guys stop freaking out the OP! they usually try twice and send a notice that they tried to reach you. check ur inbox but don't panic yet. also answer unknown calls between 8am-5pm weekdays since thats when they call

UPDATE: Just got a notification in my UI Online inbox today that my phone interview is scheduled for next Tuesday at 10:15am! They hadn't tried to call me yet after all. Thanks everyone for the advice - I'll be answering every unknown call that day and making sure my phone is fully charged!

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know that my husband's claim was finally approved! The letter came yesterday, almost exactly 4 weeks after he applied. The money was deposited to the Money Network card about 12 hours before we got the letter. Thanks everyone for your helpful advice and reassurance during this stressful time!

Congratulations on getting approved! This is such a helpful thread for anyone going through the same confusion. I'm currently in week 2 of waiting after getting my Money Network card, so reading everyone's experiences here really helps calm the nerves. It's good to know that 4 weeks seems to be pretty typical for the whole process. Thanks for taking the time to update us with the good news!

One more thing to keep in mind - if you're still certifying for benefits, make sure you switch to direct deposit or the EDD Money Network debit card for future payments if possible. Even if you get this check situation resolved, you don't want to risk having the same problem again with future payments. The debit card option is particularly reliable since you don't need to wait for mail delivery - the funds are loaded electronically as soon as payment is issued.

Hey, I feel your pain on this! I went through the exact same thing about 8 months ago. Here's what I learned from the experience: The 10 business day wait is unfortunately non-negotiable - they won't even look into it before then. BUT once that period is up, definitely try calling AND submitting the online request simultaneously. Sometimes one gets processed faster than the other. Also, if you're really in a bind with rent, see if your landlord will accept a letter from EDD confirming the lost payment situation. Some landlords are understanding about government benefit delays, especially if you can show documentation that payment was issued but lost through no fault of your own. One last tip - if you have any friends or family who can help tide you over, consider that route. The replacement process can be unpredictable, and having backup options for your rent situation will give you peace of mind while you wait for EDD to sort this out. Hang in there! The system is frustrating but you will get your money eventually.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the financial stress must be overwhelming. Based on what others have shared, it sounds like your benefits calculation is correct, but I wanted to mention a few additional resources that might help bridge the gap while you job search: 1. Contact your local Workforce Development Board - they sometimes have emergency assistance programs for unemployed workers 2. Check if your county has utility assistance programs to help reduce monthly expenses 3. Look into gig work or temp agencies for immediate income while searching for permanent employment 4. Some non-profits offer rent assistance specifically for people who've exhausted unemployment benefits Also, since you mentioned you're in accounting, consider reaching out to temp staffing agencies that specialize in finance/accounting roles - they often have short-term assignments that can provide income while you search for permanent positions. Hang in there!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share some additional resources that might help while you're navigating this difficult situation. I see others have given great advice about the benefits calculation being correct based on your base period earnings. A few things that might be worth exploring: 1. Check with your local library - many offer free job search resources, resume help, and sometimes even have partnerships with career counselors or job placement services specifically for professionals 2. Look into COBRA subsidies or healthcare.gov plans if you're worried about medical expenses adding to your financial stress 3. Consider reaching out to your state assemblyperson's office - they sometimes have caseworkers who can help navigate state benefit programs or connect you with local resources you might not know about 4. Some churches and community organizations offer "professional networking" groups specifically for people in career transitions, even if you're not a member I know $2,600 rent is a huge burden right now. Have you been able to talk with your landlord about a temporary payment plan? Some are surprisingly understanding, especially if you can show you're actively job searching and have applied for assistance programs. The gap between now and October feels overwhelming, but combining temporary work opportunities with assistance programs really can help bridge it. Wishing you the best with your search!

Update question for the original poster - did any of these suggestions work for you? Were you able to get through to EDD?

That's awesome news @Samantha Johnson! So glad you finally got through and got it resolved. The identity verification flag issue is pretty common - I had the same thing happen to me a few months ago and it wasn't visible anywhere in the online portal either. It's frustrating that these issues aren't clearly displayed to claimants, but at least you're sorted now. Hopefully your payment comes through quickly! For anyone else still struggling, the UI technical support line (1-855-327-7057) really does seem to be the way to go based on multiple success stories here.