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!

I went through something very similar when I filed my claim in 2023. My WBA was calculated based on when I was working reduced hours while caring for my sick parent, so it was frustratingly low at $165/week. Like others have said, the weekly benefit amount is locked in for your entire benefit year - there's no way to get it recalculated even if your recent earnings are much higher. What helped me was focusing on maximizing my partial benefits by picking up every shift I could at my part-time job. Since you can earn up to about $188 without any reduction (as Omar mentioned), try to get as close to that threshold as possible each week. Also, start planning now for when your benefit year ends in January 2026 - if you're still eligible then, your new claim will include those higher earnings from late 2024 and all of 2025, which should give you a much better WBA. It's frustrating that the system looks backward instead of at your current earning potential, but understanding the rules helps you work within them. Hang in there!

I feel your pain on this one! I'm dealing with a similar situation where my WBA is way lower than what I could actually earn now. Just wanted to add one thing that helped me - make sure you're tracking your work hours super carefully when you do pick up those extra shifts. I use a simple spreadsheet to log my hours and earnings each day so I don't accidentally go over the partial benefit threshold or mess up my certification. Also, if you're looking for additional income sources while staying under that $188 limit, consider gig work that gives you flexible scheduling. Just remember what Ravi said about reporting ALL income - even small amounts from apps like DoorDash or Uber need to be reported. The key is finding that sweet spot where you maximize your total income (benefits + wages) without losing your UI eligibility completely. The whole system feels backwards when you're in a situation like this, but at least now you know exactly what to expect going forward!

I just wanted to add my experience since I went through something really similar a few months ago! I did a paid medical assistant training program that was about 40 hours over 2 weeks. Like everyone else has said, definitely report it as work income on your certification. One thing I learned that might help you - when you're filling out your certification and it asks if you were "ready, willing, and able to work," make sure you answer YES as long as the training schedule would allow you to accept a full-time job if one was offered. That's really important for maintaining your eligibility. Also, don't be surprised if your first reduced payment takes a little longer to process. Mine was delayed by about a week because their system flagged the income change, but it all worked out fine once they reviewed it. Just be patient if that happens. The medical coding field is awesome - I have friends who completed similar programs and they're all working now with really good pay. Even if this specific company doesn't hire you right away, you'll have that certification which opens up so many opportunities. You're making a smart move by taking this training!

I'm in a very similar situation right now! I just started a paid customer service training program that's 25 hours over one week at $15/hr. I was terrified about reporting it on my certification, but after reading all these responses, I feel so much better about it. I ended up calling EDD (took me 3 days of trying at exactly 8am) and the representative confirmed what everyone here is saying - report it as work income, expect a reduced payment for that week, but your claim stays active. She also mentioned that as long as the training doesn't prevent you from accepting other full-time work, you should still answer YES to being available for work. The rep actually seemed impressed that I was doing skills training and said it shows I'm actively working toward reemployment, which is exactly what they want to see. She told me to keep documentation of the training program just in case they need it later. One thing she emphasized that I don't think anyone mentioned - make sure you report the GROSS earnings before any taxes or deductions are taken out. That was something I wasn't sure about. Good luck with your medical coding training! From what I've heard, that field has amazing job prospects right now. You're definitely making a smart choice taking this opportunity!

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! 🤞