my cousin said if u made like a $1 mistake on ur application u can appeal it and get more weeks but idk if thats true

I'm in a similar situation but a few weeks behind you - currently on week 18 of my claim. Reading through all these responses is really eye-opening, especially about the difference between benefit year end and when the 26 weeks run out. That's something I never would have figured out on my own! For what it's worth, I've been diversifying my job search beyond just event planning. I found that my skills translate well to corporate communications, marketing coordination, and even some customer success roles. Have you looked into temporary staffing agencies? Some of them specialize in placing people with event/project management experience into short-term roles that could help bridge the gap. Also wanted to echo what others said about CalFresh - there's no shame in getting food assistance when you need it. The application process is actually pretty straightforward online. Hang in there! This whole situation is stressful but at least now you have a clear picture of what to expect and can plan accordingly.

UPDATE: You guys are the best! I tried calling the alternate number (833 one) at 10:40am today using the options several of you suggested. Still got the high volume message, but I waited through it like @helpful_advice said, and surprisingly got transferred to a queue! Waited about 35 minutes but FINALLY spoke to a real person. Turns out I had that exact "quarterly review flag" on my account that needed to be manually cleared. All my pending weeks are now showing paid and the money should hit my Money Network card in 24-48 hours. THANK YOU ALL for your help!

I'm so glad you got through and got your issue resolved! This thread is like a goldmine of actually useful EDD tips. I've been struggling with a similar pending certification issue for 3 weeks now and was getting desperate. Reading through everyone's experiences gives me hope that there ARE ways to get through this broken system. I'm going to try the 833 number tomorrow morning at 10:40am and wait through the full message like you did. The quarterly review flag explanation also makes so much sense - I bet that's exactly what's happening to my account too since my claim started in December. Thanks for updating us on your success! It really helps to know these strategies actually work.

Just wanted to add - if your IHSS hours were for caring for a family member, EDD might question if you were truly "available for work" during that time (a requirement for benefits). Be prepared to explain how you were able to work those hours while being available for other employment. This comes up more often with family caregivers than with IHSS workers caring for non-relatives.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Oliver. Losing your grandmother and facing financial uncertainty at the same time must be incredibly overwhelming. From everyone's responses here, it's crystal clear that you absolutely qualify for unemployment benefits as an IHSS provider - you've been paying into the system for 2.5 years, so these benefits are yours by right. What strikes me most from reading all these experiences is how common the initial confusion is with EDD reps who aren't familiar with IHSS employment. Don't let that discourage you - you ARE an employee of the State of California through the IHSS program, not self-employed or an independent contractor. One thing I'd add to all the excellent advice here: when you file your claim, you might also want to have your Social Security statement handy (you can get it online at ssa.gov) to verify your earnings history if EDD has any questions. Since IHSS wages are reported to Social Security, this can serve as additional proof of your employment status. The fact that you worked consistent hours over 2.5 years and had taxes withheld puts you in a strong position. Yes, the system has quirks for IHSS workers, but you have every right to these benefits. Stay persistent, document everything, and don't hesitate to escalate if you hit roadblocks. Wishing you strength during this difficult transition. Please keep us posted on how it goes - your experience could really help other IHSS caregivers facing similar situations.

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now and this thread has been such a lifesaver! Just got my determination notice showing 6 penalty weeks for not reporting some last-minute training hours that I completely forgot about during certification. That "applied to your disqualification" message is absolutely terrifying when you first see it - I was convinced my entire claim was dead and panicked for days before finding this community. Reading everyone's experiences has been incredibly reassuring! I'm currently on week 2 of 6 and the financial stress is real, but knowing this is temporary and seeing so many success stories gives me hope. Already started implementing the amazing advice from this thread - called 211 and found local food assistance, set up automatic certification reminders, and I'm keeping detailed documentation of everything. Planning to try the Claimyr service to ask about that waiver option @Lena Schultz mentioned too. Thank you all for turning what felt like a complete disaster into something manageable with practical steps forward. This community support is incredible and knowing we're not alone in making these honest mistakes makes such a difference!

I'm currently going through this exact same nightmare and finding this thread has been such a relief! Just got hit with 3 penalty weeks for not reporting some severance pay that was processed after my termination date - completely slipped my mind during my first certification. That "applied to your disqualification" message is absolutely heart-stopping when you first see it! I genuinely thought my entire claim was permanently denied and spent two days in complete panic mode before finding this community. Reading everyone's experiences has transformed my terror into something manageable with actual steps I can take. I'm on day 3 of week 1 and already implementing the amazing advice here - called 211 yesterday and found emergency rent assistance I had no idea existed, set up multiple phone alarms for certification reminders, and started my documentation journal. Planning to try the Claimyr service to see if I can get through to ask about the waiver option too. The financial stress is definitely real but knowing this is temporary and seeing so many people who've successfully made it through gives me actual hope. Thank you all for sharing your stories and practical advice - this community support is incredible when you're feeling completely lost in the system!

Based on the additional information you've shared in comments, here's what I recommend: 1. File your claim as soon as possible 2. Choose "discharged" as your separation reason 3. In the explanation section, be completely honest: explain that you were given the option to resign in lieu of termination after an investigation 4. During the eligibility interview, be prepared to discuss the allegations against you without becoming defensive Even if the allegations had some truth to them, not all policy violations rise to the level of "misconduct" for unemployment purposes. EDD uses a specific legal definition of misconduct that's actually quite narrow - it generally requires willful disregard for the employer's interests. Many policy violations don't meet this threshold. The resignation versus discharge issue and the misconduct issue are actually two separate determinations EDD will make. Focus on being honest and thorough in your explanations.

I'm an employment attorney who has helped many clients with similar situations. Your case actually sounds quite strong for EDD purposes. The key legal principle here is "constructive discharge" - when an employee is forced to resign due to intolerable working conditions or ultimatums, it's treated as an involuntary termination. A few critical points for your claim: - Document everything about the investigation and ultimatum you were given - Keep copies of the resignation letter and any related communications - EDD Form DE 8714AB (Additional Claim Questions) will likely be sent to you - answer thoroughly and honestly - If your employer contests (which they probably will), don't panic - this is standard The fact that you were given only two bad options (resign or be fired) strongly supports your case. California courts have consistently held that resignations under these circumstances are involuntary. File your claim immediately - there's no benefit to waiting, and you have deadlines to meet. Good luck, and don't let your employer's tactics intimidate you out of benefits you're likely entitled to receive.