To answer your follow-up question about split severance payments - yes, you report each payment separately during certification for the specific weeks you receive them. So report the first payment during certification that includes May 15, and the second payment during certification that includes June 15. Each will only affect benefits for those specific weeks. One last piece of advice: take screenshots of EVERYTHING. The EDD system can be glitchy, and having documentation of what you submitted and when can save you a lot of headaches if there are any issues with your claim later.

Just wanted to add one more important point that I learned the hard way - make sure to keep detailed records of your severance agreement and any correspondence with your former employer about the payment dates. Sometimes employers change severance payout schedules, and if that happens, you'll need to update EDD during your certification. I had a situation where my company moved my severance date by a week, and I had to explain the discrepancy to EDD later. Having the original agreement and the updated notice from HR made it much easier to resolve. Also, if your severance includes continuation of health benefits or other non-cash compensation, make sure you understand how to report those as well during certification.

UPDATE: I finally got through this morning! I followed the advice about trying at an odd time (called at 10:42am) and only waited about 15 minutes. Turns out I had a pending eligibility interview because my former employer contested my claim saying I quit (I was actually laid off). The rep scheduled me for a phone interview next Tuesday and said my payments should release after that if everything checks out. She also put notes in my account about the financial hardship so they might expedite it. Thank you all for the suggestions and support!

Wow, what a rollercoaster but so glad you got through! This is exactly why I always tell people to document EVERYTHING with employers - separation notices, emails, even text messages. Your case is a perfect example of how employers can throw a wrench into legitimate claims. The contested claim explains the sudden stop in payments too, since they probably flagged your account for review the moment your employer filed the protest. Hope your interview goes smoothly next Tuesday! Keep us posted on how it turns out.

Just to add some clarity on the formula EDD uses: 1. You report your gross earnings (before taxes) 2. EDD disregards 25% of those earnings 3. The remaining 75% is subtracted from your weekly benefit amount So with your $375 weekly benefit, if you earn $200 gross in a week: - 25% of $200 = $50 (disregarded) - 75% of $200 = $150 (deducted) - $375 - $150 = $225 (your partial UI payment) You'll still receive benefits as long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount + $25 (so $400 in your case).

I'm in a similar situation - just started a part-time retail job while collecting unemployment. One thing I learned the hard way is to keep detailed records of your work hours and earnings for each week. I use a simple notebook to track my shifts and gross pay, which makes certification much easier. Also, if your coffee shop hours ever change (like picking up extra shifts during busy periods), just remember that you need to report ALL earnings for the week you worked them, even if it pushes you over the benefit threshold for that particular week. The EDD system is pretty forgiving as long as you're honest and accurate with your reporting.

To all those having trouble reaching a human at the EDD. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

You can also try logging into your UI Online account if you have one set up - your customer account number should be displayed on your account homepage or in your profile section. If you don't have online access set up yet, you'll need to call EDD directly. The number is 1-800-300-5616, but be prepared for long wait times. Having your Social Security number and other identifying information ready will help speed up the process once you get through to someone.

That's amazing news, Todd! Your success story gives me so much hope. I've been stuck in the system for months too, and reading about your experience with asking for a tier 2 rep is exactly what I needed to hear. It's encouraging to know that persistence pays off and that the community resources here actually work. Congratulations on getting your back pay - you must be so relieved! Thanks for sharing the details about your process, it's incredibly helpful for those of us still fighting through this.

This is exactly what I needed to see today! I've been in limbo for 3 months waiting for my phone interview and was starting to lose hope. Your step-by-step breakdown is so helpful - especially the part about asking specifically for a tier 2 representative and not giving up if you get disconnected the first time. I had no idea that was even an option! I'm going to try Claimyr based on your recommendation. It's stories like yours that remind me there's light at the end of this tunnel. Congratulations on getting your back pay sorted out - that must be such a huge relief! 🙌