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! 🙌

Just wanted to add another option that worked for me - if you have a smartphone, try using the EDD mobile app to send a message through the "Contact Us" feature. I know the original poster mentioned they already tried UI Online, but the mobile app seems to route messages differently. I got a response within 2 days when I explained my situation was urgent due to rent being due. Also, when you do get through to someone (whether by phone or through one of these services), ask them to put notes in your account about the issue being resolved so if something similar happens again, the next rep can see the history. Really glad to hear the Claimyr service worked for you @Ava Johnson - that's awesome that you got it sorted out!

Another strategy that helped me when I was in a similar situation - try calling the disability insurance (DI) line at 1-800-480-3287 and explain that you're having trouble reaching someone about your UI claim. Sometimes they can transfer you internally to the right department, and since fewer people know about this number, you're more likely to get through to a human. Also, if you're really desperate, consider reaching out to your local One-Stop Career Center (American Job Centers). They often have direct contacts at EDD and can sometimes make calls on your behalf or escalate urgent cases. I know it's frustrating but don't give up - there are people there who want to help, the system just makes it incredibly hard to reach them!