I'm dealing with the exact same issue! Been locked out since Sunday trying to certify. This is so frustrating because I have bills coming up too. I tried calling the phone line multiple times but it just disconnects after the "high volume" message. Really hoping this gets resolved soon - it's stressful enough being unemployed without having to worry about technical issues preventing us from getting our benefits. Has anyone had luck with the mobile app or is that down too?

I'm having the exact same problem! Been trying since Sunday morning and still can't get past that "high volume" error message. It's really stressful when you're depending on these benefits and the system just won't work. I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and tips here - it's reassuring to know it's not just me and that EDD typically extends deadlines during system outages. Going to try the early morning approach that @Keisha Brown suggested. Fingers crossed this gets fully resolved soon for everyone still having issues!

Good news - I just checked and the EDD Appeals Office now has an online portal where you can request postponements! Go to https://edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Appeals.htm and look for the appeals portal link. You'll need the appeal case number and some personal information to access it. This is much faster than calling or faxing in most cases.

That's such a relief that you got the online portal to work! I just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - make sure to save/screenshot that confirmation page with the reference number. When I used the online portal last year, I didn't save the confirmation and then got paranoid that my request didn't go through. Having that reference number gives you something to reference if you need to follow up. Also, even though they said 24-48 hours, in my experience they usually respond within the first 24 hours if it's submitted during business days. Fingers crossed everything works out for your partner's case!

I'm absolutely devastated reading through all of these stories because I'm experiencing the exact same thing right now! I'm 7 weeks into my unemployment claim after being laid off from my office administration job, and I literally just found out about CTB training benefits from this thread. My initial EDD interview was a joke - they asked basic questions about my work history and that was it. When I specifically asked "Are there any other programs or benefits I should know about?" the rep said "Just make sure you do your weekly job searches and certifications." NOTHING about training programs that could actually help me build new skills! I've been struggling with the same soul-crushing job search routine, sending out dozens of applications for jobs that barely pay what I was making before. Meanwhile, I've been thinking about getting into medical coding or maybe some kind of healthcare administration certification - fields that actually have growth potential. The fact that I could have been working toward these goals while receiving benefits instead of just spinning my wheels is absolutely infuriating! I'm calling that CTB number (1-866-333-4606) first thing tomorrow morning. At 7 weeks in, I'm hoping I'm not too close to any deadlines. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread contains more valuable information than anything EDD has provided. It's criminal that we have to discover these life-changing benefits through random online forums instead of being properly informed by the people we're required to work with! For anyone else just finding out about this - don't wait like I did! Make those calls NOW and don't let them brush you off without exploring every option available to you.

I'm absolutely speechless after reading through this entire thread! I just filed my unemployment claim 4 days ago after being laid off from my retail supervisor position, and I had NO IDEA these training programs even existed. My EDD phone interview was literally 8 minutes long - they verified my employment history, calculated my benefits, and that was it. Zero mention of any additional programs or opportunities. I've been feeling pretty hopeless about my job prospects since retail management doesn't seem to be going anywhere positive, and I've been seriously considering a complete career change. I've always been interested in getting into IT or maybe dental assisting, but I assumed I'd have to figure out how to pay for training while living on unemployment benefits. The fact that I could potentially get certified in a new field WHILE receiving benefits is absolutely life-changing information! I'm calling that CTB number (1-866-333-4606) tomorrow morning and visiting my local America's Job Center this week. At only 4 days into my claim, I'm hoping I can be one of the success stories instead of another person discovering this too late. Thank you to EVERYONE who shared their experiences here - especially those who provided specific phone numbers, forms, and actionable steps. This thread should be pinned at the top of every unemployment-related forum in California. It's absolutely unacceptable that EDD doesn't clearly communicate these opportunities during the initial process. I'll definitely update everyone on what happens with my calls. Hopefully I can help other newcomers avoid the heartbreak of missing out on these programs!

ppl i work with just cash out the whole thing at atm soon as money hits lol. no app needed!

Update on my earlier comment - I just saw that Money Network released an app update yesterday that supposedly fixes the login issues! Maybe try updating the app if you haven't already?

I'm new to this community and your situation is making my blood boil! I went through something very similar with my respiratory therapy program at Pasadena City College last year. Like you, I was completely honest about my school attendance on every single certification, but they still denied my extension for not filing the formal CTB application within 16 weeks. The worst part is that I actually CALLED EDD during week 12 of my claim to ask about continuing benefits while in school, and the rep told me I was "fine as long as I kept reporting it on my certifications." Never once mentioned CTB or any formal application process! Then when I got denied, a different rep acted like I should have magically known about these requirements. What saved me was documenting EVERYTHING - dates of calls, rep names when they gave them, exact quotes of what they told me. I also got a letter from my program director explaining how respiratory therapy directly addresses critical healthcare shortages in California (especially post-COVID). The appeal judge was clearly frustrated with EDD's inconsistent information and approved my extension. Your healthcare administration program is absolutely in high demand right now - the administrative burden on healthcare facilities has exploded with all the new compliance requirements. Don't let their scare tactics about denying your whole claim work. You were eligible when you filed, you've been honest throughout, and you're training for a field that California desperately needs workers in. File that appeal and fight for what you're entitled to!

I'm new to this community but your situation really hits close to home because I'm currently dealing with EDD's confusing training benefit rules for my medical coding program at Mt. San Antonio College. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both infuriating and encouraging - infuriating because it's clear how broken EDD's system is, but encouraging because so many people have successfully fought these denials. What really stands out about your case is how you've been completely transparent from day one. The fact that you consistently reported school attendance on every certification shows good faith on your part, and EDD's failure to inform you about CTB requirements despite having this information is a major procedural failure on their end. Healthcare administration is absolutely exploding right now - between telehealth expansion, increased compliance requirements, and the ongoing administrative challenges healthcare facilities face post-pandemic, there's huge demand for qualified professionals in your field. Make sure to emphasize this workforce development angle heavily in your appeal. The intimidation tactic about potentially denying your entire claim retroactively is particularly disgusting - they're literally trying to scare you out of exercising your legal right to appeal. But seeing all these success stories proves that fighting back works when you have solid documentation like you do. Don't let their bureaucratic failures derail your October 2025 graduation plans. File that appeal, gather all your documentation showing honest reporting, and keep pushing forward. You've got this!