I'm in a very similar boat - my benefits run out in about 3 weeks and I've been stressed about it for weeks now. Reading through everyone's responses has been both sobering and helpful. It's frustrating that there's no safety net beyond the 26 weeks, especially when the job market feels so competitive right now. I've been primarily looking in my field (marketing) but I think I need to follow the advice here and start applying more broadly. @Ava Johnson your story about taking the grocery store job gives me hope - I've been worried about being seen as overqualified but you're right that any income is better than none. And @Leo McDonald thanks for breaking down the earnings requirements so clearly. It's good to know that even part-time work could help me qualify for a new claim down the road if needed. Has anyone had experience with those apps like Indeed Flex or similar gig work platforms? Wondering if that type of work would count toward the qualifying wages or if it needs to be traditional W-2 employment.

Hey Vincent, I was in almost exactly your situation about 6 months ago - benefits ending, job search going nowhere, and that same panic setting in. I know it feels overwhelming right now, but there are a few things that helped me get through it: 1. Apply EVERYWHERE, not just in your field. I ended up taking a part-time job at a local warehouse that I found through a temp agency. It wasn't what I wanted, but it kept money coming in and helped me build those qualifying wages for a potential future claim. 2. Don't overlook smaller local businesses - they often have less competition than the big companies everyone applies to. I found my warehouse job by literally walking into places and asking if they were hiring. 3. Look into your local food bank and other assistance programs NOW before your benefits end. There's no shame in using these resources - that's what they're there for. The hardest part is accepting that this might take longer than you hoped, but it's not permanent. You mentioned retail is brutal right now - have you considered expanding to grocery stores, pharmacies, or even cleaning services? These seem to have more consistent openings than traditional retail. Hang in there - you'll get through this even though it doesn't feel like it right now.

I'm going through something very similar right now! My account got flagged three days ago with the same "potential fraud" message, and I've been panicking about what to do. Reading through everyone's experiences here is honestly the first time I've felt hopeful that this might actually get resolved. It sounds like the automated system is just way too sensitive and flags people for totally normal things like using a different device or location. I haven't received a check yet, but based on what everyone's saying, I'm going to keep trying to get through to EDD and not worry so much about it being some kind of trap. This thread should be required reading for anyone dealing with EDD issues - you guys have been more helpful than any official EDD resource I've found online!

Just wanted to jump in here as someone who's been helping folks navigate EDD issues for a while. What you're experiencing is unfortunately very common - EDD's fraud detection system has become incredibly sensitive since the pandemic and flags accounts for things that seem completely normal to users. The good news is that receiving a check while your account is flagged is actually a positive sign - it means your eligibility for those weeks was verified and the payment is legitimate. You can safely deposit it. For getting your account unlocked, I'd recommend trying the 8AM calling strategy others mentioned, but also consider reaching out to your state assembly member's office. They often have dedicated staff who can help with EDD issues and sometimes get faster responses than calling directly. Many people don't know this is an option, but it's completely free and legitimate. Also, once you get this resolved, definitely stick to certifying from the same device and location going forward. Their system really doesn't handle changes well, even though that's not clearly communicated to claimants anywhere. Hang in there - this will get sorted out!

Just wanted to add one more thing that might be helpful - when you're filling out the initial application and it asks about other income sources, make sure to keep documentation of your Social Security survivor benefits (like your award letter or recent statements). Even though they won't reduce your unemployment benefits, EDD sometimes asks for verification of reported income sources during the review process. Having that paperwork ready can help avoid delays in processing your claim. Good luck with your application!

I've been through a similar situation with survivor benefits and unemployment. One thing to keep in mind is that while California doesn't reduce your UI benefits for Social Security, some people get confused because the federal tax implications can be different. Your unemployment benefits are fully taxable, but only a portion of your Social Security survivor benefits may be taxable depending on your total income. Just something to consider when planning for tax season - you might want to have taxes withheld from your unemployment payments if you're not already doing that. The EDD website has a form you can submit to have taxes automatically deducted if you prefer.

I went through something similar when I was working part-time at a grocery store last year. The EDD formula can be really harsh when you're right at that threshold. What helped me was keeping detailed records of my hours and earnings each week so I could predict when I might qualify for benefits. Also, even though you didn't qualify that particular week, make sure you're still reporting your earnings accurately when you certify - being honest about your wages is super important even if it means getting $0 that week. The system is frustrating but at least now you know exactly where the cutoff is for your situation.

I'm dealing with a similar situation at my job right now! It's so frustrating when you're clearly earning less than normal but still just over that threshold. One thing I learned is that you should definitely appeal if you think EDD made an error in calculating your earnings - sometimes they miscalculate wages or don't account for things properly. But from what you're describing, it sounds like they calculated it correctly, just that the formula isn't very forgiving for people in our situation. Keep your head up and definitely keep certifying like others said - if your hours drop even a little bit more you'll start getting some benefits. The whole system really doesn't account for how expensive it is to live in California!

I actually had this exact same situation happen to me a few months ago! Don't stress too much about it - EDD is used to handling these kinds of mistakes. When I called, they were able to reverse the incorrect certification and adjust my claim without any penalties. The key is to call as soon as possible and be completely honest about what happened. I'd recommend calling first thing in the morning (like 8 AM sharp) to have the best chance of getting through. Also, have your claim details ready and write down exactly what you want to say before you call. It took about 15 minutes once I actually got someone on the line, and they fixed it right away. You got this! 💪

Hey Carmen! I totally understand the panic - I made a similar mistake about 6 months ago and was terrified I'd lose my benefits. The good news is that EDD actually handles these certification errors pretty routinely. When I called (took about 3 tries to get through), the rep was super understanding and fixed it within one billing cycle. Just make sure to explain exactly what happened and which week you accidentally certified for. They might put a temporary hold on payments while they sort it out, but that's normal. Also, if you happen to receive any payment for that incorrect week, don't touch the money - they'll likely ask you to return it or they'll just deduct it from future payments. You're being proactive by asking for help, which is exactly the right approach! 👍