If you must keep trying manually, avoid calling after 4pm any day. They seem to stop accepting new calls even though they're supposedly open until 5pm.

Reading through all these responses, it's clear the manual calling method is completely broken. I'm seeing success stories from multiple people who used Claimyr - getting through in 18-35 minutes versus the weeks we're all wasting with manual attempts. At this point I think I need to just accept that $20 is worth more than my sanity and the dozens of hours I've already lost. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, especially the timing tips about avoiding lunch hours and after 4pm. Going to try the automated service today.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! Finished a web development bootcamp and got approved for a React/Node.js specialization program. The whole process was pretty stressful but it worked out. Here's what I learned that might help you: **Documentation is EVERYTHING** - I created a folder with screenshots of job postings that specifically mentioned needing both general coding AND front-end framework skills. I also saved rejection emails from companies that said I was "close but needed more specialized experience." **Timing matters** - Submit your DE 8736 form at least 2 weeks before your current program ends if possible. Mine took 12 days to get approved, and I was sweating it because I only gave myself 10 days buffer. **The phone interview** - They called me to discuss my application (which I wasn't expecting). The EDD rep asked really specific questions about why I couldn't find work with my current skills and how the new program would change that. Having concrete examples ready made a huge difference. **Gap period survival** - I had a 1-week gap between programs where I had to go back to regular job search requirements. It wasn't fun but manageable if you stay organized. Now I'm working as a front-end developer making 40% more than the general web dev positions I was applying for before. The specialized training was 100% worth the hassle. You've got this! Your situation sounds very similar to mine and front-end specialization is definitely in demand right now.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I just finished a UX/UI design bootcamp last week and I'm looking at applying for a specialized user research certification program. Reading everyone's experiences gives me hope that it's possible to get approved for a second training. From what I've learned here, it sounds like the key is really demonstrating that clear skill gap between what your first program covered and what employers are actually looking for. In my case, I've had several interviews where they loved my design portfolio but said they needed someone with formal user research methodology training. I'm going to follow the advice here about starting the DE 8736 application early, documenting everything, and getting letters from instructors/employers about the skill gap. The tip about including job postings with salary ranges is brilliant too. Has anyone here specifically done design-related training programs back to back? I'm curious if EDD views creative fields differently than technical fields like coding when it comes to consecutive trainings. The job market for UX is pretty competitive right now and user research skills seem to be what sets candidates apart. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community is amazing for navigating the EDD maze!

UPDATE: Finally got my card today! Exactly 15 business days after my first payment was issued. For anyone else in this situation - hang in there! Calling Money Network directly was definitely more helpful than trying to reach EDD. They confirmed it had been mailed and gave me the exact date. Thanks everyone for your advice!

So glad you got your card! I'm actually in a similar situation right now - it's been 12 business days since my first payment was issued and still no card. Your post gives me hope that it's probably just the normal delays everyone's experiencing. Did you end up calling Money Network before it arrived, or did you just wait it out? I'm debating whether to call now or give it a few more days.

UPDATE: Finally got through to EDD this morning after using the Claimyr service someone recommended. The EDD rep was actually super helpful once I reached them! They've put a special flag on my account to revert to paper checks immediately AND they're sending an emergency payment for the disputed amount that should arrive in 5 days. I still have to deal with Money Network for the fraud investigation, but at least I won't be waiting weeks for rent money. Also filed all the complaints recommended and my assemblyperson's office called me back - they're sending an official inquiry to EDD's executive office about my case. Thanks everyone for all the advice - this community has been way more helpful than any official channels!

So glad to hear you got some resolution! This is exactly why I always tell people not to give up - EDD can actually be helpful when you finally reach the right person. The emergency payment option is something a lot of people don't know about. For anyone else reading this dealing with similar issues, Zainab's experience shows that persistence pays off. The combination of using multiple channels (Claimyr for EDD contact, assemblyperson involvement, CFPB complaints, and specific terminology with Money Network) is really the way to go. Keep us updated on how the final resolution goes with Money Network. Your case could help others who are going through this nightmare. Really hoping EDD finally switches to a more secure payment vendor - this has gone on way too long.

I work as a benefits specialist and can confirm what others have said - you're handling this correctly by asking these questions! The key points are: 1) Report ALL earnings regardless of state when you certify, 2) Your temporary stay in Florida (under 30 days) doesn't require an address change, 3) You remain "available for work" since you can return to CA if needed and have a definite return date. The fact that you're earning less than your regular construction wages means you'll likely still receive partial benefits. EDD's partial benefit formula is designed exactly for situations like yours where people take lower-paying temporary work while between jobs. Just be completely honest on your certifications and you'll be fine!

I've been through this exact scenario! Last year I was temporarily in Nevada while on CA unemployment and picked up some part-time work there. Here's what I learned from calling EDD multiple times: **YES, report all earnings** - Doesn't matter what state the work is in, you must report all hours and gross wages on your certification. **Address change** - For temporary stays under 30 days, you don't need to change your address with EDD. Since you're only there 5 more weeks, you're fine keeping your CA address. **The "available for work" requirement** - This was my biggest concern too. EDD told me as long as you can return to California within a reasonable time if offered suitable work (which you clearly can since you have a return date), you meet this requirement. **Partial benefits** - With only 15 hours at $14/hr, you'll likely still get partial unemployment benefits. At $210 gross per week, after EDD's partial benefit calculation, you should still receive a decent portion of your weekly benefit amount. The key is just being completely honest on your certifications. EDD actually expects this kind of situation with seasonal workers - they know people sometimes travel or take temporary work between seasons. Don't overthink it, just report accurately and you'll be fine until your construction job starts back up!