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Just wanted to add my experience with the new PIN system - I actually found it pretty straightforward once I figured out the timing. What really helped me was calling around 2:30 PM on Thursdays. Seems like most people don't think to call in the afternoon, so the wait times are way shorter. Also, make sure you have your PIN memorized or written down clearly because the automated system is pretty sensitive - if you mess up the PIN entry, it kicks you out and you have to start over. One more tip: if you're calling about SDI specifically, make sure you're using the SDI line (1-800-480-3287) and not the regular UI line. Saved me hours of frustration when I realized I was calling the wrong department. The new system isn't perfect but it's definitely more organized than the old one. Good luck everyone! 🍀
This is super helpful! The Thursday afternoon timing tip is something I haven't seen mentioned before. I've been banging my head against the wall trying to get through on Monday mornings. Also really appreciate the clarification about the different phone lines - I had no idea there were separate numbers for SDI vs regular UI. Definitely going to try the 2:30 PM Thursday slot next week. Thanks for taking the time to share all these details! 🙏
Just wanted to share my recent experience with the new PIN system since I finally got through yesterday! After reading all these tips, I tried calling on a Wednesday at 1:45 PM and got connected in about 15 minutes - way better than my previous attempts. The PIN system definitely takes some getting used to, but here's what I learned: make sure you enter it slowly and clearly because the system is pretty picky. Also, have your Social Security number ready right after the PIN because they ask for it immediately. One thing I noticed is that if you hear a brief pause after entering your PIN, don't hang up - that's normal and it means the system is processing. Overall, while the new system adds an extra step, it does seem to streamline things once you're actually connected to an agent. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice in this thread! 🙌
As someone who just went through this transition from Marine Corps active duty to reserves about 6 months ago, I can definitely relate to your concerns! The anxiety about getting it wrong is real - I spent weeks worrying about it before my first certification. Here's what worked for me: I kept a simple spreadsheet tracking my drill dates and when I actually received payment. This made certification much easier because I could quickly reference exactly when money hit my account. Also, don't forget that drill pay usually comes in two parts - your base pay and any special pays - and they might arrive on different dates. One more tip: if you're doing online job applications while collecting benefits, keep screenshots of those too. EDD sometimes asks for proof that you're actively seeking work, and having that documentation ready can save you headaches later. The transition period is tough enough without stressing about benefits. You're asking all the right questions upfront, which puts you way ahead of where I was. Thank you for your service, and best of luck with both the reserves and finding civilian employment!
This spreadsheet idea is genius! I'm definitely going to set that up before my first drill. You're right about the stress - I keep second-guessing myself on every little detail. The tip about drill pay coming in multiple parts is something I hadn't considered either. My recruiter mentioned something about base pay vs drill pay but I didn't think about them potentially arriving on different dates. That could really complicate the reporting if I'm not tracking it properly. Thanks for the encouragement and the practical advice - it's so helpful to hear from people who've actually been through this process successfully!
Hey Keisha! Former Army National Guard here - went through a similar transition a couple years back. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is to make sure you understand the difference between your "battle assembly" weekends (regular drill) and any additional duty days you might pick up. Sometimes units offer extra training opportunities or make-up drills that pay differently and might affect your benefits timeline. Also, when you do start working with civilians who don't understand military schedules, be prepared to explain why you're unavailable one weekend per month. I had a few interviews where employers seemed confused about reserve commitments. Having your drill schedule upfront can actually work in your favor - shows you're organized and committed. The EDD reporting is definitely the trickiest part, but you're smart to get it right from the start. Keep all your military documents organized in one place - LES statements, orders, training certificates, everything. EDD audits can happen months later and having that paper trail ready makes all the difference. Hang in there - the transition gets easier once you find your rhythm with both civilian work and reserve duties. Thank you for your service!
This is such great advice about the different types of drill pay! I hadn't even thought about make-up drills or additional training days potentially having different reporting requirements. My unit mentioned there might be some extra training opportunities coming up, so I'll definitely need to ask about how those are paid compared to regular battle assemblies. The point about being upfront with potential employers about reserve commitments is really smart too - I was actually wondering how to handle that in interviews without it seeming like a negative. Framing it as showing organization and commitment is a much better approach than apologetically mentioning it. Thanks for the reminder about keeping all military docs organized - I've been pretty good about that during active duty but I can see how it becomes even more important during this transition period when dealing with multiple pay systems and benefit requirements.
