win appeals. It demonstrates that you attempted to preserve your employment before quitting, which is a critical element in establishing good cause. To address your earlier question - yes, bring printed copies of everything to your hearing, including your written correction of the transcript errors. Make at least three copies of each document (one for you, one for the judge, one for EDD's representative). One last piece of advice: prepare a concise (2-3 minute) opening statement that clearly outlines your situation. Focus on the chronology of events and the necessity of your decision to leave work. Practice it beforehand so you can deliver it calmly despite what I'm sure is a very stressful situation.

My situation was kinda different but related - I had two part-time jobs and lost one. Applied for UI online and got so confused by all the questions about still working while claiming! ended up having to do a phone interview to straighten it all out. One weird thing - they asked me if I would accept full-time work if offered, and apparently you HAVE to say yes or they can deny you. Just a heads up!

Thanks everyone for the amazing advice! I'm going to apply online tonight and make sure I clearly indicate I'm still working part-time but lost my main source of income. I'll be super careful with my weekly certifications and make sure to report my gross earnings accurately. Sounds like I'll still qualify for some partial benefits which will really help until I can find another full-time position. Will update on how it goes!

When i had this problem i just guessed amounts until it worked lol. try round numbers like $450 or whatever the weekly benefit amount was when u were on unemployment. sometimes it accepts any recent payment not just the very last one.

UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning! Called right at 8:00 AM and still waited about 40 minutes, but eventually spoke with someone who was able to help. They verified my identity using my SSN, address, and some other information, then helped me reset my security questions. For anyone facing this issue in the future: they told me they can use alternate verification methods if you don't remember your last payment amount. Don't waste time guessing or searching through old records like I did - just call them directly and explain the situation. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!