I'm really sorry you're going through this - the EDD system can be incredibly frustrating when you're already stressed about finances. Based on what you've shared, here are a few things that might help: Your $2,300 from the February temp job could potentially qualify you for a new claim if it puts you over the minimum earnings threshold in your base period. The calculation is complex, but it's definitely worth having EDD review your case. A few immediate steps I'd suggest: 1. Apply for CalFresh (food stamps) and any local emergency assistance programs while you sort out the EDD situation 2. Contact your local Community Action Agency - they often have emergency rent assistance funds 3. If you have any medical documentation related to stress/anxiety from unemployment, consider looking into State Disability Insurance (SDI) as a temporary bridge For getting through to EDD, try calling right at 8:00 AM when the lines open - that's usually when you have the best chance of getting through. Have all your documentation ready including pay stubs from that temp job. Don't lose hope - I've seen people in similar situations get approved for new claims or find other assistance programs. The system is confusing but there are options out there. Keep advocating for yourself and don't be afraid to escalate if the first representative you speak with can't help.

I've been through this exact situation and wanted to share what worked for me. First, don't panic - there are still options even after exhaustion. Your February temp work might actually be more helpful than you think. When I was in a similar spot, I had earned about $2,800 from a short-term contract job after filing my original claim. EDD was able to establish a new claim based on those earnings, even though my benefit year hadn't ended yet. Here's what I learned: - The key is whether your temp earnings create a valid base period for a new claim - You need at least $1,300 in your highest earning quarter of the new base period - Your total base period earnings must be at least 1.25 times your highest quarter Call EDD and specifically ask them to review your case for a "subsequent valid claim" based on your February employment. Don't let them brush you off - this is a legitimate option that many representatives aren't familiar with. Also, while you're waiting, definitely apply for CalFresh and check with your county's General Relief program. Some counties have emergency assistance programs that can help with rent for people between benefit periods. The Training Extension program mentioned by others is solid too if you're interested in career training. I wish I had known about that option when I was going through this. Hang in there - the system is frustrating but there are paths forward!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - won my appeal 6 days ago and still waiting for UI Online to update. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helpful! I'm planning to give it the full 14 business days that @Mateo Rodriguez mentioned before calling the Appeals Division. In the meantime, I'm also going to look into contacting my assembly member's office like @Ethan Wilson suggested - that seems like it could really speed things up. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines and strategies, it's reassuring to know this delay is normal even though it's super stressful when you're broke and waiting!

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! Won my appeal in November and it took 12 business days for UI Online to finally update. What helped me was calling the regular EDD number (1-800-300-5616) first thing in the morning at exactly 8:00 AM - I had better luck getting through early. When I finally got connected, the agent was able to see that my appeal decision was in their system but hadn't been processed to update my online account yet. She manually triggered the update while I was on the phone and told me to check back in 24-48 hours. Sure enough, two days later all my back weeks showed up for certification and I was able to get caught up on payments. Don't lose hope - your money is coming, the system is just painfully slow at connecting the dots between departments!

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

I had a similar experience with the callback system - sometimes there can be technical delays or the representative might be dealing with system issues on their end. If the line stays silent for more than 5 minutes, I'd recommend hanging up and waiting for the next callback opportunity. The system usually sends another text within a few hours if the call doesn't connect properly. Don't lose hope - many people have eventually gotten through and resolved their issues, even if it takes a few attempts!

UPDATE: I filed a new claim yesterday through UI Online. It was actually easier than I remembered - took about 30 minutes to complete. The system confirmed my benefit year had ended from my previous claim. Now I just have to wait and hope it processes quickly. Thanks everyone for the advice and guidance!

Great to hear you got your new claim filed! Just wanted to add a heads up - since you were only at your recent job for about 7 months (March to October), keep an eye out for any potential issues with wage verification. Sometimes EDD has trouble pulling wage data from employers quickly, especially for shorter employment periods. If your claim gets stuck in "pending" status for more than a week or two, it might be worth calling (or using that Claimyr service Andre mentioned) to make sure they have all your wage information. Also, since you mentioned bills are tight, look into local food banks or utility assistance programs in your area while you're waiting for benefits to kick in. Hope everything processes smoothly for you!

I went through something very similar about 6 months ago! Took a temp job paying $18/hr after losing a $35/hr position. The partial benefits absolutely helped me get through those months. A few things I learned that might help: - Keep detailed records of your work schedule and pay stubs. I created a simple spreadsheet tracking hours worked each week - When certifying, be super precise about the dates you worked vs the certification period dates - this tripped me up once - If you work irregular hours (some weeks more, some less), your partial benefit amount will vary accordingly - The temp agency should provide you with clear documentation of your work dates when the assignment ends - ask for this upfront The good news is that having some income plus partial benefits kept me afloat financially, and it did look better to potential employers that I was working rather than just collecting full benefits. My temp assignment actually got extended twice and led to some good networking opportunities. Hang in there!

Just wanted to add my experience since I went through this exact situation last year! I was laid off from a $42/hr job and took a temp position at $25/hr for 5 months. The partial benefits were a lifesaver during that time. One thing I wish I had known earlier - if your temp job offers any overtime hours, be strategic about when you take them. Some weeks I worked extra hours and earned too much to qualify for ANY partial benefits that week, while other weeks I could have used the extra income. It's worth calculating beforehand whether working those extra hours will push you over the threshold where you lose all benefits for that week. Also, don't forget that you're still building work credits during the temp job, which can help if you need to file a new claim later. The whole experience actually worked out well for me - the temp job gave me new skills and I eventually found a permanent position paying even more than my original job. Sometimes these situations work out better than expected!