One final tip: If your campaign job pays significantly more than your weekly benefit amount, your weekly certifications might show "excessive earnings" while you're working. This is normal and doesn't impact your ability to collect benefits after the job ends (as long as you're still in your benefit year and have a remaining balance). Also, keep in mind the EDD work search requirement still applies after your campaign job ends - you'll need to look for and document at least 3 job contacts per week. The EDD can request these records even months later, so keep a log of your applications.

I went through this exact situation in 2022 when I worked on a local campaign for 10 weeks while on EDD. Here's what I wish someone had told me upfront: 1. Save EVERY piece of documentation - your offer letter, any emails confirming start/end dates, pay stubs, and especially anything that shows the position was always temporary. 2. When you certify during the campaign, be super specific about your job duties. Write something like "Political campaign field organizer - temporary position through 11/8/2024" rather than just "campaign work." 3. After the campaign ends, if EDD asks why you're no longer working, DO NOT just select "job ended." Choose the most specific option like "temporary/seasonal work completed" or "contract expired" if available. 4. Pro tip: Take a screenshot of your benefit balance before you start working. This helps you track exactly how much you have left when you resume benefits. The good news is political campaigns are pretty standard temporary work, so EDD sees this situation regularly. Just be thorough with documentation and honest about earnings. You've got this!

This entire thread is absolutely incredible and should be required reading for anyone dealing with employment issues! Ella, you handled this situation perfectly by refusing to be manipulated into resigning and getting that official layoff letter. Your manager's attempt to pressure you into "voluntary resignation" is such a common scam employers use to avoid paying unemployment costs - they literally tried to trick you out of benefits you're entitled to. What really stands out to me is how this community came together with such solid, practical advice. The distinction between resigning vs. being laid off seems simple but it's EVERYTHING when it comes to EDD eligibility. That official documentation showing they initiated the separation due to scheduling conflicts they couldn't accommodate is going to make your claim so much stronger. Also huge props for pursuing nursing! The timing couldn't be better - healthcare workers are in massive demand right now and the job security is incredible compared to retail. Plus you'll never have to deal with manipulative managers trying to scam you out of unemployment benefits again. Most healthcare employers actually support their staff's professional development instead of punishing them for it. When you file your EDD claim, just remember to be super detailed about the timeline - how you tried to work with them on scheduling, how they said they couldn't accommodate, and how they ultimately initiated the layoff. You've got all the right documentation and handled this textbook perfect. Congratulations on standing up for yourself and best of luck with nursing school!

This is such an amazing success story and really shows how powerful this community is! Ella, you absolutely crushed this situation - getting that official layoff letter was the perfect outcome. Your manager's attempt to pressure you into "voluntary resignation" is unfortunately super common, but you handled it like a pro by refusing to be manipulated. That documentation is going to be golden for your EDD claim. When you file, make sure to really emphasize that you approached them first trying to work out the scheduling, they said they couldn't accommodate it, and THEY initiated the separation. You've got everything you need to show this wasn't your choice. Also, congratulations on nursing school! The timing is perfect - healthcare is booming right now and you'll have way better job security than retail. Plus you'll never have to deal with managers playing these unemployment benefit games again. Most healthcare employers actually support their staff's education instead of punishing them for it. This whole thread should be bookmarked by anyone dealing with employment issues - the advice here literally saved you thousands in benefits you rightfully deserve. You stood your ground perfectly and it's going to pay off big time. Best of luck with your claim and nursing program - you're going to do amazing things in healthcare!

For account registration issues, you want to call the EDD technical support line at 1-833-978-2511. They can handle UI Online access issues specifically. Regular claim questions go to a different department. Make sure to have your EDDCAN, SSN, and the letter with the incorrect information ready when you call. They'll likely ask for verification details before they can make any changes to your account information.

I just wanted to update everyone - I was able to get through to EDD this morning using that technical support number. They confirmed there was a data entry error with my birth year. The rep corrected it in their system and had me try registering while I was still on the phone with her. It worked! I'm finally in my UI Online account and can see all my claim info. Thank you all for your help with this!

I'm currently in this exact same boat - my payment switched to PAID on Wednesday and I'm desperately hoping the card arrives before my rent is due on Monday! Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both reassuring and nerve-wracking at the same time 😅 It sounds like the 7-10 business day window is pretty standard, though some folks get lucky with faster delivery. I just signed up for USPS Informed Delivery based on all the recommendations here - such a good tip! Also planning to call Money Network tomorrow to see if they can at least tell me when it was mailed out. The waiting game is absolutely brutal when you have bills hanging over your head. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines and advice - it really helps to know others have made it through this stressful process successfully!

I just wanted to add another data point for anyone currently waiting! My card arrived exactly 5 business days after my payment switched to PAID, which was on the faster side of what most people are reporting here. One thing I didn't see mentioned is that if you live in an apartment complex or area where mail sometimes gets misdelivered, you might want to give your local post office a heads up that you're expecting an important envelope from Money Network. I actually had a neighbor accidentally get my card and they held onto it for a few days thinking it was junk mail before realizing it wasn't theirs! Also, once you get your card, I'd really recommend setting up that direct deposit ASAP like others mentioned - it makes future payments so much less stressful since the money just appears in your bank account instead of having to wait for mail. The whole process definitely feels overwhelming when you're going through it for the first time, but it does work out!

Update question for the original poster - did any of these suggestions work for you? Were you able to get through to EDD?

That's awesome news @Samantha Johnson! So glad you finally got through and got it resolved. The identity verification flag issue is pretty common - I had the same thing happen to me a few months ago and it wasn't visible anywhere in the online portal either. It's frustrating that these issues aren't clearly displayed to claimants, but at least you're sorted now. Hopefully your payment comes through quickly! For anyone else still struggling, the UI technical support line (1-855-327-7057) really does seem to be the way to go based on multiple success stories here.