I just want to echo what everyone else has said - that eligibility questionnaire is completely standard and not a red flag at all! I went through this same exact situation when I got laid off from my admin job about 3 months ago. My HR manager had also told me they wouldn't contest, but when I saw that questionnaire pop up the next day I immediately thought they had changed their mind. Turns out EDD sends this form to literally every person who files a new claim - it's just their way of collecting your side of the story before they reach out to your employer for verification. The fact that your manager specifically told you they won't contest and to apply right away is actually a really positive sign! When EDD contacts them (which they do automatically for every claim), your employer will confirm the layoff details instead of disputing anything. Just fill it out honestly using the exact same wording your manager used when explaining the layoff. I used the same "position eliminated due to budget constraints" language my HR gave me, and my claim was approved in about 18 days with no issues. You should definitely have your benefits before rent is due if you get that questionnaire submitted quickly. The waiting is nerve-wracking but you're on the right track!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! Filed my UI claim on Monday after getting laid off from my restaurant management position, and that eligibility questionnaire showed up in my email Tuesday morning. I had the same immediate panic thinking my employer had gone back on what they told me about not contesting. Reading through all these responses has been such a relief - I had no idea this was just standard procedure for everyone who files. My general manager specifically said during my exit that they "definitely wouldn't fight the unemployment claim" and that I should file right away, but seeing that questionnaire pop up so fast made me second-guess everything. I'm going to fill it out today using the exact wording they gave me about "position elimination due to operational restructuring." It's so comforting to know from everyone's experiences that this really is just EDD's way of collecting your side before they verify with your employer. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines too - knowing it typically takes 2-3 weeks helps me plan around my upcoming bills. This community is amazing for helping newcomers understand what's actually normal versus what feels scary when you're already stressed about finances!

Update: I called EDD using that Claimyr service and got through to someone who explained everything. For anyone else who needs to know: You mark "No" for the days you're at jury duty when they ask if you were able and available for work. Then report the jury pay as income. They said as long as you're honest about it, there's no issue with your claim. Thanks everyone for the help!

Just wanted to add that if you're on a longer jury trial (like 2+ weeks), you might want to contact EDD directly to discuss your situation. I served on a 3-week trial last year and they were actually pretty accommodating - they adjusted my certification schedule so I didn't have to worry about missing deadlines while in trial. The key is being proactive and transparent with them about your jury service dates.

I'm in a very similar situation! Just got laid off from my remote graphic design job and I'm moving from my apartment in Berkeley back to my parents' house in Visalia to save money while I search for new work. My employer has my Berkeley address on file, but I'll be living in Visalia indefinitely. After reading through all these responses, I feel so much better about this situation - I had no idea it was this common, especially among remote workers! The consistent advice from everyone who's been through this is really clear: use your actual current address where you'll be living, be upfront about the employer address difference in the application, and keep documentation ready. I was really stressing about potential delays or verification issues, but seeing all these success stories from people in nearly identical situations has been incredibly reassuring. It sounds like EDD handles these address discrepancies all the time and as long as you're transparent from the start, it shouldn't cause problems. Thanks for asking this question - you've probably helped tons of people who are dealing with the same dilemma but were afraid to ask about it!

I'm also dealing with this exact situation! Just got laid off from my remote software engineering job and I'm moving from my expensive apartment in Palo Alto back to my parents' place in Sacramento to save on rent while I job hunt. My employer has my Palo Alto address but I'll be living in Sacramento for the foreseeable future. This thread has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea so many remote workers were going through the same thing! Based on all the advice here, I'm definitely going to use my Sacramento address (where I'll actually be living) when I file my claim and just explain the employer address difference in the comments section. The consistent message from everyone who's been through this successfully seems to be: be transparent from day one, use your actual current address, and keep documentation ready. It's really reassuring to see that EDD handles these situations routinely, especially with how common remote work relocations have become. Thanks for posting this question - you've helped so many of us who were stressing about this same dilemma!

I'm dealing with the same "review required" status right now - it's so frustrating! From what I've been reading in other posts here, it seems like it could be several different things causing it. Some people had identity verification issues, others had wage/income discrepancies, and some had employer disputes to resolve. The tricky part is that the system doesn't tell you exactly what type of review is needed. I've been trying to call EDD for over a week but keep getting the busy signal. Has anyone had luck with any of the phone tricks people have been sharing? I'm getting desperate at this point - bills don't wait for EDD reviews to complete! @Alex Reeder - when did your status first change to "review required"? Mine's been like that for about 10 days now with no updates.

I went through this exact same thing about 3 months ago! My claim got stuck on "review required" for almost 6 weeks and I was going crazy trying to figure out what was wrong. Turns out it was a simple address verification issue - apparently when I moved last year, there was a mismatch between what I put on my claim and what was in their system from my previous employer. The key is really getting through to a Tier 2 specialist who can actually see what's flagged for review. The regular reps can't access those details. I finally got through using the phone method where you call right at 8:01 AM and keep hitting redial - took me about 45 minutes of constant calling but it worked. Once I got the right person, they fixed it in literally 5 minutes and all my pending payments were released within 24 hours. So don't lose hope - it's usually something much simpler than it seems! The hardest part is just reaching someone who can actually help. @Alex Reeder have you tried checking if there are any document requests in your UI Online account? Sometimes they'll ask for additional verification there even if the main status just says "review required.

I went through this exact same panic when my benefits ran out in December. Here's what I learned that might help: First, don't wait - apply for CalFresh immediately. The application process takes time and every dollar helps when you're facing that rent payment. I was hesitant at first but it really did help bridge the gap. Second, check if your city or county has emergency rental assistance programs. Many are still running with COVID relief funds and some are specifically for people who've lost unemployment benefits. I found one through 211 (just dial 2-1-1) that helped cover part of my rent for two months. Third, consider gig work while you're figuring out the training benefits angle. I started doing DoorDash and Uber Eats - it's not great money but it's something coming in and keeps you active instead of just sitting at home worrying. The California Training Benefits program is real but the approval process can take 4-6 weeks, so don't count on it as your immediate solution. Have backup plans in place. One last thing - document EVERYTHING you're doing in your job search. Screenshots of applications, emails with recruiters, networking events you attend. If you do get approved for a new claim later, they audit way more thoroughly now and you'll need proof of every single contact. You've got this! The uncertainty is the worst part, but there are more options than it initially seems.

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm facing the exact same situation - my regular UI benefits just ended and I've been panicking about my next steps. Reading everyone's experiences has been incredibly helpful. A few things I wanted to add based on my research over the past week: 1. **Apply for multiple safety nets at once** - Don't wait to see if one program works out before applying to others. I submitted applications for CalFresh, local rental assistance, and started researching CTB-approved training programs all at the same time. 2. **Your local library might have resources** - I discovered my library offers free career counseling, resume workshops, and even has partnerships with some of the approved training programs. They also have computers and internet if you need them for applications. 3. **Keep track of deadlines** - Some rental assistance programs have monthly application windows, and training program enrollment dates vary. I made a spreadsheet with all the deadlines so I wouldn't miss anything. 4. **Network like crazy** - I know it sounds cliché, but I've gotten more promising leads through LinkedIn and local networking groups in the past month than through traditional job applications. Many of these groups are free and some even meet virtually. The job market really is brutal right now, but knowing there are still some options available (even if they're not as generous as the pandemic programs) gives me hope. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's made me feel way less alone in this process!