Hey OP, what exactly does your claim status say? Sometimes the wording can give you a clue about what's holding things up.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - 3 weeks in review and counting. One thing that helped me was documenting everything with screenshots and dates. I also found that calling the disability insurance number (1-800-480-3287) sometimes transfers you to someone who can at least look at your account, even if they can't make changes. It's not ideal but at least you get a human voice. Also, if you have any missing documents or identity verification issues, those seem to be the biggest causes of delays. Worth double-checking your account for any pending items you might have missed!

sorry about your layoff im in the same boat. my severence was only 2 weeks and its already gone lol. the waiting is the worst part especially when you have bills!!

I'm sorry you're going through this too. Getting laid off is stressful enough without having to navigate the unemployment system on top of it. From what everyone's shared here, it sounds like the key things are: 1) File immediately even though you'll have to wait, 2) Be very precise about how you report your severance, and 3) Keep doing those bi-weekly certifications during the waiting period. At least with 12 weeks of severance you have some breathing room to get everything sorted out. Hang in there and best of luck with the job hunt!

Pro tip: Keep a log of all your calls, emails, and attempts to contact EDD. Note down dates, times, and names of reps you speak to. It'll help if you need to escalate your case later.

Hey Ana! I went through something similar about 3 months ago. The "issue identification" usually means they need to verify either your identity, wages, or employment eligibility. In my case, it was about wage verification - they wanted to cross-check what I reported with what my employer submitted. The good news is that most of these issues get resolved once you provide the right documentation. A few things that helped me: - Check your EDD account online first for any specific requests - Have your last 4 pay stubs ready, plus your most recent tax return - If you can't get through by phone, try the "Contact EDD" form on their website - Don't panic if it takes a few weeks - the verification process is slow but it does work The whole thing took about 3 weeks to resolve for me, but I did get my back pay once it was sorted out. Hang in there! 💪

I just went through this exact situation last month and want to add a few practical tips that really helped me stay organized during the process: 1. Create a dedicated folder (physical or digital) for all appeal-related documents - you'll be surprised how much paperwork accumulates 2. Set phone reminders for your certification dates - the stress can make you forget routine things 3. If you have any coworkers you're still in touch with, reach out sooner rather than later for witness statements - people's memories fade quickly The waiting period is honestly the hardest part because your mind just spirals with "what if" scenarios. But based on everything you've shared, you have a really solid case. Position elimination due to restructuring is about as clear-cut as it gets for continuing benefits. One thing that gave me peace of mind was calling EDD to confirm they had received the appeal paperwork and that my case was in the queue. Sometimes just having that confirmation helps with the anxiety. Also, don't feel like you need to over-prepare or hire expensive legal help. The Administrative Law Judge is used to dealing with regular people, not lawyers, and they'll guide you through the process. Your termination letter is going to do most of the heavy lifting for your case. Hang in there - this community is rooting for you and you're going to get through this just fine!

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago and I completely understand the panic you're experiencing right now! The uncertainty is absolutely the worst part, but I want to reassure you that in the vast majority of cases, your benefits will continue during the appeal process. Here's what helped me get through it: **Immediate relief**: Your benefits should NOT stop while the appeal is pending. I continued receiving my regular payments throughout the entire process, and most people in this situation do too. **Timeline**: My hearing was scheduled about 6 weeks after my employer filed the appeal. The EDD Office of Appeals will mail you a Notice of Hearing at least 10 days before your scheduled date. **Preparation that actually matters**: - Your termination letter stating "position elimination due to departmental restructuring" is GOLD - that's exactly what wins these cases - Write down a chronological timeline of events while everything is still fresh in your memory - Gather any emails, company announcements, or communications about layoffs/restructuring - Don't stress too much about witness statements unless your employer is making very specific misconduct claims **The hearing itself**: Mine was a 15-minute phone call with an Administrative Law Judge who asked straightforward questions. It was way less intimidating than I imagined. The judge just wanted to understand the facts of my separation. **Key point**: The burden of proof is on your EMPLOYER to prove misconduct. Based on your description, they're going to have a very difficult time doing that when you have documentation showing position elimination. You've got this! Keep certifying every two weeks, focus on organizing your paperwork, and try not to let the anxiety consume you. This community is here to support you through the process.

Another option your cousin should look into is Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) if he's been affected by any recent disasters in his area. California has had several federally declared disasters this year, and DUA can provide additional weeks of benefits for people who lost work due to disaster-related reasons - even if it's indirect impact like his manufacturing plant reducing operations because of supply chain issues from disasters. The deadlines for DUA applications are usually pretty strict (typically 30 days from the disaster declaration), but it's worth checking if any recent disasters in his county qualify. He can find this info on the EDD website under "Disaster-Related Benefits" or by calling the DUA hotline directly. Also, has he looked into any union resources if he was in one? Sometimes unions have emergency funds or job placement assistance that people forget about.

I'm sorry to hear about your cousin's situation - it's really tough right now with so few extension options available. Based on what others have shared here, I'd recommend he prioritize these actions immediately: 1. **Training Extension (TE)** - This seems like his best bet since he has 3 weeks left. Have him apply for California Training Benefits (CTB) through his UI Online account ASAP. Manufacturing has good approved training programs, and if approved, he could get up to 26 additional weeks while in training. 2. **CalFresh application** - Don't wait on this one. With two kids, he likely qualifies for substantial food assistance ($400+/month) and can apply while still receiving UI. 3. **Contact EDD directly** - Every situation is different, and he needs official confirmation of his options. If he can't get through on the phone, that Claimyr service another member mentioned might be worth considering. The reality is that without COVID-era extensions, options are really limited right now. But the Training Extension could be a game-changer if he qualifies - he'd get benefits while learning new skills that could help him find better work in the long run. Time is critical though, so have him start that CTB application today if possible. Hang in there - it's scary but there are still some options to explore.