I just wanted to add my experience as someone who went through this exact situation with an online Excel course while on unemployment! I was laid off from my finance job and decided to take a 3-week Excel certification course to strengthen my skills. Like you, I was terrified about answering the school/training question honestly, but after reading similar advice to what's been shared here, I answered "Yes" on my certification. My payments went to pending for about 9 days, then I got the eligibility interview call. The EDD representative was actually really encouraging about my decision to upskill! She asked about my weekly time commitment (about 4-5 hours), confirmed I could start work immediately if offered, and had me explain how Excel skills related to the finance positions I was applying for. I had prepared examples of job postings that specifically mentioned "advanced Excel required" which really helped demonstrate the connection. She approved me immediately and my pending payments were released the next business day. The key was being prepared to clearly explain: 1) the flexible nature of the online course, 2) how it directly supports your job search goals, and 3) your continued availability for full-time work. Carmen, your Excel course for accounting positions is exactly the kind of strategic career investment that EDD views positively. The temporary stress of pending payments is absolutely worth avoiding any fraud complications. Stay honest and prepared - you've got this!

I'm currently in a very similar situation and wanted to share what I've learned from researching this extensively. I enrolled in an online Excel advanced course while on unemployment (also from an accounting background) and was initially terrified about the certification question. After consulting with my local workforce development office and reading experiences like these, I've decided to answer "Yes" truthfully. Here's what helped me feel confident about this decision: 1) The course is only 6 hours per week and completely self-paced, so I can easily accommodate any work schedule, 2) I've documented over 15 accounting job postings in the past month that specifically list "Advanced Excel skills" as required or preferred qualifications, and 3) I'm continuing to apply for positions and network actively throughout the course. What really sealed it for me was learning that EDD actually has specific provisions for "approved training" that enhances employability - your Excel course definitely falls into this category for accounting work. I'm preparing a simple one-page summary showing my course schedule, recent job applications, and examples of positions requiring Excel skills, just in case I get called for an interview. The consensus seems clear: temporary payment delays are much better than risking fraud penalties, and legitimate skill-building courses are generally viewed favorably when they clearly connect to your career field. Excel proficiency is basically essential for modern accounting roles, so you're making a smart strategic move!

Just wanted to add my experience as another newcomer who's been following this thread! I had a similar Money Network lockout last month and ended up going through customer service hell for almost a week. What finally worked for me was a combination of the tips shared here - using the prepaid.moneynetwork.com site (not the regular one) AND calling from a different phone number like Malik suggested. Apparently my original number got flagged in their system from too many failed attempts. It's incredible how this community has documented all these workarounds that should honestly be official troubleshooting steps. The fact that we have to become IT specialists just to access unemployment benefits is beyond frustrating, but at least we have each other's backs here. Definitely saving that special recovery number (1-888-929-2460) for future reference!

As someone who just joined this community after struggling with similar issues, this thread has been incredibly helpful! I had my Money Network card locked out for three days last week and wish I had known about these solutions earlier. The tip about the special recovery line (1-888-929-2460) is amazing - I had no idea that existed and spent hours on hold with the regular customer service number. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to become experts in navigating these poorly designed systems just to access our own benefits, but I'm so grateful for this community where people actually share practical solutions. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread and saving all these workarounds for future reference. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and help Oliver get this resolved!

I'm new to this community but unfortunately joining because I'm dealing with disqualified weeks too. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been really eye-opening - it sounds like this is way more common than it should be! I had two weeks disqualified after my certification in late July and I've been completely in the dark about why. The online portal just shows "disqualified" with no explanation whatsoever. Based on all the advice here, I'm going to start calling first thing tomorrow morning and try that 8am strategy. It's really encouraging to see that so many people have managed to get their disqualified weeks reversed - gives me hope that persistence will pay off. I'll also make sure to keep certifying for new weeks like everyone recommends. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and tips, especially those YouTube video links from @Tom Maxon. This community is a lifesaver when dealing with EDD's confusing system!

I'm new to this community and unfortunately dealing with disqualified weeks as well. After reading through all these helpful responses, I'm realizing how common this issue is and that there's actually hope for getting it resolved! I had several weeks disqualified after my August certification and like many others here, I had no clear explanation from EDD about why. The lack of transparency is incredibly frustrating when you're already stressed about finances. I'm planning to start calling first thing tomorrow using the strategies mentioned here - the 8am approach and those menu options people have shared. It's really encouraging to see so many success stories where people got their disqualified weeks reversed and received back pay. I'll make sure to keep detailed notes of any calls and continue certifying for new weeks while this gets sorted out. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and tips - this community support makes dealing with EDD's confusing system much less overwhelming!

Great to hear you got your new claim approved! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - make sure you keep detailed records of all your job search activities. EDD can ask for proof that you're actively looking for work, especially if there are any issues with your claim later. Also, since you mentioned the contract work, be prepared that they might contact your previous employer to verify your employment dates and wages. Sometimes this can cause delays in processing, but it's just part of their standard verification process. Good luck with your job search and hope you find something stable soon!

For anyone else dealing with the entertainment industry side of things - I work in TV production and wanted to clarify a few things. Yes, we do cycle on and off unemployment between shows, but there are some important details people miss: 1. You still need to meet the minimum earnings requirements for each new benefit year, just like everyone else 2. The "same employer" rule can be tricky - if you work for different production companies even on the same network, those count as separate employers 3. You have to genuinely be available for work during your unemployment periods. You can't just collect benefits while you're committed to a specific future project that hasn't started yet The biggest advantage we have is that our industry is structured around temporary employment, so EDD understands that being unemployed between gigs is normal rather than suspicious. But we definitely don't get to "game the system" like some people think. Still have to follow all the same rules about job searching and being available for work!

I just went through this exact same situation last month! The Money Network card automatically gets mailed out once your first payment processes - you don't need to do anything. Mine took exactly 8 days to arrive after I saw the payment issued in my UI Online account. Like others mentioned, it comes in a really plain white envelope that honestly looks like spam mail, so definitely don't throw it away! One thing I wish someone had told me is that you can actually track your payment status through the Bank of America EDD Debit Card website even before your card arrives. Just use your SSN and you can see when payments are loaded. Also, once you get the card, I'd recommend immediately setting up the mobile app and switching to direct deposit if you have a bank account - it's so much more convenient than using the card for everything. Good luck and congrats on getting your first payment approved!

Hey Ravi! I went through the same thing a few months ago and totally understand the confusion. Yes, EDD automatically sends you a Money Network debit card after your first payment is processed - no action needed on your part! Mine took about 6 days to arrive, but I've heard it can take up to 10 business days depending on mail volume. The card will have your payment loaded on it, and all future payments will go to that same card. Just make sure your mailing address is up to date in your UI Online account. Once you get the card, you can use it right away for purchases, but you'll need to set up a PIN if you want to use ATMs. I'd also recommend downloading the Money Network app once you receive the card - it makes checking your balance and setting up direct deposit much easier. Hang in there, the card should arrive soon!