Just wanted to add my recent experience for anyone else going through this! I submitted my SDI application 3 weeks ago at 36 weeks pregnant and just got my approval notice yesterday. A few things that helped me: 1. I used certified mail to send my application so I had tracking confirmation it was received 2. Created my SDI Online account immediately after mailing so I could monitor status 3. Made sure my doctor used black ink and printed clearly - apparently handwriting issues can cause delays 4. Double-checked that my doctor included ALL required dates (last day worked, expected delivery date, etc.) My first payment should arrive next week according to the notice. The whole process was actually smoother than I expected after reading so many horror stories online! Just be thorough with the paperwork and don't overthink it. Good luck to everyone navigating this system!

I just went through this process myself a few months ago and wanted to share some additional tips that helped me! One thing I don't see mentioned yet - make sure to keep copies of EVERYTHING you send to EDD. I had to resubmit my doctor's certification because they claimed they never received it (even though I had tracking showing it was delivered). Having copies saved me from having to go back to my OB's office. Also, if you're planning to take the full 4 weeks before your due date, make sure your doctor is aware of this timeline. Some doctors automatically put 2 weeks before delivery if you don't specifically discuss it with them. The 4 weeks before is your right under California law, but your doctor needs to certify that you're unable to work due to your pregnancy. One last thing - start thinking about your PFL application now too. You can apply for Paid Family Leave to bond with your baby after your SDI benefits end, but it's a separate application process. Getting familiar with both programs now will save you stress later when you're dealing with a newborn! The system definitely has its frustrations, but if you follow everyone's advice here about keeping it simple and making sure the forms are filled out correctly, it should go smoothly. Congratulations on your upcoming arrival!

Great thread everyone! I'm actually an EDD caseworker and wanted to clarify a few things. Drew, your GED program at 6 hours/week is absolutely fine as long as you maintain availability for work. The key distinction is that part-time education (generally under 20 hours/week) allows you to continue regular UI benefits while full-time programs typically require CTB approval. One important tip: when you certify and answer YES to school/training, there's a follow-up question about whether the training affects your availability - make sure to answer NO since your schedule is flexible. Also, keep a simple log of when you're available for work each day (even if it's just "available 9am-5pm except Tues/Thurs 6-9pm classes"). This documentation can be invaluable if any questions arise later. Your GED is exactly the type of skills improvement EDD wants to see - it shows you're working toward better employment prospects. Just stay consistent with your work search efforts and honest on certifications!

Just want to echo what Emma said - having an actual EDD caseworker confirm this is gold! I went through a similar situation with my welding certification classes (8 hours/week) and everything worked out fine. The key really is that availability documentation. I kept a simple note in my phone showing my available hours each day and it gave me peace of mind. Drew, your GED is going to open so many doors - stick with it! And thanks Emma for the insider perspective, this kind of official guidance is exactly what this community needs.

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

Have you tried calling the BOA EDD customer service line at 1-866-692-9374? Sometimes they can unlock your card over the phone without requiring a branch visit. If they insist on a branch visit, you might want to ask a friend or family member for a ride, or consider using rideshare/public transportation if available in your area. Some people have also had success explaining their transportation situation to the customer service rep and asking if there are any alternative verification methods they can use.

This is really helpful information everyone! I'm in a similar boat with YouTube ad revenue - making maybe $8-12 per month but Google only pays out after you hit $100, so I won't see actual payment for like a year at this rate. Based on what everyone's saying, I should definitely report the earnings when they're generated each week, not when I eventually get paid by Google. The spreadsheet idea from Christian is brilliant - I'm going to start tracking everything by certification week. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to report such tiny amounts, but the horror stories about overpayments are enough to convince me it's not worth the risk. Thanks for sharing all your experiences, this community is way more helpful than trying to get through to EDD directly!

As someone who's been navigating this exact situation for months, I can confirm what others have said - you absolutely need to report those Amazon Associates earnings when they're earned, not when paid. I learned this the hard way after initially thinking the amounts were too small to matter. What really helped me was setting up a simple system: I check my Amazon Associates dashboard every Sunday (which is when I usually certify) and record the earnings that were generated during that specific certification week. Even if it's just $2.47, I report it. The good news is that with amounts this small, it typically won't affect your benefit amount due to the $25/25% rule others mentioned. One tip that saved me a lot of headaches: Amazon's dashboard shows earnings by the date the commission was earned (when someone clicked and bought), not when Amazon processes it. Use that "earned date" to figure out which certification week to report it in. I keep screenshots of my dashboard each week just in case EDD ever asks for documentation. The whole process feels ridiculous for such tiny amounts, but after hearing about people getting hit with massive overpayment notices, it's definitely not worth the risk. Better safe than sorry with EDD!

Just checking in - any updates? Have you received your hearing notice yet? The timing sounds about right that you might get something in the next week or two based on when you filed.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my appeal in mid-January for a similar "not available for work" disqualification and it's been radio silence ever since. The waiting is absolutely brutal when you're counting every dollar. I've been documenting everything - job applications, interview emails, even screenshots of job board searches - just in case. One thing that's helped me stay sane is setting up a routine where I check for mail at the same time every day and remind myself that no news doesn't mean bad news. From what I'm reading here, 6-8 weeks seems to be the norm unfortunately. Have you been able to apply for any emergency assistance programs while waiting? Some local food banks and utility companies have hardship programs that might help bridge the gap until your hearing. Hang in there - sounds like most people who appeal these bogus "availability" decisions end up winning when they get their day in court!