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Just wanted to mention you can also set up direct deposit now with EDD instead of using the debit card. I switched last month and it's much better - money goes straight to my bank account in 1-2 days after payment is issued. You can change it on UI Online under payment preferences.
Update: Finally got through to EDD this morning! For anyone with this issue in the future - they confirmed my payment was sent to Money Network and a new card is being mailed automatically. Should arrive within 7-10 business days. I asked about getting a check instead but was told that's not possible for payments already processed. For future payments though, I've switched to direct deposit. Thanks everyone for the help!
Just wanted to share my experience - when I filed a new claim after my benefit year ended in January, they did NOT send me a new card. The funds were loaded onto my existing Bank of America EDD card. However, I did receive a letter in the mail about a week after my first payment was processed confirming that my existing card would be used. So you might get similar confirmation soon.
To answer your follow-up question: Yes, you'll need your Customer Account Number for the phone certification. It's the 10-digit number on your EDD notifications. And regarding gig work like DoorDash - that actually explains a lot. The system sometimes flags for additional review when you first report gig economy earnings, especially if you're reporting as self-employment income vs. W2 income. The freeze is likely the system not knowing how to categorize your new income source. If you're still having trouble tomorrow, call early (right when they open at 8am) and specifically ask for a tier 2 specialist who can help with certification issues involving new income sources.
this happens to me EVERY TIME i try to certify. edd website is garbage. sometimes i just give up and try again next day. so behind on my payments cause of this stupid website
I want to clarify something important: Even though you can't collect more benefits now, you should CONTINUE CERTIFYING each week if the system still allows you to. This creates a record of your continued unemployment that may be relevant for other programs or if any extensions become available (though none are currently offered). Also, you mentioned having $3,200 left in your claim balance - that's actually impossible if you received the "all benefits payable" message. The system would never cut you off with a remaining balance. It's more likely you misinterpreted something else on your account page. Look into 211.org for local emergency assistance programs. Many counties have rental assistance and utility payment help for situations exactly like yours. Don't wait until you're behind on payments to apply! Finally, make sure you're registered with CalJOBS. Some EDD offices are offering special workshops for people who've exhausted benefits.
Just to be super clear since there's confusion: UI (unemployment insurance) is for when you lose your job through no fault of your own and are actively looking for work. SDI (state disability insurance) is for when you can't work due to a medical condition and need temporary benefits. Paid Family Leave (PFL) is for caregiving or bonding with a new child. All are administered by EDD but have different eligibility requirements and application processes! For your situation, you want SDI. Make sure your doctor completes their portion accurately - that's the #1 reason for delays. And apply at least 9 days but not more than 49 days after your first day off work due to disability.
@profile9 No, that's a common misconception. You're thinking of employer-specific short-term disability policies, which can sometimes require you to use up sick time first. State Disability Insurance (SDI) through California EDD does NOT require you to exhaust sick leave first. You can actually receive both, but your employer might have policies about using them concurrently. Check with your HR department about their specific policies.
This whole thread has been super helpful, thank you everyone! I've started gathering the documentation I need for SDI and will be talking to my doctor at my appointment tomorrow to make sure they understand what parts they need to complete. I'll apply right after my appointment so there's plenty of time before my procedure next month.
The waiting period is RIDICULOUS! You're already stressed about losing your job and then they make you wait an extra week for money? My husband lost 3 WEEKS of benefits because the EDD rep told him the wrong information about how to report some side gig income. Then they put a "false statement" penalty on his account! It took us FOREVER to get it fixed. The whole system is broken!!
Sorry you had that experience. For reporting income, always be exact with dates and amounts. If you're ever unsure about how to report something, document your attempts to get clarification (take screenshots, note who you spoke with). This helps if you need to appeal decisions later. The EDD system can definitely be frustrating, but keeping detailed records helps protect yourself.
Thanks everyone for the helpful info! I'm relieved to know this is normal and I didn't do anything wrong. I'll be certifying again this Sunday, so hopefully I'll get the full two weeks of benefits this time. Really appreciate all the explanations!
The whole EDD system is designed to be difficult on purpose!! They make it hard to reach them so fewer people get benefits. I had to go to the Santa Barbara office THREE TIMES last month because they kept saying my identity verification didn't go through, even though I completed ID.me perfectly. When I finally got to speak to a supervisor, she admitted it was their system error all along. And yes, they're open Mondays, but it's a complete zoo that day.
Same thing happened to me with ID.me! But I found out later that you're supposed to log back into ID.me and specifically authorize EDD access AFTER completing verification. They don't make this clear at all in their instructions. Did you have to do this too?
Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I think I'll try to get there right when they open after lunch on Monday. Sounds like that's my best bet to get seen without an appointment. If that doesn't work, I might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. My issue is that my claim is stuck in pending after a school employment question popped up during certification, even though I don't work for a school. Really appreciate all the advice!
Based on what you've shared, you should definitely qualify for a new UI claim. Here's why: 1. Your previous benefit year has ended (UI claims are good for one year from filing date) 2. You worked 5 months (Nov 2023-Apr 2025) after your previous claim 3. At $4,200/month, you easily meet the earnings requirements for the base period When you file your new claim, the system will ask if you've filed a claim in the past, and you should answer honestly. The system will automatically check if your previous benefit year has ended and if you have enough new wages to establish a new claim. One tip: File your claim online rather than by phone if possible. The online system tends to process more quickly and you'll get a clearer picture of your eligibility status. Your new weekly benefit amount will be calculated based on your highest quarter of earnings during the base period, up to the maximum benefit amount (currently $550/week).
The pandemic-related supplements ($300 FPUC and others) ended back in September 2021, so the maximum is just the regular California maximum of $550 per week. There are currently no federal supplements being added to regular UI payments.
wait, do we have to officially close our claims?? i just stopped certifying when i got my job back in december. nobody told me i had to close anything!
You don't HAVE to formally close your claim. If you stop certifying, your claim becomes inactive after two weeks of not certifying. However, formally closing a claim is helpful if you need documentation showing you're no longer receiving benefits, like the original poster needs for their new employer.
Update for everyone: The EDD website now has a specific process for this situation. Log into UI Online, go to 'Contact EDD' and select 'Ask EDD.' Choose the category 'Unemployment Insurance Benefits' and then select the sub-category 'Claim Information.' In your message, specifically request a 'Verification of Claim Closure' or 'Proof of Benefits Termination' letter. This should generate a document you can download from your UI Online inbox within 5-7 business days. For immediate needs, calling is still the fastest option, but the online request will work if you have time to wait.
Salim Nasir
my payment was late last week to. i think they sometimes have issues with the payment processing company or whatever. usually sorts itself out by wed at the latest. dont stress out yet
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Annabel Kimball
•Good to know it's not just me. Anxiously watching my account like it's the stock market over here lol
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Salim Nasir
•lol i know that feeling. refreashing the page every 10 mins wont make the money come faster tho... learned that the hard way!
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Jean Claude
Update: EDD just posted on Twitter that all pending payments from yesterday and today should be processed by end of business day. They apologized for the delay and mentioned it was related to their quarterly system update. For future reference, their Twitter account (@CA_EDD) often has the most current status updates when these kinds of delays happen.
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Annabel Kimball
•Just got my payment about 10 minutes ago! Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance. Will definitely follow their Twitter account now.
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Chris Elmeda
•nice! 👍
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