I went through almost the exact same thing in 2023! Got hired at a small consulting firm, worked there for 6 days, then they said I wasn't "meshing well with the team dynamics." No specific feedback, no chance to improve, just boom - out the door. I was also worried about reopening my claim since the job was so short, but it turned out to be no big deal. EDD actually sees this kind of thing a lot, especially with companies that have probationary periods. When they called me for the interview, the agent said something like "Oh, another 'not a good fit' case" - so you're definitely not alone in this situation. One tip I'd add to all the great advice here: when you restart your job search, consider looking for companies that have longer training periods or clearer onboarding processes. Sometimes these quick dismissals happen because the company doesn't have a good system for integrating new employees. You deserve better than being thrown in the deep end and then blamed for drowning. Keep your head up - you'll find something better! And hey, at least you only wasted a week of your time instead of months at a place that clearly doesn't value their employees.

I'm so sorry you're going through this! What a terrible way to start the year. I actually work in HR and can tell you that letting someone go for "not being a good fit" after just one week is unfortunately more common than it should be - and it's rarely about the employee's actual performance. From an unemployment perspective, you should be fine. This type of separation during what's essentially a probationary period typically doesn't count as misconduct. The key is being honest about the circumstances when you reopen your claim. One thing I'd suggest for your future job searches: during interviews, ask specific questions about their onboarding process and how they support new employees in their first 30-60-90 days. A good employer should have a structured plan for integrating new hires. If they seem vague or dismissive about this, that's a red flag. Also, don't take this personally. Companies that make snap judgments like this often have deeper cultural or management issues. You dodged a bullet - better to find out in one week than after months of working in a toxic environment. Hang in there, and definitely reopen that claim ASAP!

I was in this exact situation and was terrified about making the call! I waited almost 10 months to file because I had no idea that freelancers and independent contractors could qualify for unemployment benefits. When I finally spoke with an EDD representative, I just told them the truth - that I genuinely believed unemployment was only for traditional employees who got laid off or fired, and I didn't learn about PUA and the expanded eligibility until a friend mentioned it to me. The rep was actually really patient and understanding about it. She said they've processed thousands of claims from people who were in the same boat, especially during the early months of the pandemic when information about the new programs wasn't widely known. My advice is to be straightforward about not knowing you qualified rather than trying to come up with any other explanation. They really do understand that there was massive confusion about who could apply for what benefits during that time.

I'm going through this same situation right now and it's such a relief to read all these responses! I'm a gig worker who had no idea I could qualify for unemployment benefits until my sister told me about PUA earlier this year. I kept putting off filing because I was worried EDD would think I was trying to take advantage of the system by waiting so long. But seeing that so many people were in the exact same boat makes me feel much better about being honest when I call. The pandemic really created so much confusion about eligibility - I always thought unemployment was just for people with traditional W-2 jobs who got laid off. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and advice about just being straightforward with EDD about not knowing we qualified!

btw did u try calling the identity verification department directly instead of the main edd number? sometimes they can help faster with these specific issues. their number is different from the regular edd line

Update from original poster? For anyone else facing this issue in the future, here's the correct process: 1. Identity verification is handled through ID.me and then processed by EDD 2. Once identity is verified, EDD must send a separate "release authorization" to Money Network 3. This release must be processed by a Tier 2 specialist at EDD 4. Money Network then takes 3-5 business days to process the release 5. You should receive an email notification when your card is unfrozen The most common mistake people make is assuming that once ID verification is complete, the card will automatically be unfrozen. These are actually two separate processes that must both be completed.

I just wanted to share my recent experience to give you some reassurance! I got my EDD claim approved 2 weeks ago and was in the exact same panic mode about when my Money Network card would arrive. Mine ended up taking exactly 8 business days from when my payment showed "paid" status. I'm in the Bay Area for reference. The envelope really is super plain looking - almost threw it away thinking it was some random bank marketing mail! Once I activated it online, all my back payments were available immediately. The worst part is definitely the waiting and not knowing, but based on everyone's experiences here, you should be getting yours any day now. Hang in there!

I'm literally going through this exact same situation right now! Got approved 6 days ago and have been refreshing my UI Online account constantly to see if anything changes. It's such a relief to read everyone's experiences here - sounds like most people get their cards within 7-10 business days, so I'm trying to stay patient. Already signed up for that USPS Informed Delivery service someone mentioned, which is brilliant! At least now I can see what's coming in my mail each day instead of just hoping. The anxiety is so real when you have rent and bills coming up. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines - it really helps to know this waiting period is totally normal even though it feels endless when you're living it!

To summarize the correct information for anyone else who finds this thread: 1) Report jury duty pay during the week you perform the service 2) Only the daily stipend ($15/day typically) counts as income - NOT mileage reimbursement 3) The amount will reduce your weekly benefit by whatever you earn over $25 4) Report it even if you're just there for selection and don't get picked 5) Keep documentation of your jury service dates in case EDD asks for verification later

One thing I wanted to add that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you end up serving on a longer trial (like a week or more), some courts pay a higher daily rate after the first few days. For example, in some CA counties it goes up to $40/day after day 10. Just make sure to report whatever amount you actually receive each day. Also, if your jury service gets you dismissed early in the day, you're still entitled to the full daily payment, so report the full amount even if you only served a few hours that day.