Remember that EDD is only open M-F 8am-5pm PT. Don't waste time trying to call on weekends or outside those hours unless you're using a service that can queue calls for you.

Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like I need to adjust my expectations and strategy. I was hoping there was some special process for state employees but clearly we're all stuck in the same system. I think I'll try the manual calling approach for a couple more days with the tips you've shared (early morning calls, avoiding lunch hours, having all documents ready), but if that doesn't work I'll seriously consider one of those automated calling services. Thanks for all the reality checks and practical advice - at least now I know what I'm up against!

Yes! Turns out there was an identity verification flag on my account even though I had completed the ID.me process. The representative said sometimes there's a disconnect between the ID.me system and the EDD database. She was able to manually verify my identity and remove the flag. She also suggested I check my spam folder regularly because apparently they had sent me an email about this that I never saw!

Congratulations on getting through, Rachel! Your success story gives me hope. I've been dealing with the same pending status issue for over a month now. Based on what you shared about the ID.me disconnect, I'm wondering if that might be my problem too. Did the representative give you any way to check if there are similar flags on an account before calling? I want to be prepared when I finally get through to someone. Also, thanks to everyone who shared the phone number and timing tips - I'm going to try the 8:01am strategy tomorrow!

Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else who might be in this situation - I was in the exact same boat a few months ago, panicking that I'd missed EDD calls from unknown numbers. Turns out they hadn't called me yet either! The key thing I learned is that EDD is actually required to document their contact attempts in your UI Online account, so if there's no record there of a missed call, you're probably still waiting for your scheduled time. One tip that really helped me: I temporarily changed my voicemail greeting to say "Hi, you've reached [full name], please leave a detailed message and I'll call you back" - this way if EDD did call and I missed it, they'd know they had the right number and hopefully leave a proper voicemail. Also, during your interview window, consider having a backup phone available (like a family member's) in case your primary phone has issues. The stress of potentially missing that call is real, but you're being proactive by preparing now!

I went through this exact same panic a few weeks ago! The waiting period for EDD interviews has been really unpredictable lately - some people get called within the 2-3 week timeframe, others wait 4-5 weeks. Since you haven't gotten any notification in your UI Online about a missed call, you're probably still in the queue. One thing that helped ease my anxiety was setting up a simple system: I put my phone on the loudest ring setting during business hours and kept it with me at all times. I also wrote down a little script of key info (SSN, last employer details, separation reason) and taped it next to my phone so I'd have everything ready if they called unexpectedly. The unknown number thing is definitely their standard practice - it's frustrating but that's just how their system works. You're smart to start answering those calls now. Most spam calls hang up quickly if you answer, so you'll know pretty fast if it's legitimate or not. Hang in there, sounds like your interview notification is probably coming soon!

I had this exact same issue! What finally worked for me was going to the "History" tab and then clicking on "State Disability Insurance" instead of the regular unemployment section. The disability statements are in a completely separate area from the regular UI benefits. Also, try switching between the "Summary" and "Detailed" views - sometimes the download links only show up in one of them. It took me forever to figure this out because they don't make it obvious at all 🤦‍♀️

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact same headache a few months ago! The EDD system is honestly so confusing with how they organize everything. I ended up having to call multiple times before I finally got someone who could walk me through where to find my disability docs. One thing that helped me was taking screenshots of each section as I navigated through - that way when I had to start over (which happened A LOT), I could remember where I'd already looked. Also, if you do end up calling, ask them to email you direct links to your documents. Some reps can do that and it saves you from having to hunt around the website. Hope you get it sorted out soon! 🤞

Great advice from everyone here! I went through something similar last year and want to add a few practical tips: 1. Start gathering your employment documents NOW - pay stubs, tax forms, etc. You'll need these when filing your claim. 2. If your company offers any career transition services or job placement assistance as part of the severance package, take advantage of those. They often count toward your work search requirements. 3. Consider setting up direct deposit for your EDD payments when you apply. It's faster than waiting for debit cards or checks to arrive. 4. Screenshot or save confirmation pages when you certify online. Sometimes the system has glitches and having proof you submitted on time can save you headaches later. You're smart to plan ahead - January gives you time to get organized instead of scrambling after your last day. The combination of severance, part-time work, and EDD benefits should help bridge you to your next full-time opportunity. Don't panic, you've got this!

As someone who's been through the EDD process multiple times, I want to emphasize one thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - keep DETAILED records of everything! Create a simple spreadsheet or notebook to track: - Your severance payment dates and amounts - Every hour worked at your part-time job with exact earnings - All your work search activities (job applications, interviews, networking events) - Screenshots of your certification submissions I learned this the hard way when EDD requested documentation during an eligibility review. Having everything organized saved me weeks of stress trying to reconstruct my records. Also, if you haven't already, create your EDD online account now so you're familiar with the system before you actually need to file. The interface can be confusing when you're already stressed about losing your job. One more tip: if your severance comes as a lump sum, ask your HR department exactly which pay period it will be reported under for tax purposes. This helps you report it correctly on the right certification weeks. Good luck!