For your vacation payout question: Yes, you must report vacation pay when certifying. On the certification form, you'll select "Yes" when asked if you received any income, then select "Vacation Pay" as the type. Enter the gross amount (before taxes) and the dates it covers. For severance, you'll handle it similarly but select "Severance Pay" as the income type. Both can reduce your weekly benefit amount for the weeks they cover, but won't necessarily disqualify you completely. If you have trouble understanding how to report these correctly, I strongly recommend speaking with an EDD representative who can guide you through your specific situation.

I went through almost the exact same situation 6 months ago! Company laid me off but kept me on the books for "transition purposes" until my official end date 10 weeks later. I was so confused about when to file, but I'm glad I applied immediately after reading advice like what's here. The key thing is that EDD cares about when you stopped working and receiving regular wages, not what your employer calls your status. I had to do a phone interview because my employer initially disputed the claim (they said I was still employed), but once I explained I wasn't working or getting paid, it got approved quickly. One tip: keep that layoff email from HR as documentation. I had to reference mine during my interview to prove I wasn't working even though I was technically still "employed." Also, if you get any kind of severance or continued benefits, make sure you understand exactly what you're receiving and when so you can report it correctly. The whole process was way less scary than I thought it would be. Don't let the administrative games delay your application!

I'm telling you, it's a conspiracy to keep us poor and desperate. They make it so hard on purpose so people just give up. Stay strong and keep fighting!

I've been through this exact same situation! The waiting game is absolutely brutal. One thing that worked for me was creating a new email address specifically for unemployment correspondence and then updating my contact info through the online portal. Sometimes their system gets glitchy with certain email providers. Also, try checking if there's a "secure messages" section in your online account - sometimes they send notifications there instead of email. I know it's frustrating, but don't give up! The squeaky wheel gets the grease, so keep being persistent with calls and emails. You've got this! 💪

I'm so glad to see you filed your claim successfully! Your approach was spot-on - emphasizing your broad availability while clearly explaining the medical limitation. The 60 hours of weekly availability really does make a strong case that you're not unreasonably restricting yourself. Just a heads up that even though your initial filing wasn't flagged, EDD sometimes schedules eligibility interviews later in the process, especially for partial unemployment claims. Don't worry if that happens - it's pretty routine and just gives you a chance to explain your situation in detail. One thing that might help going forward: if your employer ever posts job openings for daytime positions (even at other locations), consider applying to show you're actively trying to get back to full-time hours within your availability. It's additional documentation that you're not just accepting the reduced schedule. Really hoping this works out smoothly for you - sounds like you have all your ducks in a row! Keep us posted on how the certification process goes.

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who went through a similar situation. I had my hours cut from 38 to 22 due to childcare restrictions (couldn't work evenings anymore after my daycare situation changed). EDD approved my partial benefits without any issues once I clearly explained that I was still available for full-time work during daytime hours. The key thing that helped me was keeping detailed records of every conversation with my manager about getting more hours during my available times. I also saved screenshots of my old schedules vs. new schedules to show the dramatic reduction. When I certified each week, I always included a note that I remained available for additional hours during my specified availability window. One tip: if your employer ever tries to claim you're "refusing shifts" in any documentation, make sure you respond in writing clarifying that you're unable to work certain hours due to medical restrictions but remain available for all other shifts. This creates a paper trail showing you're not voluntarily limiting your work. Good luck with your claim - it sounds like you've handled everything perfectly so far!

I'm in almost the exact same situation as Dylan and really appreciate all the detailed advice in this thread! Filed my claim in November 2023 and got hit with the same address verification denial even though everything on my driver's license matches perfectly. I'm at about 9 weeks since filing my appeal and the silence from EDD is deafening. A few things I've learned from my own research that might help others: If you moved recently like Dylan did, make sure you can explain the timeline clearly at your hearing. I created a simple timeline document showing when I moved, when I updated my address with DMV, when I registered to vote at the new address, etc. Also, I found out that some credit monitoring services (like Credit Karma) will show you a history of addresses associated with your credit report - this can be useful evidence if EDD is questioning whether you actually live where you say you do. One question for those who've been through hearings recently - do they still allow you to have a representative or advocate with you during the hearing, or do you have to represent yourself? I've heard mixed things about this and want to be prepared. The financial stress while waiting is brutal. Hang in there everyone - it sounds like most people with legitimate cases do eventually win their appeals.

Dylan, I feel for you - the EDD appeal process is absolutely brutal right now. I'm currently at week 13 waiting for my hearing date after filing an appeal for the same address verification issue back in November. Like others have mentioned, the wait times are all over the place but seem to average around 10-12 weeks. One thing that really helped me was going to my local Assembly member's office for constituent services - they were able to confirm my appeal was actually in the system and get me a rough timeline estimate when I couldn't get through on the phones. You can find your Assembly member on the CA legislature website and just call asking for help with EDD issues. Also, start preparing your documentation NOW even while you wait. I created a binder with sections for: lease/rental agreement, utility bills, bank statements, DMV records, voter registration, medical records, and even subscription service bills (Netflix, gym membership, etc.) - basically anything showing your name at that address over time. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case. The financial stress is real - I had to take on some gig work just to stay afloat while waiting. But from what I've seen in this community, people with legitimate address verification issues usually win their appeals if they come prepared. Hang in there!

Hi Gregpry, it sounds like you're dealing with a common EDD eligibility review process. Since you already mailed in the pay stubs they requested and now have a phone interview scheduled for June 27th, here's what I'd recommend: 1) Make sure you have copies of all the documentation you sent, including the pay stubs totaling $300, 2) Be available during the entire 2-hour window (10am-12pm) as they can call anytime during that period, 3) Have all your employment history and relevant documents ready during the call. The interview is likely just to clarify the discrepancy they found and verify the information you provided. Since you already sent the requested documentation, this should hopefully be a straightforward verification process. Good luck with your interview!

Hey Gregpry, I went through something similar last year. The fact that you already sent in the pay stubs is good - that shows you're being proactive. For the phone interview, make sure your phone is fully charged and you're in a quiet place with good reception. I'd also suggest writing down a brief timeline of that job and the $300 earnings beforehand so you can reference it during the call. The interviewers are usually pretty reasonable if you're honest and have your documentation ready. Since you already mailed the stubs, this is likely just a formality to close out their review. Stay calm and answer their questions directly. You've got this!