UPDATE: I tried the Claimyr service that was mentioned earlier, and I gotta say, it actually worked. Got connected to an EDD rep in about 45 minutes, and they updated my email on the spot. I was able to log in immediately after. Just wanted to follow up in case anyone else is dealing with this issue!

Pro tip for anyone else dealing with this - I had a similar situation last month and found out you can also try reaching out to your state assemblyperson's office! They often have dedicated EDD liaisons who can help expedite these kinds of account issues. I called my assemblyperson's constituent services and they were able to get my email updated within 2 business days. It's worth a shot if the other methods don't work out!

I'm sorry you're going through such a tough time finding work. Just wanted to add that while you're exploring all these options, don't forget to check if your local library or community college offers free job training programs or certifications. Many of them have partnerships with employers and can sometimes lead directly to job placement. Also, temp agencies might be worth trying - even short-term assignments could help you start building those qualifying wages everyone mentioned, plus give you recent work experience to put on your resume. Hang in there!

I went through a very similar situation about 8 months ago. After my benefit year ended with no new wages, I was devastated to get that $0 award letter. What helped me was getting connected with my local One-Stop Career Center (part of the America's Job Center network). They not only helped with job search strategies but also informed me about a program called WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) that provides training funds for eligible individuals who've been unemployed long-term. I was able to get certified in forklift operation and warehouse safety, which directly led to my current job. The whole process took about 6 weeks, and they even provided supportive services like gas cards for interviews. Definitely worth looking into - you can find your local center at careeronestop.org. Don't give up hope!

My claim took exactly 17 days from application to approval back in January. Be patient but definitely call if it goes past 3 weeks with no updates.

I'm going through the same anxiety right now! Filed my application about 2 weeks ago after getting laid off from my retail job and still waiting to hear back. From what I'm seeing in these responses, it sounds like the timeframe really varies - some people get approved in under 2 weeks while others wait over a month. I've been checking my UI Online account obsessively every day but so far just shows "Pending." At least we're not alone in this stressful waiting period! Fingers crossed we both hear back soon.

As someone who went through a similar short-term furlough situation last year, I wanted to share a few additional tips that helped me navigate the process smoothly. First, when you certify for benefits, be very clear about your furlough status - answer "yes" when asked if you're able and available for work, but make sure to note in any comment sections that you have a definite return date. Second, if you have any side income or do any freelance work during the furlough (which some people do to make ends meet), make sure to report it accurately when certifying. Even small amounts need to be reported and can affect your weekly benefit amount. Finally, consider setting up direct deposit if you haven't already - it can speed up payment processing once your claim is approved. The fact that your company was proactive about suggesting you file is a good sign that they'll cooperate fully with EDD if contacted for verification. Wishing you a smooth process!

One more thing to consider - if your company offers any kind of supplemental unemployment benefits (SUB pay) during the furlough, make sure you understand how that might affect your EDD claim. Some employers provide partial pay during furloughs, and you'll need to report this when certifying. Also, since your furlough is only one month, you might want to think about whether it's worth the administrative hassle versus just using savings if you have them. However, if this is unpaid time off due to no fault of your own, you've earned those unemployment benefits through your past work, so there's no shame in claiming them! The system exists for exactly these situations. Just make sure to stop certifying immediately when you return to work on April 10th, even if your claim is still active.

Just wanted to add that timing can be really important here. Make sure you apply for UI as soon as your PFL claim ends - don't wait weeks thinking about it because there could be gaps in coverage that affect your benefit year. Also, when they ask about your work search during certification, make sure you can show you've been actively looking since you became available again (not while you were still on PFL obviously). I've seen people get tripped up because they waited too long to transition between programs or couldn't prove they were genuinely available for work immediately after their caregiving responsibilities ended. Document everything and keep records of when your dad's new care arrangements started - that date is crucial for showing when you became available for employment again.

I went through almost the exact same transition about 6 months ago! One thing that really helped me was keeping a detailed journal of my caregiving situation and the transition period. When I had my eligibility interview, I was able to provide specific dates for when my father's condition changed, when we started looking for alternative care, and when the new arrangements were finalized. This documentation helped prove that I had a legitimate reason for leaving work initially and a clear timeline for when I became available again. Also, don't stress too much about the system showing "looks like you applied for family leave" - that's just their way of flagging that you have multiple claims in the system. The interviewer will walk through your situation step by step. Just remember to emphasize that your circumstances have changed and you're now fully available and actively seeking employment. They're used to handling these transitions, even though the process can feel overwhelming from your end!