One final tip: If your campaign job pays significantly more than your weekly benefit amount, your weekly certifications might show "excessive earnings" while you're working. This is normal and doesn't impact your ability to collect benefits after the job ends (as long as you're still in your benefit year and have a remaining balance). Also, keep in mind the EDD work search requirement still applies after your campaign job ends - you'll need to look for and document at least 3 job contacts per week. The EDD can request these records even months later, so keep a log of your applications.

I went through this exact situation in 2022 when I worked on a local campaign for 10 weeks while on EDD. Here's what I wish someone had told me upfront: 1. Save EVERY piece of documentation - your offer letter, any emails confirming start/end dates, pay stubs, and especially anything that shows the position was always temporary. 2. When you certify during the campaign, be super specific about your job duties. Write something like "Political campaign field organizer - temporary position through 11/8/2024" rather than just "campaign work." 3. After the campaign ends, if EDD asks why you're no longer working, DO NOT just select "job ended." Choose the most specific option like "temporary/seasonal work completed" or "contract expired" if available. 4. Pro tip: Take a screenshot of your benefit balance before you start working. This helps you track exactly how much you have left when you resume benefits. The good news is political campaigns are pretty standard temporary work, so EDD sees this situation regularly. Just be thorough with documentation and honest about earnings. You've got this!

Final update: It took exactly 4 business days for my direct deposit to activate. Just got my first payment directly to my checking account today! For anyone else wondering, the process was pretty straightforward - the Money Network website walks you through it. And yes, I did have to transfer the initial payment from my card separately.

That's awesome that it worked out so smoothly for you! 4 business days is actually pretty reasonable. Quick question for everyone - has anyone had issues with the Money Network website being down or glitchy when trying to set up direct deposit? I'm planning to do this soon and want to know if there are certain times of day that work better or if I should expect any technical difficulties with their site.

For everyone still searching for an EDD San Jose phone number - I contacted three different local offices and they all said the same thing. Unemployment calls only go through 800-300-5616 or 833-978-8753, both identical lines.

I'm in the same boat here in San Jose! Been calling for weeks thinking there might be a local number. After reading all these responses, it's clear there's no separate EDD San Jose phone number. The timing tips are really helpful though - sounds like early Wednesday mornings around 8am and avoiding the lunch hour blackout are key. Might have to bite the bullet and try one of those callback services since I can't keep taking time off work to call during business hours. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

jus wanna say good luck man. been there with the id.me nightmare... took me almost 3 weeks to get my claim filed because of it. system is broken

UPDATE: The video chat with ID.me referee finally worked! I had to wait about an hour but the person was actually really helpful. They got me verified and I was able to complete my claim online. Thanks everyone for all your suggestions - especially about the video chat option! Now I just have to wait and see if they approve my claim.

To answer your earlier question about the burden of proof: While the employer does have the burden of proving misconduct at the hearing, the initial determination is often made based primarily on the employer's statement during the claims process. That's why approximately 60% of misconduct disqualifications are overturned on appeal. Regarding contacting your former employer - I generally advise against it during the appeal process. Any conversations could potentially be used against you. Instead, focus on preparing your evidence and timeline for the hearing. Also, while waiting for your appeal, look into whether you qualify for other assistance programs like CalFresh (food stamps) or emergency rental assistance through your county's social services department. These can help bridge the gap while your unemployment appeal is pending.

I went through almost the exact same situation in 2023! Got terminated for "performance issues" but had documentation showing my work met standards. The key things that helped me win my appeal: 1. Organize all your evidence chronologically - those supervisor approval emails are GOLD 2. Write a simple 1-page summary of events with dates for the judge 3. Don't just focus on proving you did good work - focus on proving you didn't willfully violate company policy or deliberately harm the employer's interests My hearing was scheduled about 6 weeks after filing the appeal. The judge was very professional and asked specific questions about the approval process, whether I knew the work was allegedly substandard, and if I had any training on the requirements. Having those emails showing supervisor approval before submission was exactly what won my case. One tip: when they schedule your hearing, you'll get a notice with instructions on how to request documents from your employer. Do this! Sometimes employers submit additional "evidence" at the last minute, and you have the right to see it beforehand. Stay strong - the system is designed to be discouraging, but you have solid evidence. Just make sure you keep certifying every two weeks even though you're getting $0 right now!