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.

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.

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! 🙌

UPDATE: I called EDD this morning (took 27 attempts to get through) and finally spoke to someone who confirmed they have me down as "no contact made" for yesterday's interview. She said the interviewer's notes claim they "couldn't complete the call due to connection issues" but admitted it was done outside the scheduled window. She's escalated it to a supervisor to see if they can reschedule rather than making a determination without talking to me. I'm still going to file an appeal for this second interview just to be safe, but at least I have some documentation that I did answer and they acknowledged calling outside the window. Will update again if anything changes!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - it's incredibly frustrating! I had a similar experience last year where EDD called me 4 hours after my scheduled window while I was at a doctor's appointment. They left a 30-second voicemail saying I "missed" my interview and would be disqualified. What helped me was immediately calling back the number they called from (if it's not blocked) and explaining the situation. Sometimes you can reach the actual interviewer who called you, and they might be willing to note that you were available during the proper window. I also took screenshots of my call log showing exactly when they called versus when I was supposed to be available. The key thing is to appeal IMMEDIATELY - don't wait to see what they decide. You have 30 days from when they mail the disqualification notice, but the sooner you file, the better. In your appeal letter, be very specific about the scheduled times versus when they actually called, and emphasize that you were available during the proper window as instructed. Good luck with getting that supervisor to reschedule! Keep us posted on how it goes.