I went through almost the exact same situation in late 2024! Got hit with penalty weeks for "misreporting" my part-time hours (it was honestly just confusion about how to report tips vs wages) and EDD initially refused to backdate my claim. Here's what finally worked: I had to escalate beyond the regular phone reps. My local legal aid society helped me draft a formal complaint that referenced specific EDD policies about backdating. The key was citing EDD Directive PL 15-01 which outlines when backdating is required for "good cause." Within 2 weeks of submitting that formal complaint through their appeals process, they not only approved my backdate request but also reduced my penalty from 12 weeks to 6 weeks after reviewing all my documentation. The breakthrough moment was when I got connected to an actual claims specialist (not just a phone rep) who understood that backdating and penalty weeks are completely separate issues that can coexist. Most phone reps seem to think you can't have both, which is totally wrong. Don't give up! The system is confusing and the reps often give incorrect information, but there are people there who know the actual policies. Your assemblywoman's office should definitely push back - EDD does this kind of backdating all the time once you get to the right person.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in week 8 of penalty weeks for what was basically a paperwork error on my part (didn't report a small consulting payment correctly), and EDD initially told me backdating "wasn't possible" with active penalties. After reading everyone's experiences here, I submitted a formal backdate request through UI Online yesterday, making sure to keep it completely separate from my penalty appeal. I referenced EDD Directive PL 15-01 that Kelsey mentioned and cited "good cause" due to confusion about eligibility requirements as a first-time filer. One thing I want to add for anyone else in this situation: I also reached out to my local One-Stop Career Center, and they have an EDD liaison who can sometimes help escalate these cases. The counselor there told me she's seen this exact scenario resolved successfully multiple times in the past few months. CosmicCommander, definitely push your assemblywoman's office to reference the specific policies people have mentioned here - especially the Field Office Manual "BDC 5" guideline and California UI Code Section 1253(c). Having those concrete policy references seems to make a huge difference in getting EDD to take the request seriously. Fingers crossed for both of us! Will update if I hear back on my backdate request.

Just wanted to share another resource that might help - if you're struggling to get through to EDD by phone, you can also try their online Ask EDD feature or contact your local Assembly member's office. Sometimes constituent services can help expedite things when you're dealing with benefit deadlines. Also, while you're waiting on the CTB application, don't forget to keep certifying for your remaining weeks and maintaining your job search activities. I know it feels pointless when you're planning to go into training, but you want to keep everything current until you get that approval. One more thing - if the IT certification doesn't work out for any reason, I've seen people get approved for CTB with trade programs too (welding, HVAC, etc.). The key is making sure whatever you choose is on that ETPL list and leads to in-demand jobs in your area. Hang in there! It sounds like you have a solid plan and you're taking all the right steps. The fact that you're being proactive about this with 4 weeks left puts you in a much better position than people who wait until the last minute.

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now and this thread has been a lifesaver! My benefits are ending in about 3 weeks and I've been panicking. The CTB program sounds like exactly what I need - I had no idea it existed. @Kaitlyn Jenkins - really appreciate you sharing your experience calling EDD and getting concrete answers. That gives me hope that I can get through too. The 12-week IT certification sounds like a smart move. I'm curious though - for anyone who's gone through the CTB application process, do you know if there are any income or asset limits? I have a small savings account (maybe $2000) that I've been trying not to touch, but I'm worried that might disqualify me somehow. Also wondering if the training program has to be full-time or if part-time programs are eligible too? The job market has been absolutely brutal. I've been out of work since August and despite applying everywhere, I'm not getting anywhere. At least with CTB I could be learning new skills while still getting some income. This thread has given me the first bit of hope I've had in weeks!

Just wanted to add my experience since I went through something very similar last year. I was laid off from my retail management job and did DoorDash for about 6 weeks before applying for unemployment. The key thing is being completely transparent when you file - I put all the gig work info right in my initial application and it actually made the process smoother. One thing I wish someone had told me: keep detailed records of everything! Screenshot your gig app earnings summaries, save your delivery receipts, etc. EDD asked me for proof of my gig work ending (which sounds weird but they wanted to verify I wasn't still working). Since the apps sometimes glitch or delete old data, having your own records is crucial. Also, don't stress too much about the timing. The EDD rep I spoke with said lots of people try gig work after layoffs - it doesn't hurt your eligibility at all. You're doing exactly what you should be doing by filing now. Best of luck with your claim!

Adding to what others have said - I'm currently going through this exact situation! Got laid off from my office job in January, did Uber/Lyft for about 10 weeks, then the gig work basically disappeared. Filed for unemployment last week and the EDD rep was super helpful when I called (surprisingly got through on my second try). A few things that might help: - When you certify for those weeks you did gig work, you'll need the gross amount BEFORE the apps took their commission/fees - They asked me for a letter or email from my W-2 employer confirming the layoff date and reason - For the gig work ending, I just explained it in the weekly certification - didn't need special documentation The rep told me that since my layoff was involuntary and the gig work was just temporary income while looking for full-time work, it doesn't affect my eligibility at all. Actually might work in your favor since it shows you were actively trying to support yourself! Hope this helps ease some of your stress.

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know our card arrived today! It took exactly 9 business days from when the payment showed as 'paid' in the system. Everything was correct and the full amount was on the card. We've already set up direct deposit for future payments through the Money Network website. Thanks to everyone for your helpful advice and support!

Congrats on getting your card! That 9-day timeline matches what I experienced too. For anyone still waiting, one thing I wish I'd known is that you can actually call Money Network and ask them to send you a text notification when your card ships - they don't advertise this feature but it's available. Just call 866-692-9374 and ask them to add SMS alerts to your account. It would have saved me a lot of stress checking the mailbox every day! Also, once you activate the card, download their app right away - it's way easier to manage than the website.

Ugh, I've been there. The EDD system is a nightmare. Here's what you need to do: 1. Call them ASAP. Don't worry about giving your SSN - it's standard procedure. 2. Ask them to resend the form or submit it online if possible. 3. Keep a record of who you talked to and when. 4. Follow up relentlessly until it's resolved. Good luck, and don't give up!

I had the exact same issue last month! The continued claim certificate never showed up in my mail or online account. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Call the SDI line directly (not the UI line) - they have separate phone systems 2. When you get through, explain that you never received the form and your payments stopped 3. They can email you a link to submit it online or mail a new one immediately 4. Ask them to note in your file that there was a delivery issue so your payments can be backdated The wait times suck, but don't let that stop you from calling. You earned those benefits! Also, definitely don't worry about giving your SSN - they need it to verify your identity and access your claim. Just make sure you're calling the official number from the EDD website. Hang in there - you'll get this sorted out! 💪