Congratulations Dominique! That's such great news and what a relief that must be. Your story gives me hope - I'm dealing with a similar situation where EDD says I have an old claim from 2020 that's interfering with my new filing. I've been waiting 6 weeks now with no updates. Did you have to provide any specific documentation about your COVID-era claim during the interview, or did they already have all the information they needed in their system?

This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar boat - filed 6 weeks ago and just found out there's an issue with an old claim from 2021 that was never properly closed. Reading through everyone's experiences here really helps calm my nerves about the whole process. It's crazy how many people are dealing with these overlapping claim issues from the pandemic years. Sounds like as long as you're honest during the interview and have your employment documentation ready, things usually work out. Thanks for sharing your journey Dominique - really gives the rest of us hope!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stressful situation! I just wanted to add that you might want to document everything about your termination while it's still fresh in your memory. Write down exactly what your manager said, the date and time of the conversation, and any witnesses who were present. Also, if you received any emails about your performance or the termination, make sure to save those. Even if your manager seemed understanding, sometimes HR departments or upper management can change the story when they respond to EDD. Having your own clear record of what happened will help you stay consistent during the interview. One thing I learned from my own experience - they might ask you about your availability to work and any limitations you have. Make sure you're clear that you're ready and able to work full-time, actively looking for jobs, and have no restrictions that would prevent you from accepting suitable employment. The waiting is absolutely horrible, but based on what you've shared about your situation, this really sounds like a standard performance-related termination that shouldn't disqualify you from benefits. You're being smart by preparing thoroughly!

I'm going through almost the exact same thing right now! Filed on March 22nd after being let go for "performance reasons" and my eligibility interview isn't until April 8th. Like you, I can't certify for ANY weeks and it's driving me crazy. One thing that's helped me stay sane during this waiting period is setting up a daily routine of job searching and keeping detailed records of applications. Not only does it help with the anxiety of not having income coming in, but I know they'll ask about job search efforts during the interview. Also wanted to mention - if you're in a really tight spot financially, check if your utility companies have hardship programs. PG&E and other utilities often have emergency assistance for people waiting on unemployment benefits. It's not much but every little bit helps when you're stretching every dollar. The whole system really does seem designed to make people give up, but reading through all these responses gives me hope that it actually works out for people with legitimate claims like ours. Hang in there - we've got this! 🤞

To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

I had a similar issue trying to reach PFL. What worked for me was calling the SDI number (1-800-480-3287) that Katie mentioned, but I had to call right when they opened at 8 AM to get through. The wait times are brutal, but early morning seems to be your best bet. Also, make sure you have all your documents ready before calling since they'll ask for a lot of information to verify your claim.

I'm dealing with the same anxiety right now! My first EDD direct deposit shows "paid" since Wednesday but still nothing in my Chase account as of today (Friday). Reading all these comments has been such a relief - I had no idea this 3-5 day delay for first-time deposits was so common. I was starting to think I messed up my banking info or something! It's frustrating that EDD doesn't give you a heads up about this delay when you switch from the debit card. At least now I know this is normal and not to panic until it's been a full week. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is a lifesaver when you're navigating all this unemployment stuff for the first time!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm new to this community and currently going through my first EDD direct deposit experience too. It's been 3 business days since my payment showed "paid" and I was starting to get really anxious about it. Reading everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring - it sounds like this 3-5 day delay for first-time direct deposits is completely normal, even though EDD doesn't warn you about it anywhere. I wish they would just add a simple note on their website explaining this! It would save so many people from the stress and worry. I'm going to wait until Monday before getting concerned, and I'll definitely set up those text alerts with my bank that someone mentioned. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - this community is amazing for helping newcomers navigate all the confusing parts of the unemployment process!

I've been struggling with my PFL application too. Has anyone had success getting through to an actual person recently? The wait times seem incredibly long and I keep getting disconnected. Also wondering if there are any specific documents I should have ready before calling to make the process smoother once I do get through.

As someone who's been through the PFL process, I'd recommend having these documents ready before calling: 1) Your Social Security card or number, 2) Birth certificate of the family member you're caring for (if applicable), 3) Medical certification forms from the doctor, 4) Your employment information including employer's name and address, and 5) Banking information for direct deposit setup. Also, try calling right when they open at 8 AM - I had better luck getting through then. The automated system Katie mentioned really does work if you follow those exact steps. Good luck everyone!