If you filed your last claim before ID.me was implemented (around mid-2020), then you wouldn't have an account with them yet. In that case, you'll definitely need to speak with an EDD representative to help link a new ID.me verification to your existing EDD account. Once you get through to someone, be sure to mention specifically: 1. When you last filed a claim (pre-COVID) 2. That you're trying to file a new claim after being laid off 3. That you need help with both account access and the ID.me verification process The representative should be able to guide you through the ID.me setup and then reactivate your UI Online access afterward. They can also help ensure your new claim is properly filed even while your online access is being restored.

Hey Emily! I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago - also hadn't used EDD since early 2020 and got completely locked out when I needed to file after a layoff. Here's what finally worked for me: The key is calling the EDD technical support line (1-833-978-2511) right at 8:00 AM when they open. Don't call a minute before or after - literally call at exactly 8:00. I had to try for about a week but finally got through. When you do get someone, ask them to do a "full account reset" rather than just unlocking it. They'll need to verify your identity (have your SSN, previous employer info, and ID ready) and then they'll walk you through setting up the ID.me verification. The whole process took about 45 minutes on the phone but I was able to log in immediately after. Also - don't worry about filing "ASAP" in terms of losing benefits. As long as you file within a reasonable time after your layoff, they'll backdate your claim to when you became unemployed. The rep explained this to me when I was panicking about the same thing. Good luck! The system is frustrating but you'll get through it.

One more tip that might help - when you're filling out the SDI application, be very specific about your condition and how it prevents you from performing your job duties. Don't just write "surgery" - describe the actual medical condition, the type of procedure, and why it makes you unable to work. The more detailed and clear you are, the less likely EDD is to come back asking for additional information. Also, keep copies of everything you submit! I learned this the hard way when they claimed they never received my doctor's forms the first time I applied.

Also wanted to mention - if you're concerned about the timing and potential delays, you might want to contact your employer's HR department to see if they offer any emergency hardship assistance or short-term advance options while you're waiting for SDI to kick in. Some larger companies have programs to help bridge the gap during medical leaves. Also, if you have a union, they sometimes have emergency funds available for members in situations like this. It's worth asking about even if you're not sure - the worst they can say is no, but you might discover resources you didn't know existed!

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'm sorry to hear you're going through this frustrating situation, Janasia. Since it's been over a month without receiving your decision letter or any correspondence, and your claim balance is still showing $0.00, there's definitely an issue that needs to be resolved. Here are a few steps you can take: 1. Call EDD directly - as Katie mentioned, speaking with a Tier 2 specialist is your best bet 2. Check your UI Online account regularly for any updates or required actions 3. Make sure EDD has your correct mailing address on file 4. If you haven't already, try calling the technical support line to ensure there are no system issues with your account Don't give up - many people face delays, but persistence usually pays off. Keep calling until you get through to someone who can review your case and provide answers about the delay in processing your claim.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Filed my claim two weeks ago, got approved, but still no letter with my account number. This thread has been super helpful - I had no idea about the 14-day certification window or that there were services like Claimyr to help get through to EDD faster. For anyone else in this situation, I also want to mention that you should double-check that EDD has your correct mailing address. I called my local workforce office and they told me that sometimes there are address mix-ups that delay the account number letter. They suggested going into a local EDD office with ID if you're really stuck, though I know wait times can be brutal there too. Thanks Carter for posting about this and everyone for sharing their experiences - it's reassuring to know this is a common problem and there are solutions!

I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now! Filed my claim 10 days ago, got approved, and still no account number letter. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the Tele-Cert option or that there were services to help get through to EDD faster. One thing I wanted to add that might help others: I called my local Assembly member's office yesterday and they said they have staff who specifically help constituents with EDD issues. They can sometimes expedite things or at least help you get through to the right person. It's worth a shot if you're really stuck and have tried everything else. Also, for anyone wondering about the letter itself - my neighbor got hers last month and said it came in a very thin, plain white envelope with just "EDD" in small print in the corner. She almost threw it away thinking it was junk mail. Definitely check everything carefully! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. It's frustrating that this is such a common problem, but at least we can help each other navigate it.

I went through something similar a few years ago and learned the hard way that transparency is absolutely key with EDD. Even though your situation is frustrating and unclear, you need to report the orientation and job offer situation immediately. Here's what I'd recommend doing right now: 1. Call EDD and explain the entire timeline - quitting due to unsafe conditions, getting the job offer, completing orientation, and the lack of follow-up from the new employer 2. Keep detailed records of ALL communication attempts with the new employer (screenshot those unanswered emails!) 3. When you certify, report the 3 orientation hours even though unpaid - better to over-report than under-report 4. Be prepared to provide documentation of the safety issues at your previous job since you quit voluntarily The worst thing you can do is stay silent and hope it works out. EDD has ways of finding out about employment activity, and discovering unreported information later will create much bigger problems than addressing it upfront. Your situation isn't uncommon - employers sometimes string people along or have disorganized hiring processes. EDD understands this happens, but they need full disclosure to make proper determinations. Good luck getting through to them - persistence is key with EDD phone lines!

I'm going through something very similar right now! I quit my retail job in May due to scheduling conflicts that were affecting my health, got a job offer at a local restaurant, did their "trial shift" orientation, and then... nothing. It's been 3 weeks of "we'll call you soon" messages. From what I've learned lurking in this community, you absolutely need to report everything to EDD. Even unpaid orientation counts as work activity that needs to be disclosed. The tricky part is that since you quit your previous job, EDD is going to scrutinize whether you had "good cause" - but unsafe working conditions with documentation should qualify. I ended up calling EDD last week to report my situation. The rep I spoke with said it's better to over-disclose than under-disclose, especially when you're dealing with a voluntary quit. She walked me through exactly what to report during certification and noted in my file that the new employer hasn't provided an actual start date despite completing their hiring process. One tip: when you call EDD, have all your dates ready (quit date, interview date, orientation dates, last contact with new employer). They'll want the complete timeline. Also save screenshots of all those non-responsive emails from your new supervisor - that evidence of their lack of communication might actually help your case. Hope this helps and that we both get some clarity on our situations soon!