UPDATE: I wanted to follow up in case anyone else runs into this problem. I used the Claimyr service mentioned above and actually got through to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes (after trying for 2 days on my own with no luck). The representative confirmed my payment was processed and requested expedited delivery for my Money Network card for a $15 fee. They said I should receive it within 3 business days. They also helped me set up direct deposit for future payments. Just wanted to share what worked for me - thanks everyone for your help!

That's awesome that you got it resolved! For anyone else dealing with this situation, I just want to add that I went through the same thing a few months ago and here are a couple additional tips: 1) You can track your Money Network card shipment once it's sent out by creating an account on the Money Network website - they'll give you a tracking number, 2) If you're really desperate for funds, some food banks and utility companies have emergency assistance programs specifically for people waiting on unemployment payments, and 3) Once you get your card, download the Money Network app immediately because it lets you check your balance instantly when payments hit (usually around 1-2 AM on payment days). The whole transition has been rough but at least the Money Network system seems more reliable than the old BofA setup once you actually get the card.

Thank you everyone for the helpful advice! I'll definitely keep certifying until I get my first paycheck, and I'll make sure to accurately report my hours even before I get paid. I'll also take screenshots of everything just to be safe. Really appreciate all the tips - this community has been so helpful throughout my unemployment journey!

Congrats on the new job, Lucas! Just wanted to add one more tip that saved me - when you're reporting your work hours during certification, make sure you report the GROSS hours worked, not just the hours you'll be paid for. So if you work 40 hours but your employer doesn't pay for your lunch break, you still report 40 hours to EDD. I made this mistake in my first certification after getting hired and it caused some confusion later. Also, if your new job offers any training pay or signing bonuses, those count as earnings too and should be reported in the week you receive them. Good luck with the new position!

Just want to add another resource that helped me when I was dealing with EDD appeals last year - your local State Assembly member's district office can sometimes expedite things faster than you'd expect. I know Joshua mentioned they said it could take weeks, but if you emphasize that you're facing imminent eviction/hardship, they often have a direct line to EDD supervisors. Also, for anyone reading this thread in the future: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Keep a log of every call you make, every voicemail you leave, every email you send. Include dates, times, and any reference numbers. If your case gets escalated or if there are issues with your hearing, having that paper trail can be crucial. The system is definitely broken, but persistence does pay off. I ended up winning my appeal after they initially said I was "fired for cause" when I was actually laid off due to budget cuts. The ALJ saw right through their BS once I had all my documentation organized properly.

This entire thread is incredibly helpful - I'm saving it for reference! Just wanted to add that if you're dealing with appeals, make sure to also request your complete claim file from EDD (form DE 8714). Sometimes there are notes or documents in your file that contradict what they told you during the interview, and having that full record can be crucial evidence for your hearing. Also, for anyone struggling with the phone system - I've found that calling on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 8:30-9:00am tends to have slightly better success rates than other days. Mondays and Fridays are usually impossible. The fact that Joshua's hearing was scheduled but no notice was sent is unfortunately becoming more common. I work in legal aid and we're seeing this happen to clients regularly - they're clearly overwhelmed and behind on their administrative tasks. Always assume your hearing might be scheduled even if you haven't gotten official notice yet.

Just a heads up, they've been doing random audits on work-from-home claims. Make sure you have all your ducks in a row!

Thanks for posting this! I'm in a similar situation and was wondering the same thing. From what I've gathered reading through these comments, it seems like using your home address as the place of business is the way to go. @CosmicCrusader's breakdown was super helpful - definitely saving that info! One thing I'd add is to keep screenshots of everything you submit, just in case there are any issues later. The system can be unpredictable and having your own records helps. Also, if you have any emails or documents from your employer about the WFH arrangement, keep those handy too. Hope your claim goes smoothly! 🤞

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! Had an old 2020 PUA claim that wouldn't clear from my UI Online account, and it was blocking me from filing a new claim after getting laid off. Here's what finally worked for me: I used the callback feature on the EDD website instead of waiting on hold. Go to "Contact EDD" and look for the callback option - you put in your phone number and they call you back when a rep is available. Took about 4 hours but at least I didn't have to sit by the phone the whole time. When they called back, I specifically told them "I need a tier 2 specialist to close out my old claim so I can file a new one" and they transferred me right away. The tier 2 person was able to reset my account in about 5 minutes and I could file my new claim immediately after. Also, don't stress about the timing - you can definitely file right away after being terminated. The one-week waiting period starts from when you file, not when you were let go. Good luck!

I'm dealing with something very similar right now! Just got laid off last week and when I tried to file, my UI Online account is stuck showing an old claim from 2021. It's so frustrating because I can't click on anything - the whole interface just seems frozen. I've been reading through all these responses and it sounds like this is a pretty common issue with their system not properly closing out old claims. I'm going to try that callback feature that Cedric mentioned - I had no idea that existed! Seems like it might be more reliable than the endless phone calls. One thing I wanted to add for anyone else dealing with this - make sure you save screenshots of what your UI Online screen looks like when it's showing the old claim. I wish I had done that from the beginning because now I'm worried they might ask me to prove what I was seeing when I call them. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here. It's reassuring to know this can actually get resolved even though the process is a nightmare!