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 dealing with a similar situation where EDD isn't considering all my employment history when calculating benefits. From what I've learned, you should definitely push to speak with a Tier 2 representative as Katie mentioned. They have more authority to make corrections to your claim. Make sure you have all your W-2s and pay stubs from both jobs ready when you call. Sometimes it takes multiple calls and escalations, but don't give up - you're entitled to have ALL your qualifying wages included in the calculation, not just the most recent part-time job. Document everything and keep records of your calls. Good luck!

Congratulations Ellie! You definitely won your appeal! 🎉 I know exactly how confusing those split decisions can be - I got one last summer and it took me forever to figure out what it actually meant. The key thing is that Case #25749632 reversed the determination and made you eligible for benefits starting 5/16. That's the one that matters for getting paid! The first case (disqualification) was probably about a different issue on your claim, but since the second decision makes you eligible, you're good to go. Based on my experience, you should start seeing payments within 7-14 business days, and since you've been certifying since May, that backpay is going to be substantial! Just keep an eye on your UI Online account - once your payment status changes from "Pending" to "Paid," you'll know the money is on its way. The relief you're feeling right now is so valid - this process is incredibly stressful and you made it through! Your rent situation should be sorted out soon. Hang in there! 💪

Hey Ellie! This is actually really common - I went through the exact same thing about 6 months ago and was just as confused by the split decision! What happened is you had two separate determinations on your claim that both went to appeal. The first case (disqualification under section 1256) was probably about your separation reason - like if your employer claimed misconduct or that you quit voluntarily. The second case was likely about a different eligibility issue, and that's the one they reversed in your favor. The GREAT news is that the reversal on Case #25749632 is what matters for getting paid! Since it says you're eligible starting 5/16, you should get backpay for all those weeks you've been certifying. In my experience, it took about 10 business days after getting the decision letter for payments to start showing up in my account. The system should process everything automatically, but definitely keep checking your UI Online daily. If nothing changes after 2 weeks, that's when I'd call EDD (good luck with that though lol). You won your appeal - congratulations! That backpay is going to be a huge relief when it hits. Just stay patient, the EDD moves at its own pace but you're definitely getting paid! 🎉

Have you tried reaching out to your local assemblymember or state senator? Sometimes their office can help push things through with EDD.

@Dmitry Ivanov I went through this exact same issue a few weeks ago! The "Reopen Claim" option is really hard to find - it's usually buried in the UI Messages section or sometimes shows up under "Claim History" depending on your claim status. Also, make sure you're looking on the right date - sometimes there's a delay before the system allows you to reopen for a specific week. If you're still stuck after trying Connor's browser steps, the phone route really is your best bet. Hang in there! 💪

I had this issue last year. Turns out my claim wasn't actually eligible for reopening and I had to file a new one. Might be worth double-checking your status.

I've been dealing with the same issue for weeks! What finally worked for me was calling the 1-833-978-2511 number early in the morning (like 8:01 AM sharp when they open). The wait time was still brutal but I eventually got through to someone who was able to manually reopen my claim. They said there's been a bug in their system affecting the online reopen button. Super annoying but at least there's a workaround!

Can I just say how bizarre it is that EDD runs both systems but makes them work completely differently? I went through the same confusion last year. UI is all online with bi-weekly certifications, but SDI still relies heavily on paper forms and doctor certifications. The whole system is archaic and needlessly complicated! My doctor actually filled out my SDI paperwork wrong TWICE and it delayed my claim by over a month. Make sure your doctor knows what they're doing when they fill out the forms.

Just went through this exact transition last month! You're right to be confused - the systems are totally different. With SDI, once your claim is approved and your doctor's certification is processed, payments are automatic for the period they certified you for. No bi-weekly certifications like UI! The key thing is making sure your doctor fills out the forms correctly the first time. I'd recommend calling their office to confirm they submitted everything and ask if they're familiar with SDI paperwork. Some doctors mess up the dates or disability codes which can delay everything. Also, keep an eye on your mail for any requests for additional info. Unlike UI where everything happens online, SDI still uses a lot of paper correspondence. Good luck with your recovery!