For account registration issues, you want to call the EDD technical support line at 1-833-978-2511. They can handle UI Online access issues specifically. Regular claim questions go to a different department. Make sure to have your EDDCAN, SSN, and the letter with the incorrect information ready when you call. They'll likely ask for verification details before they can make any changes to your account information.

I just wanted to update everyone - I was able to get through to EDD this morning using that technical support number. They confirmed there was a data entry error with my birth year. The rep corrected it in their system and had me try registering while I was still on the phone with her. It worked! I'm finally in my UI Online account and can see all my claim info. Thank you all for your help with this!

Hey everyone, I'm dealing with a similar situation to the original poster. Got my EDD benefits after a long wait and received the Money Network card, but I'm really hesitant to do online transfers because I've had bad experiences with financial websites in the past getting hacked. Has anyone here had any security issues with the Money Network website? I'm torn between wanting to avoid fees at my credit union and being worried about putting my banking info on yet another website. The money order suggestion sounds interesting but I'm not sure my landlord would accept that for rent payment. Also, for those who switched to direct deposit for future payments - how long did it take for EDD to process that change? I want to avoid getting another one of these cards if possible. Thanks for all the helpful info in this thread, it's been really eye-opening!

I'm in a very similar situation - just got approved for benefits after weeks of waiting and feeling completely overwhelmed by this Money Network card system! Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful. One question I haven't seen addressed yet - does anyone know if there's a time limit on how long the money sits on the card before they start charging inactivity fees? I want to make sure I transfer everything out promptly but also want to do it right the first time. Also, for anyone who's used the online transfer method - do you get email confirmations at each step of the process? I like having documentation for my records, especially when dealing with larger amounts like this. The whole EDD process has made me extra paranoid about keeping paper trails for everything! Thanks to everyone who's shared their experiences here. It's such a relief to know I'm not the only one who found this confusing at first. The step-by-step instructions some of you provided are going to save me so much stress.

jus wanna say good luck man. been there with the id.me nightmare... took me almost 3 weeks to get my claim filed because of it. system is broken

UPDATE: The video chat with ID.me referee finally worked! I had to wait about an hour but the person was actually really helpful. They got me verified and I was able to complete my claim online. Thanks everyone for all your suggestions - especially about the video chat option! Now I just have to wait and see if they approve my claim.

I went through almost the exact same situation last year! Got laid off from my tech job in March but they offered me a 6-week contract to finish up some projects. I was so worried about messing up my unemployment claim but it worked out perfectly. Filed my claim the day after my regular employment ended, reported all contract earnings during certification, and got zero benefits during those contract weeks (made too much). But once the contract ended, my full benefits kicked in immediately. The whole process was actually pretty smooth. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given - make sure your contract explicitly states it's temporary project work with a defined end date. Having that clear documentation helped when EDD reviewed my claim. Also, don't stress too much about the phone situation - I never had to call them and everything processed automatically through the online system. You're making the right choice taking the contract. The extra income in January will be worth it, and your February+ benefits will be exactly the same as if you hadn't done the contract work.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar boat - just got notice of layoff from my nonprofit job (effective Jan 15) but they want me to stay on as a consultant for February to help train my replacement. Reading everyone's experiences here is giving me confidence that I can accept the consulting gig without screwing up my unemployment claim. Quick question for those who've been through this - did any of you have issues with the fact that you're essentially working for the same employer who laid you off? I'm wondering if EDD views that differently than contract work for a completely different company. The pay structure and everything else sounds identical to what OP is dealing with, just curious if the "same employer" aspect creates any complications. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - this community really is a lifesaver when navigating EDD's complexity!

For everyone still searching for an EDD San Jose phone number - I contacted three different local offices and they all said the same thing. Unemployment calls only go through 800-300-5616 or 833-978-8753, both identical lines.

I'm in the same boat here in San Jose! Been calling for weeks thinking there might be a local number. After reading all these responses, it's clear there's no separate EDD San Jose phone number. The timing tips are really helpful though - sounds like early Wednesday mornings around 8am and avoiding the lunch hour blackout are key. Might have to bite the bullet and try one of those callback services since I can't keep taking time off work to call during business hours. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!