Thank you all SO MUCH for this advice! I'm feeling a lot better about the appointment now. I'm going to spend the weekend organizing my work search records as best I can and making sure my resume is updated. I'll make sure my camera is working too! It sounds like as long as I'm honest and can show I've been legitimately looking for work (which I have been!), it should go smoothly. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to share your experiences!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been through a few of these over the years - they really aren't trying to trick you or catch you in lies. The staff conducting RESEA appointments are usually pretty understanding that people's record-keeping isn't always perfect, especially when you're dealing with the stress of unemployment. One tip I'd add: if you've been using job search websites like Indeed or LinkedIn, you can often go back into your account and see your application history. This can help fill in gaps in your records if you're missing dates or company names. Also, don't forget to count networking activities - reaching out to contacts on LinkedIn, attending virtual job fairs, or even calling companies directly all count as valid work search activities. The appointment really is more about making sure you have the resources you need to get back to work. They might suggest job training programs or other services that could actually be helpful. Just be genuine about your efforts and you'll do great!

Just wanted to add my experience since I went through this exact situation last month! I was laid off in March after only 3 months at a new job, and like many of you, I was torn between reopening my old claim vs filing new. What helped me decide was actually logging into UI Online first and checking my claim summary - it showed my remaining balance ($2,800) and my current weekly benefit amount ($340). Then I calculated what my new job earnings would potentially give me using the EDD benefit calculator online (roughly $425/week based on my higher salary). The math made it pretty clear that filing new was worth it despite the processing delay. I used the early morning calling strategy (started dialing at 7:58am) and got through on my 4th attempt. The rep confirmed my calculations and helped me file the new claim right over the phone. One tip that saved me time: have all your employment documentation ready before you call - last day worked, reason for separation, gross wages for each quarter, etc. The rep was able to process everything in about 25 minutes because I had all the info handy. My new claim was approved in exactly 2 weeks and I started receiving the higher payments. Definitely worth speaking with a rep first, but don't be afraid to file new if the numbers clearly favor it!

Reading through this whole thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I'm in a very similar boat - got laid off from a tech startup after just 4 months, and I had about $3,200 left on my previous claim from when I was unemployed last summer. Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like the decision really comes down to doing the math on your potential weekly benefit amounts. My previous job paid $65k and my recent one was $78k, so filing new would probably give me a higher weekly amount, but I'm worried about the 2-3 week processing delay since I've got bills coming up. @Heather Tyson - thanks for starting this discussion and keeping us updated! Your situation helped me realize I'm not alone in this confusing process. @Andre Dupont - your tip about having all the documentation ready before calling is clutch. I'm going to gather everything tonight and try the early morning calling strategy tomorrow. One thing I'm curious about - for those who filed new claims, did you have to do the whole identity verification process again, or was that streamlined since you already had an EDD account? Trying to factor in any additional delays beyond the standard 2-3 week processing time.

The EDD appeal system is COMPLETELY BROKEN!!! I had to wait EIGHT WEEKS for my decision and then when I finally got it they STILL messed up my payments. Had to call literally 57 times before I got through to someone who could fix it. The entire process is designed to make people give up!!!

Update: I just got my appeal decision in the mail today - only 16 days after the hearing! The judge ruled in my favor!! So relieved right now. Thanks everyone for the information and support. Now I'm waiting to see how long it takes for my UI Online account to update so I can certify for all those back weeks.

UI (Unemployment Insurance) is the regular unemployment program. I was just emphasizing that she needs to make sure she's applying for UI specifically and not conflating it with other EDD programs like SDI or PFL, which she's already used. Since her situation involves a voluntary quit with mitigating circumstances, I wanted to make sure she understood she's still applying for regular UI but will need to clearly explain her good cause reason during the eligibility determination process.

As someone who went through a similar situation, I wanted to add that when you have your eligibility interview, be prepared to explain your husband's work schedule in detail. EDD needs to understand that your childcare situation isn't just about cost, but also about availability. The fact that your husband works 4pm-1am and you worked 8am-5pm shows there was literally no overlap for childcare coverage. Also, I'd recommend calling around to a few more daycares if possible and documenting those calls too. The more evidence you have of genuinely trying to find affordable, available childcare that fits your schedule, the stronger your case will be. Even if they're all booked or too expensive, having that documentation shows you exhausted your options before resigning. One last tip: if you do get denied initially, don't give up. The appeals process exists for situations exactly like yours where there are legitimate extenuating circumstances. Good luck!

Congrats on getting your card! For anyone else waiting, I just wanted to add that you can also check your local post office if you're really anxious about delivery timing. I had mine held at the post office for pickup when I was worried about mail theft in my area. Just call your local branch and ask if they can hold mail from Money Network - they were super helpful when I explained it was my unemployment card.

I applied and had a phone call on 12/02 and was approved. My first payment was issued on 12/03, today is the 16th and I still have yet to receive my card. I'm praying it arrives today because I have some bills I need to cover. I'm thinking it's taken so long because of the volume of people applying as well as the USPS being busy during this season. I hope you get yours asap but just so you have reference , it will be 12 business days as of today that I've waited. Please Lord 😭