I'm so glad you were able to get everything sorted out! This is such a perfect example of why this community is so valuable - everyone jumped in with practical solutions and it actually worked. I've bookmarked the Tele-Cert number (1-866-333-4606) for future reference after reading this thread. It's crazy that EDD doesn't make this backup option more widely known, especially given how often people have issues with the online system. Your experience with Claimyr is also really encouraging - I've been hesitant to try third-party services, but 15 minutes vs hours of busy signals seems like a no-brainer. Thanks for taking the time to update us with the successful resolution. Stories like this give hope to others dealing with similar EDD nightmares!

This is such a helpful thread! As someone who's been navigating EDD for the past few months, I had no idea there was a dedicated Tele-Cert line at 1-866-333-4606. I've been so dependent on the online system that I never thought to look for phone alternatives. It's honestly ridiculous that EDD doesn't make these backup options more visible - especially when their website goes down during peak times or when people get locked out like you did. I'm saving that number in my contacts right now just in case. Also really interested in hearing more about people's experiences with Claimyr. I've been hesitant about using third-party services, but if it can actually get you through to a real person in 15 minutes instead of hours of busy signals, that seems worth trying. Thanks for sharing your journey and the successful resolution - gives me hope that these EDD issues can actually be fixed when you know the right steps to take!

Hey Emily! I just went through this process a few weeks ago and totally understand the confusion. Here are some additional tips that helped me: - Before you start, gather ALL your documents first (W-2s, pay stubs, previous claim info, etc.) to avoid having to start over - If you're reapplying after benefits expired, you might qualify for a new benefit year with updated wage calculations - Double-check your work search requirements - they vary by state and have gotten stricter lately - Keep detailed records of everything you submit in case there are issues later The whole process took about 2 weeks for me from application to first payment. Don't get discouraged if it seems overwhelming at first - you've got this! 💪 Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions about the forms or requirements!

@Emily - I was in the exact same boat a few months ago! Here's what I wish someone had told me: First, don't stress too much - the reapplication process is actually pretty straightforward once you know what to expect. The hardest part is just getting started. One thing I'd add to the great advice already shared: if your claim expired recently (within the last year), check if you can just "reopen" your existing claim instead of filing a completely new one. This can be faster and less paperwork. Look for a "Reopen Claim" option on your state's unemployment website before going the full reapplication route. Also, pro tip: if you're having trouble with the website (which seems super common based on other comments), try different browsers or clear your cache. I was stuck for days until I switched from Chrome to Firefox and suddenly everything worked perfectly. The waiting is definitely the worst part, but once you get through the initial application, you should start seeing payments within 2-3 weeks if everything goes smoothly. You've got this! Feel free to reach out if you run into any specific roadblocks. This community has been super helpful for navigating all the unemployment maze 🤝

Glad you got it working! For anyone else facing this issue in the future, special characters in names (hyphens, apostrophes, spaces, etc.) are a common source of registration problems with UI Online. The EDD's database sometimes stores these differently than how they appear on official documents. Always try variations of your name format if you encounter matching errors.

Oh wow, this is such a relief to read! I've been banging my head against the wall with the exact same issue for the past week. My last name has a hyphen in it and I bet that's what's causing my problems too. Going to try entering it without the hyphen tomorrow morning. It's so typical of EDD to have a system that can't handle basic punctuation that appears on legal documents! Thanks for sharing your solution - you probably just saved me hours of frustration and multiple failed phone attempts.

I work seasonal construction and deal with this every winter. The trick is documenting EVERYTHING. I keep a spreadsheet with each job I apply to, when I applied, company contact info, any response. Even jobs that aren't perfect matches but I could do. When I certified I just put yes for looking for work and I've never had an issue. But one year I had a friend who got randomly selected for an eligibility interview about his job search and he couldn't prove what he'd been doing and got disqualified. So keep records!!!!!

I'm in a similar situation - laid off from a niche technical role where there aren't many local opportunities. From what I've learned researching this, you absolutely don't have to apply for jobs you can't realistically take due to distance. EDD recognizes "suitable work" includes reasonable commuting distance considerations. Here's what I'd recommend based on my research: - Apply to manufacturing/machining jobs within your reasonable commute range, even if they're not aerospace specific - Look into quality control, inspection, or maintenance tech roles that use your precision skills - Consider reaching out to local community colleges about machining instructor positions (many value industry experience) - Document everything meticulously - job applications, networking efforts, any skills courses The key is showing genuine effort to find work that's actually feasible for your situation. Your specialized skills are valuable, but you may need to think creatively about how they transfer to other local opportunities. Don't stress too much about having to apply everywhere - EDD wants to see reasonable job search efforts, not impossible commitments.

I've been through multiple EDD appeal hearings and one thing that really helped me was creating a simple one-page summary of the key facts to refer to during the hearing. Include things like your hire date, job duties, last day worked, and timeline of events. The judge appreciates when you can quickly reference specific dates and details without fumbling around. Also, don't be surprised if your employer tries to bring up unrelated issues or old complaints to muddy the waters. Stay focused on the specific reason for separation - in your case, the client termination that eliminated your position. If they start bringing up irrelevant stuff, the judge will usually redirect them back to what matters. One more thing - if your employer claims you were fired for cause, they need to show they followed progressive discipline (warnings, write-ups, etc.) and that you were aware your job was in jeopardy. The fact that you had no formal termination paperwork and were never told about performance issues actually works strongly in your favor. You sound well-prepared. The judges are experienced with these situations and can usually spot when an employer is being vindictive versus having legitimate cause for termination.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you should request a copy of your personnel file from your employer before the hearing if you haven't already. In California, they're required to provide it within 30 days of your request. This could reveal any documentation (or lack thereof) about your performance and the termination decision. Also, since you mentioned this involves a client with disabilities, make sure you're clear about whether you were employed directly by the agency/company or if you were contracted through a regional center program. The employment classification matters for benefit eligibility, and sometimes these arrangements can be more complex than they appear. If possible, try to get a brief statement from someone at the regional center confirming that services were terminated by your employer, not due to any issues with your care or performance. Even a simple email confirmation could be valuable evidence. The fact that you found out about losing your job by calling the regional center rather than being notified by your employer is actually strong evidence that this wasn't a typical termination for cause. Document that timeline clearly - when you last worked, when you attempted to contact your employer, and when you discovered through the regional center that services had ended.