California Unemployment
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RESEA Zoom link arrives 2 weeks before appointment - finally got mine after anxiety
Just wanted to update everyone about the RESEA (Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment) appointment process! I was stressing out because I received the mail notice about a mandatory RESEA appointment last month, but there was no Zoom link or specific instructions. I called EDD five times with no answer and was panicking about possibly losing my benefits. Turns out the actual Zoom link arrives via email exactly 2 weeks before your scheduled appointment date. Mine just landed in my inbox today! Check your spam/junk folders too, because that's where mine initially went. The email has all the instructions for the virtual workshop and what documents to have ready. Just sharing so others don't freak out like I did waiting for that link!
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Will withdrawing from 401k or IRA affect my EDD unemployment benefits?
I'm in a really tight spot financially and considering taking money out of my retirement accounts. I lost my job at a manufacturing plant about 2 months ago and my unemployment benefits aren't covering all my expenses. I'm thinking about pulling some money from either my 401k or IRA to catch up on bills, but I'm worried it might mess up my EDD claim or reduce my weekly benefit amount. Does anyone know if retirement withdrawals count as income for unemployment purposes? Will EDD find out automatically or do I need to report it when I certify? Really don't want to lose my benefits over this.
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kinda random but have u tried applying for calfresh? might help with food costs while ur on unemployment
That's actually a good idea I hadn't thought of! I'll look into that too. Every little bit helps right now.
Also look into local food banks and community assistance programs in your area. Many don't have income requirements or the requirements are pretty flexible for unemployment situations. United Way (dial 211) can connect you with local resources for utilities, rent assistance, and food. Sometimes these resources can bridge the gap without having to touch your retirement savings at all. I used several programs when I was unemployed and it really helped stretch my benefits further.
EDD payments bi-weekly or weekly? Confused about California unemployment payment schedule
I just got approved for unemployment in California last week and I'm trying to budget my finances. Do EDD unemployment benefits get paid weekly or every two weeks? My friend in Nevada gets paid weekly but someone told me California is different. Just want to make sure I know when to expect the money since I need to pay rent soon. This is my first time on unemployment so I'm still figuring out how everything works. Thanks!
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You can certify as soon as UI Online shows the weeks available for certification - usually early Sunday morning at the end of your bi-weekly period. Don't wait or you might delay your payment. And yes, definitely report any work/income accurately to avoid overpayment issues. I learned that the hard way!
this is true i always do mine sunday at midnight when it first opens lol. payments usually hit my account by monday night or tuesday morning
Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! This makes much more sense now. I'll keep an eye out for my EDD card in the mail and make sure I certify every two weeks as soon as it becomes available. Really appreciate all the advice!
Just remember to answer the certification questions honestly - especially the one about looking for work. You need to be making at least 3 job contacts per week and be ready to provide those details if they ask. Good luck!
@Keisha Williams That s'a great point about the work search requirements! I should probably start keeping track of my job search activities now. Do you know if they accept online applications or does it have to be in-person contacts? I ve'been applying to jobs online but wasn t'sure if that counts toward the requirement.
EDD certification schedule confusion - weeks to certify not showing up
Just started collecting unemployment for the first time in my life (laid off from warehouse work after 6 years). I certified for benefits on May 14th, 2025 and got my payment through the Money Network card. I was under the impression that certification happens every two weeks, so I logged in today (May 28th) expecting to certify again, but my UI Online account is showing 'no weeks available for certification.' Is this normal? Did I misunderstand the schedule? My benefit year ends in April 2026 and I still have a significant balance remaining. Should I be worried or is there some kind of delay in the system? Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
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Glad everything worked out for you! This is such a helpful thread for anyone new to EDD. One thing I'd add - if you ever do have certification issues that don't resolve after a few days, you can also try contacting your local assembly member's office. They have staff who specialize in helping constituents with EDD problems and can sometimes get faster resolution than calling EDD directly. I had to use this option once when my claim got stuck for weeks and they were able to get it sorted within 3 business days.
I'm having the same issue, edd is saying no available weeks to certify, my claim is good. It's Sunday today when I usually receive the notice to certify. Last Tuesday was veterans day and I'm wondering if the federal holiday would effect my certify date by pushing it out a day. Does anyone know if the certification dates are effected by federal holiday?
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To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI
You can usually find your award letter through your EDD online account. Log into your UI Online portal and look for a "Documents" or "Correspondence" section - your award letter should be available there as a PDF download. If you can't find it online, you can also request a copy by calling EDD, but given the wait times, I'd definitely check your online account first. The award letter is typically sent when your claim is approved and shows your weekly benefit amount and other important details about your claim.
QuantumQuest
This whole thread has been so helpful! I'm new to receiving unemployment benefits and got my RESEA letter last week. I was completely confused about what it even was - the letter just said "mandatory reemployment workshop" with a date but no other details. Reading everyone's experiences here has made me feel way more prepared. I'm definitely going to set up email alerts for anything from @edd.ca.gov and make sure to check spam folders. Quick question though - for those who've completed it, about how many other people were in your workshop? I'm a bit nervous about the group setting but it sounds like the breakout rooms and resume feedback are really valuable. Thanks for creating such a supportive space to share info!
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Freya Pedersen
Welcome to the unemployment journey! I just went through my RESEA workshop last month and totally understand that nervous feeling. My workshop had about 12-15 people, which felt like a good size - small enough that everyone got individual attention during the resume review but large enough that you don't feel like you're on the spot the whole time. The facilitator did a great job making everyone feel comfortable, and honestly, knowing that everyone else is in the same situation really helps with any anxiety. The breakout rooms were only 3-4 people each, so those felt even more manageable. You'll do great - just bring your updated resume and any work search records you have so far!
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Cedric Chung
This thread has been incredibly valuable! I received my RESEA letter about 10 days ago and have been checking this subreddit daily for updates and experiences. Reading through everyone's posts has really helped calm my nerves about the whole process. I'm particularly grateful for the tip about checking spam folders - I've already set up a filter to make sure anything from @edd.ca.gov goes straight to my main inbox. It's also reassuring to know that the workshop is actually designed to be helpful rather than just a compliance hoop to jump through. I'm planning to spend this weekend updating my resume and organizing my work search records so I'm fully prepared when my Zoom link arrives. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and creating such a supportive community for navigating these EDD requirements!
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Destiny Bryant
This community has been such a lifesaver! I'm in the same boat - got my RESEA letter last week and was completely lost until I found this thread. The email filter tip is genius, definitely doing that today. I've been putting off updating my resume for weeks but reading everyone's positive experiences with the career counselor feedback has motivated me to finally tackle it this weekend. It's amazing how much less stressful this whole process feels when you know what to expect. Thanks for adding to the supportive atmosphere here - we're all figuring this out together!
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