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Update us if you end up filing a new claim based on that seasonal work! It's possible you might qualify. You need to have earned at least $1,300 in your highest quarter during your new base period. The system will automatically calculate if you're eligible once you submit your application.
Hey Andre, I'm in a very similar situation and wanted to share what I learned from my own experience. I exhausted my benefits last year but was able to file a new claim because I had worked a few months at a temporary job. The key thing is that EDD looks at your "base period" for the new claim, which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So that seasonal work you mentioned from November/December could definitely help you qualify! When you file the new claim online, the system will automatically check if you meet the minimum earnings requirements. Don't get discouraged if the first attempt doesn't work - sometimes there are technical glitches and you might need to try again or speak to a rep. Also, while you're waiting to hear back on a potential new claim, definitely apply for CalFresh ASAP. The application process can take a few weeks but you might be able to get expedited benefits if you qualify. Many counties also have emergency rental assistance programs that could help with your immediate rent situation. Hang in there - I know how stressful this is, but there are options available even when it feels hopeless!
Thank you so much Raúl! This gives me a lot of hope. It's really reassuring to hear from someone who went through the same thing and actually got approved for a new claim. I'm definitely going to file tonight and I'll also look into CalFresh and rental assistance programs in my county. I had no idea these emergency programs existed. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience - it means a lot right now!
That's great news! Thanks for following up with the resolution - it really helps other people who might run into the same issue. Stories like yours are exactly why it's so important to resist the urge to immediately reapply when the system shows confusing messages. The 7-10 day processing window seems to be pretty consistent based on everyone's experiences here. Glad everything worked out for you!
Absolutely agree! This whole thread should be pinned or something - so many people probably go through this same panic when they see that confusing reapply message. I'm new to all this unemployment stuff and was actually getting worried about my own claim I filed last week, but reading through everyone's experiences here has been super helpful. It's reassuring to know that the 7-10 day wait is normal and that the system just has these quirky glitches during processing.
This is such valuable information for anyone dealing with EDD! I'm bookmarking this thread for future reference. It's crazy how a simple system glitch can cause so much anxiety when you're already stressed about being unemployed. Bruno, thanks for sharing your experience and following up with the resolution - it really shows how patience pays off even when the system seems broken. For anyone else reading this, it seems like the key takeaways are: 1) Don't panic and reapply immediately, 2) Wait the full 7-10 business days, 3) Watch your mail for the Customer Account Number, and 4) Document work search activities from day one. This community is awesome for helping each other navigate these confusing processes!
I had a similar experience last year! My eligibility interview was only about 6 minutes and I was convinced I'd blown it because I didn't get to present half of what I'd prepared. The interviewer asked maybe 3 questions total and seemed to already know the basic facts of my case. Turns out she had already reviewed all my uploaded documents beforehand and just needed to verify a couple details verbally. Got my approval letter 5 days later and received all my back pay within 2 weeks after that. The key thing is that you've been consistently certifying during this whole process - that shows you've been available and looking for work, which strengthens your case. Try not to overthink it too much. Employment date discrepancies are usually pretty cut and dry when you have the documentation to back it up.
This gives me so much hope! Thank you for sharing your experience. It's really reassuring to hear from someone who went through almost the exact same thing. I have been certifying every week even though it shows "disqualified" so hopefully that works in my favor like you mentioned. The waiting is just killing me after 7 months without any income, but your story makes me feel like there's actually light at the end of the tunnel.
I'm going through something very similar right now! My eligibility interview was scheduled for next week and I've been preparing for hours, gathering every piece of documentation I can think of. Your post actually makes me feel a bit better about what to expect - I was imagining this intense hour-long interrogation but it sounds like they might already have most of what they need from the case file. The 7 months without benefits sounds absolutely brutal though. I've only been waiting 3 months and it's already putting serious financial strain on my family. Really hoping your decision comes back positive soon! Keep us posted when you hear back - stories like yours help the rest of us know what we're dealing with in this whole process.
PSA: If anyone else is struggling with EDD issues, there's a really helpful Facebook group called 'EDD Unemployment Help'. Lots of good info and people sharing their experiences.
I had the exact same blank page issue last month! Turns out it was a browser compatibility problem. Try using a different browser - I switched from Chrome to Firefox and it worked immediately. Also, if you're still missing weeks to certify, you can request backdating once you get through to someone. Make sure to explain that the technical issues prevented you from certifying on time. The EDD can usually backdate your claim to cover those missed weeks if you have a valid reason. Don't give up - the system is definitely broken but you'll get through it eventually!
Dmitry Petrov
update us on what happens! im having similar issues with my claim and need all the help i can get
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Nia Harris
Just wanted to add something important about temp/substitute positions in schools - make sure when you file your claim that you specify you were working as a temporary employee, not a regular school employee. This matters because there are special rules for school employees that might affect your eligibility timing. Regular school employees often can't collect unemployment during scheduled breaks or between school years, but temp workers like TAs and substitutes are usually exempt from these restrictions. The EDD rep you talk to needs to know this distinction. Also, since you mentioned this was a 4-month position, keep any documentation you have about the temporary nature of your employment (emails, job posting, contract if you had one). This will help establish that you weren't a regular school employee subject to the between-terms restrictions. Good luck with your callback! The fact that you were dismissed with "zero notice" for going "in a different direction" definitely sounds like a layoff situation, not misconduct, so you should be fine on that front.
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LongPeri
•This is such important info about the temp vs regular school employee distinction! I never thought about that but it makes total sense. I was hired as a "temporary teaching assistant" and my offer letter did say it was a short-term position to cover for someone on leave. I'll make sure to emphasize this when I talk to EDD. Thank you for pointing this out - I was worried they might try to apply those school employee restrictions to me.
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