Wow, this thread is incredibly detailed and helpful! I'm currently experiencing the exact same issue - my Money Network card has been declining for the past week even though my balance shows over $1,400. After reading through everyone's experiences, it's clear that this "secondary identity verification hold" problem is way more widespread than it should be. I had no idea that Money Network reps literally can't see EDD-side security flags, which explains why I kept getting the "no restrictions on your account" runaround. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service to get through to EDD and use those specific phrases about "identity verification status" and "backend security flags" that multiple people mentioned. Grace, thank you so much for following up with your solution - without this thread I would have wasted weeks calling Money Network over and over. It's ridiculous that we have to become technical experts on their broken systems just to access our own benefits, but this community knowledge is absolutely invaluable. I'll report back once I try these methods!

I'm so grateful I found this thread! I've been dealing with the exact same Money Network nightmare for the past 4 days - card declining everywhere despite showing a $987 balance, and their customer service keeps giving me the same "no restrictions" nonsense. Reading through everyone's experiences has been eye-opening, especially learning about these "secondary identity verification holds" that Money Network reps apparently can't even see! I had no clue there were EDD-side flags that could block transactions without showing up in Money Network's system. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service tomorrow to bypass EDD's impossible phone system and ask specifically about "identity verification status" and "backend security flags" like everyone suggested. Grace, thank you SO much for following up with your solution - knowing exactly what to ask for when I call EDD is going to save me so much time and frustration. It's absolutely insane that we have to become technical experts on their broken systems just to access our own benefits, but this community support is incredible. I'll definitely update once I try these methods. Fingers crossed this gets resolved before my car payment is due on Friday!

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.

Thanks for sharing this! I was able to get through this morning using the 8:01 AM trick you suggested. They rescheduled my interview for next week and added a note to my file about the notification issue. The rep also recommended I opt into text notifications once the new system is implemented. Appreciate everyone's help here!

That's amazing news that you got through and resolved it! For anyone else dealing with this same issue, I'd also recommend keeping screenshots of your UI Online account showing no interview notifications and saving any confirmation emails you get about the rescheduled interview. EDD's system has been known to have recurring glitches, so having that documentation could save you time if this happens again. Really glad this community was able to help you navigate such a frustrating situation!

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!

Just a quick update for everyone - I checked the EDD website and they've posted a notice saying that payments will be processed as normal but banking transfers will be delayed by one business day due to the federal holiday. So if you normally get paid Monday, expect Tuesday. If you normally get Tuesday, expect Wednesday, etc. You can always check your UI Online account to see if the payment shows as "paid" which means it's been approved and is just waiting for the bank transfer.

I've been through this situation multiple times and here's what I've learned: MLK Day is a federal holiday so banking systems are closed, which means any EDD payments that would normally deposit on Monday will be delayed until Tuesday. The good news is that EDD still processes your certification on Sunday night as usual - it's just the actual money transfer that gets pushed back a day. I always plan for this during holiday weeks and let my landlord know ahead of time. Better to give them a heads up than deal with late fees!