This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm actually dealing with a very similar situation right now - lost my job at a tech startup three weeks ago and keep hitting the same wall when trying to file online. The EDD system keeps referencing my old claim from early 2022 and won't let me proceed with a new application, even though I've been employed continuously since August 2022. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like I'm probably dealing with the same "benefit year conflict" issue that seems to be plaguing so many people. My old claim did have some complications at the end - I think there was a question about my final certification that I never fully resolved because I got hired before it mattered. I'm definitely going to try the early morning calling strategy tomorrow and use the specific language people have shared here about asking the rep to "clear any benefit year conflicts and file a new initial claim while I'm on the call." It's such a relief to know this is a known issue with a relatively straightforward fix once you reach the right person. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world advice that makes all the difference when dealing with government bureaucracy!

This entire thread has been so eye-opening! I'm currently going through the exact same nightmare - got laid off from my marketing job two weeks ago and EDD's system keeps blocking me from filing because of some lingering issue from my 2021 pandemic claim. I've been employed steadily since early 2022 and have way more than enough wages to qualify, but their online portal just keeps giving me cryptic error messages about my "previous benefit year." What's really reassuring is seeing how many people have dealt with this same issue and that there's actually a clear path to resolution. I had no idea this was such a widespread problem with their system! I'm definitely going to try the 8:01 AM calling strategy tomorrow morning and come prepared with all the specific language everyone has shared - especially asking them to "clear any benefit year conflicts and file a new initial claim while I'm on the call." It's incredibly frustrating that EDD's system is this broken, but at least now I know I'm not alone and that there's hope for getting this resolved quickly once I reach an actual human being. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and specific tips - this community support is invaluable when dealing with government bureaucracy!

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! We're going to have him apply this weekend and make sure he: - Reports that he's still attached to his employer - Keeps detailed records of all hours worked and pay - Asks his employer about the DE 2063 form - Sets up his UI Online account right away - Stays on top of certification dates I'll definitely let him know about Claimyr too in case we run into trouble reaching EDD. Really appreciate all your experiences and tips!

One thing I didn't see mentioned - make sure your partner understands that with partial unemployment, he'll still need to report being "able and available" for full-time work each week when certifying. This means if his current employer offers him more hours during any given week, he needs to accept them or it could affect his benefits. Also, the weather-related slowdown in construction is pretty common and EDD understands this pattern, so that should work in his favor. Just be patient with the initial processing time - it can take 2-4 weeks for the first payment even when everything goes smoothly.

I'm in a similar situation right now - my payment just switched to "Paid" status three days ago and I'm anxiously waiting for the card too! Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helpful. It sounds like 7-10 business days is pretty standard, which puts me right around the same timeline as you Diego. I'm also planning to call Money Network tomorrow morning early like Zainab suggested. Has anyone had luck with asking EDD directly if they can note your account for urgent delivery? I'm wondering if that actually speeds things up or if it's just something they say to get you off the phone. Either way, it's good to know we're not alone in this waiting game!

I went through this exact same stress last year! My card took 9 business days to arrive in Pomona, so being in San Bernardino you should expect similar timing. One thing that really helped me was setting up a Money Network account online as soon as my payment hit "Paid" status - you can actually check if your funds are available even before the physical card arrives (just use your SSN and the info from your EDD account). This won't speed up delivery but at least you'll know your money is safely loaded and waiting for you. Also, don't be afraid to explain the situation to your landlord - most understand unemployment payment delays and may work with you on timing. The waiting is absolutely the worst part, but you're almost there! Once you get it, definitely set up direct deposit immediately so you never have to go through this card waiting anxiety again.

Just to follow up on what everyone's saying - one important detail: make sure you continue to certify EVERY two weeks, even when you know you'll get $0 because of your earnings. If you stop certifying, your claim could go inactive and that creates a different set of problems. The system is designed to handle temporary work - that's why they ask about your earnings each week when you certify. And remember, if your benefit year is still active when your temp job ends (benefit years last for 12 months from the claim filing date), you can just resume certifying normally.

I've been through this exact situation twice in the past year, and here's what I learned: The key is being proactive with EDD communication. When you start your temp job, definitely continue certifying every two weeks and report all your earnings accurately. You'll get $0 payments during those weeks, but your claim stays active. What really helped me was calling EDD (I used the callback service someone mentioned - it's a lifesaver) and specifically telling them it's temporary work with a known end date. They made a note in my file, and when the job ended, I just resumed normal certification without any issues. The "new claim filing notice" you mentioned is normal - it's just their system checking if you might qualify for a higher benefit amount based on recent earnings. For most temp jobs, you won't have earned enough to actually establish a new claim, so you'll just continue with your existing one. One tip: Save any documentation about the temporary nature of your job (offer letter, contract, etc.) just in case you need it later. Better to have it and not need it than the other way around. Good luck with your new position!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - just received notification that my personal injury settlement from a workplace slip (not workers' comp, just regular premises liability) is coming through next month. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful! Based on what I'm seeing, the consensus seems to be: 1) Call EDD BEFORE you get the money, 2) Have all your settlement documentation ready, 3) Emphasize it's for physical injuries/medical bills not lost wages, 4) Get everything documented in your file, and 5) Ask for tier 2 rep if needed. One question for those who've been through this - did any of you have to deal with settlements that included a small portion for "lost wages" along with the medical/pain portions? My lawyer mentioned there might be a minor component for the few days I missed work due to the injury. Wondering if that changes how EDD handles it or if I need to separate that amount when reporting. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it's making this way less scary to navigate!

I went through something very similar with a $15k settlement from a motorcycle accident about 6 months ago. The anxiety about potentially losing UI benefits was real! Here's what I learned: Personal injury settlements for physical injuries absolutely should NOT affect your weekly UI benefits. The key is proper documentation and communication with EDD. I called them before depositing my check (thanks to advice I found online similar to what folks are sharing here) and spoke with a tier 2 rep who was very knowledgeable. What really helped my case: I had my lawyer prepare a detailed letter explaining that the settlement was specifically for medical expenses, pain/suffering, and property damage - NOT for lost wages or employment-related issues. When I called EDD, I read them this breakdown and they noted it in my file. When certifying, I reported it under "other income" with the note "PERSONAL INJURY SETTLEMENT - MEDICAL/PAIN&SUFFERING ONLY" and had zero issues. My $465/week benefit continued unchanged. The most important thing is being proactive and transparent. Don't let fear make you hide it - EDD will find out eventually and then you'll have bigger problems. Call them first, get proper documentation, and you should be fine. Your $13,500 settlement shouldn't touch your weekly benefits if handled correctly.