I just wanted to chime in as someone who recently went through the CTB application process successfully. Reading through all these responses, I can see you're getting great advice about multiple options, which is smart given your situation. One thing I'd add about the California Training Benefits program - when you call EDD to verify eligibility, also ask about the "Trade Adjustment Assistance" (TAA) program if your job loss was related to foreign trade/competition. It's a lesser-known program that can provide additional weeks of benefits plus training funding. Also, regarding your defamation case - document every single instance where potential employers ask about your previous job or seem hesitant after you explain the situation. This could be valuable evidence of economic damages in your court case. Keep a log with dates, company names, and specific responses you receive. For immediate help while pursuing longer-term solutions, check if your county has a "211" helpline (dial 2-1-1). They maintain databases of local emergency assistance programs, including utility help, rental assistance, and food resources. It's often faster than trying to research programs individually. You're handling an incredibly difficult situation with remarkable composure. The fact that you're exploring multiple options simultaneously shows real resilience. Keep pushing forward - having that court date in February gives you a timeline to work toward, and all these safety net programs can help bridge the gap until then.

I've been following this thread closely as someone who has navigated similar EDD challenges, and I wanted to add a few additional resources that might help in your situation. First, regarding your November earnings of $2,200 - that's actually right on the borderline for qualifying for a new claim. California requires $1,300 in your highest quarter to establish a new claim, so depending on how those wages were distributed, you might just qualify. When you call EDD, ask them to break down exactly which quarters those wages fell into. Second, I haven't seen anyone mention the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs yet. These are federally funded programs administered through your local workforce development board that can provide both training funding AND income support during training. Unlike CTB, WIOA programs sometimes have more flexible eligibility requirements and can stack with other benefits. Also, given that you're dealing with defamation issues, you might want to reach out to your state representatives' offices. They often have constituent services staff who can help navigate bureaucratic issues and sometimes expedite applications for emergency assistance programs. They can't solve legal problems, but they can help ensure you're getting access to all available safety net programs while your case is pending. The fact that you're being so proactive and exploring multiple options simultaneously shows incredible resilience. You've got a solid action plan developing here thanks to everyone's input. Keep us posted on how the CTB application goes!

update us on what happens! im having similar issues with my claim and need all the help i can get

Just wanted to add something important about temp/substitute positions in schools - make sure when you file your claim that you specify you were working as a temporary employee, not a regular school employee. This matters because there are special rules for school employees that might affect your eligibility timing. Regular school employees often can't collect unemployment during scheduled breaks or between school years, but temp workers like TAs and substitutes are usually exempt from these restrictions. The EDD rep you talk to needs to know this distinction. Also, since you mentioned this was a 4-month position, keep any documentation you have about the temporary nature of your employment (emails, job posting, contract if you had one). This will help establish that you weren't a regular school employee subject to the between-terms restrictions. Good luck with your callback! The fact that you were dismissed with "zero notice" for going "in a different direction" definitely sounds like a layoff situation, not misconduct, so you should be fine on that front.

I'm dealing with the exact same issue! Been locked out since Wednesday and it's driving me crazy. I tried everything you mentioned - different browsers, clearing cache, mobile app, nothing works. What's worse is I can't even get through on the phone to ask what's wrong. I'm going to try that Claimyr service that @Daryl Bright mentioned above since it sounds like several people have had success with it. Also going to attempt logging in super early tomorrow morning like @Harmony Love suggested. This is so stressful when you're depending on these payments! 😤

I'm going through the exact same thing! Started having issues Tuesday and still can't get in. What's really frustrating is I had to miss work yesterday to try calling EDD all day but could never get through. I'm supposed to certify this weekend and I'm terrified I'm going to miss the deadline. I've been unemployed for 3 months now and these payments are literally keeping me afloat. Going to try the Claimyr service and early morning login suggestions from this thread - thanks everyone for sharing your experiences! It's somewhat comforting to know it's not just me dealing with this nightmare. Keeping my fingers crossed the Twitter update @Sienna Gomez mentioned means they'll actually fix it soon 🤞

Update us if you end up filing a new claim based on that seasonal work! It's possible you might qualify. You need to have earned at least $1,300 in your highest quarter during your new base period. The system will automatically calculate if you're eligible once you submit your application.

Hey Andre, I'm in a very similar situation and wanted to share what I learned from my own experience. I exhausted my benefits last year but was able to file a new claim because I had worked a few months at a temporary job. The key thing is that EDD looks at your "base period" for the new claim, which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So that seasonal work you mentioned from November/December could definitely help you qualify! When you file the new claim online, the system will automatically check if you meet the minimum earnings requirements. Don't get discouraged if the first attempt doesn't work - sometimes there are technical glitches and you might need to try again or speak to a rep. Also, while you're waiting to hear back on a potential new claim, definitely apply for CalFresh ASAP. The application process can take a few weeks but you might be able to get expedited benefits if you qualify. Many counties also have emergency rental assistance programs that could help with your immediate rent situation. Hang in there - I know how stressful this is, but there are options available even when it feels hopeless!

I'm new to the EDD system and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm currently waiting for my claim to be approved but it's reassuring to know that these site outages are somewhat normal (though frustrating). I've bookmarked all the backup options mentioned here - the mobile site, incognito mode, and following their social media for updates. Question for the group: when these outages happen during certification periods, does it typically delay payment processing even after the site comes back up? Or do payments still go out on schedule once you're able to certify? Just trying to understand what to expect since I'll hopefully be certifying for the first time soon.

As someone who's been navigating EDD for over a year now, I can confirm this is unfortunately pretty typical. The site goes down almost every weekend during peak certification hours - it's like they never anticipated that most people would try to certify on Sunday mornings! I've learned to always have a backup plan: mobile site bookmarked, screenshots ready, and I even keep the EDD phone number saved just in case. Pro tip: if you're ever completely locked out on your certification day, don't panic. You can usually still certify the next day without penalties, and worst case scenario, you can call and explain the technical difficulties. They're actually pretty understanding about site outages since it happens so frequently. Glad to see the site is back up for most people now though!