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Update: I used TeleCert yesterday and it went through! The automated system is painfully slow but at least it worked. Still having trouble getting through to an actual person though. I have questions about why my last payment was less than I expected. Going to try the Claimyr thing as a last resort if I can't get through by Friday. Thanks everyone for all your help!
Glad to hear you were able to certify! Regarding your payment amount, there are several common reasons for lower-than-expected payments: 1. Tax withholding (if you opted for it) 2. Reporting earnings during certification periods 3. Benefit reductions due to pension or other income 4. Child support intercepts 5. Partial benefit weeks at the beginning or end of your claim If none of these apply, definitely speak with a representative. Your UI Online account should show the payment calculation if you regain internet access.
Just wanted to add - if you're still having trouble with TeleCert or need to speak with someone urgently, try calling the EDD switchboard at 1-800-480-3287 first thing Monday morning at exactly 8:00 AM. This number sometimes has shorter wait times than the main UI line. They can transfer you to the right department once connected. Also, check if your local library has free computer/internet access while yours is down. Most libraries let you use computers for 1-2 hours at a time, which would be enough to access UI Online and check for any important messages in your inbox. Some even have staff who can help navigate government websites if you're not sure what to look for. Hope your situation improves soon - the stress of dealing with EDD while unemployed is really tough. You're doing the right thing by staying on top of your certifications!
That's such a great suggestion about the library! I never thought about using their computers to check my UI Online account. There's a branch about 10 minutes from me that I could walk to. Really appreciate everyone being so helpful here - I was feeling pretty hopeless earlier today but now I have multiple options to try. This community is amazing!
Honestly, at this point I'm convinced the entire unemployment office is just one very overwhelmed person named Greg trying his best with an old Dell computer from 2003
As someone who just went through this exact situation last month, here's what finally worked for me: I sent a certified letter to the main EDD office with copies of everything I had, including screenshots of my account showing the missing payments and a detailed timeline of all my contact attempts. I also included a statement that I never received the documentation letter they referenced. Within 10 days of them signing for that certified letter, I got a call back and my payments were released. Sometimes you have to create an undeniable paper trail that forces them to respond. Hang in there - it's frustrating but you will get through this!
Glad we could help! Just remember to keep certifying on time (ideally Sunday morning) for the most consistent payment schedule. And double-check that your contact information is current in UI Online in case they need to reach you about your claim.
Just wanted to add my experience as someone who also returned to unemployment after a long break! I was off unemployment for about 4 years and when I had to file again in late 2024, I was completely lost with all the changes. The Money Network transition really caught me off guard too. What helped me was logging into UI Online and going to the "Payment Method" section to confirm my direct deposit info was correct. There's also a section that shows your payment history with the new system. One thing I noticed - if you have any issues with future payments, don't bother calling the general EDD number. The Money Network customer service line (for direct deposit questions) is actually more helpful and has shorter wait times. The number is on their website if you need it. Your experience with getting the payment Monday after weekend certification is actually ideal timing! Some of my friends who still use the Money Network card say it takes longer to get their funds available.
This is really helpful advice about checking the Payment Method section in UI Online! I didn't even think to look there. And good to know about the Money Network customer service line being better than the main EDD number - I'll definitely keep that in mind if I run into any issues down the road. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Glad to hear your payment came through! For future reference, here's a general EDD payment timeline: 1. Certification submitted (day 0) 2. EDD processes certification (1-2 business days) 3. Payment issued to Bank of America/Money Network (1 business day) 4. Funds available on card (0-1 business day) Total: 2-4 business days on average, but can be faster or slower depending on various factors. Reporting earnings, answering 'yes' to certain questions, or having a partial payment week can all extend this timeline.
I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - certified on Monday and it's Thursday with no payment yet. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helpful though! It sounds like 3-4 business days is pretty normal, especially when you report earnings like I did this week. The inconsistency is definitely the most stressful part - you never know if it's going to be 1 day or 5 days. At least now I know to check the Transaction Activity section in UI Online to see if it's been processed even if it hasn't hit the card yet. Thanks for sharing your experience and glad your payment finally came through!
Hope your payment comes through soon! I'm actually going through something similar right now - certified earlier this week and still waiting. It's so nerve-wracking when you have bills coming up. The advice about checking Transaction Activity was a game changer for me too. Sometimes the payment shows as processed there even when your card balance hasn't updated yet. Fingers crossed yours shows up tomorrow!
Tom Maxon
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
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Rachel Clark
I've been struggling to get through to for weeks! The main number 1-800-300-5616 is always busy. Has anyone tried calling early in the morning right when they open? I heard that might increase your chances of getting through. Also wondering if there are specific days that tend to be less busy than others?
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Alice Pierce
•@Rachel Clark I ve'had the same frustrating experience! I found that calling right at 8am when they open does help, but you still need to be persistent. Tuesday through Thursday seem to be slightly less busy than Mondays and Fridays. Another tip - keep redialing immediately if you get a busy signal rather than waiting. I also heard that the 2321 extension trick mentioned in some of the YouTube videos above can help bypass some of the initial busy signals. Good luck!
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