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!
This is exactly what I needed to hear! I'm also in the Bay Area so 8 business days gives me a good timeline to expect. It's so helpful to know that all the back payments were available immediately after activation - I was wondering about that part too. The description of the plain envelope is super helpful since I've been paranoid about accidentally tossing important mail. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience, it really helps calm the nerves when you're in the thick of waiting and worrying about bills!
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!
I work in IT and had to help my brother with this exact issue. The CUIAB site has SSL certificate issues with some browsers. Try using your phone instead of computer. For some reason the mobile version works better. Also check your account activation email - sometimes the initial login link needs to be clicked before you can use your credentials (even after password resets).
That's awesome that it worked! @Emma Davis I m'so glad you got your documents uploaded in time. Mobile sites are often more stripped down and have fewer compatibility issues. Good luck with your hearing!
This is such great news Emma! I'm dealing with a similar portal issue right now and was getting so stressed. Knowing the mobile version works gives me hope. @CosmicCrusader thanks for sharing that IT knowledge - you probably just saved a lot of people from major headaches!
I'm so glad to see this got resolved! @Emma Davis your experience highlights a really common issue with government websites - they often have compatibility problems with desktop browsers but work fine on mobile. For anyone else reading this thread who might face similar issues, here's a quick checklist: 1. Try mobile first (as @CosmicCrusader suggested) 2. Check spam folder for activation emails 3. Create simple usernames without special characters 4. Clear cache/cookies completely 5. Try different browsers 6. Use the email backup option if all else fails It's frustrating that we have to jump through so many hoops just to access services we're entitled to, but at least there are workarounds. Thanks to everyone who shared their solutions - this thread is going to help a lot of people!
Natalie Wang
I'm going through a similar situation right now - my hearing is scheduled for next month and I'm also dealing with a misconduct claim that's completely false. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful and reassuring. One question I have is about the phone setup - do they call you or do you need to call in to a specific number? I'm worried about technical issues or missing the call somehow. Also, has anyone had experience with the judge rescheduling if there are connection problems? It's encouraging to see so many people successfully navigate this process, especially when employers don't show up. I'm definitely going to follow the advice here about preparing a timeline and gathering all my documentation. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it really helps to know what to expect!
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Keisha Thompson
•For the phone setup, you'll receive a notice with specific call-in instructions - typically you call a number at your scheduled time and provide a hearing ID or case number. I'd recommend calling about 5 minutes early like someone mentioned earlier. If there are technical issues, the judge can usually reschedule, but they prefer you try to resolve connection problems first. Make sure you're in a quiet place with good cell service or use a landline if possible. The judges are pretty understanding about minor technical hiccups, but don't wait until the last minute to call in. Having all your documentation organized beforehand really does help with confidence during the call!
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AstroAlpha
I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago! My employer claimed I was fired for performance issues when I was actually laid off due to company downsizing. They didn't show up to my phone hearing, which definitely helped my case. Here's what I learned: Even though your employer not showing up is a good sign, you still need to be fully prepared. The judge will have whatever initial documentation your employer submitted to EDD, so don't assume it's an automatic win. Make sure you have your termination letter mentioning "department restructuring" ready to reference, and practice explaining the timeline clearly. The judge asked me very specific questions like "What exactly did your supervisor tell you when you were terminated?" and "Did you receive any prior warnings about performance?" My hearing lasted about 30 minutes, and the judge was very professional and fair. I received my decision letter 9 days later - approved with full backpay of over $4,200. One practical tip: Test your phone connection beforehand and make sure you're somewhere quiet. I used my landline instead of my cell phone to avoid any connection issues. You've got this - just stay calm and stick to the facts!
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Drake
•This is such great advice, especially about testing the phone connection beforehand! I hadn't thought about using a landline instead of my cell phone - that's really smart. Your experience with getting $4,200 in backpay gives me hope that this whole stressful process will be worth it in the end. I'm definitely going to practice answering those specific questions you mentioned about what my supervisor told me and whether I had any prior warnings. It sounds like being prepared with clear, factual answers is key even when the employer doesn't show up. Thanks for sharing such detailed information about your experience!
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