To summarize the correct information here: 1. CalJOBS registration is mandatory regardless of your employment status (furloughed with return date or completely separated) 2. Your current employer will not be notified of your CalJOBS registration 3. For certification purposes, a tentative return date in April (more than 8 weeks away) means you should continue full work search requirements 4. Document all work search activities, including communications with your current employer about return dates 5. Certify on time every two weeks, even if payments are pending And the most important point - keep checking in with your employer regularly. If your return date becomes more definite (and within 8 weeks), make sure to note that on your certification. This could potentially modify your work search requirements.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago when my landscaping company had to furlough half the crew during the slow season. The CalJOBS registration is definitely required - there's no way around it. But here's what I learned that might help: when you register, you can actually set your profile to indicate you're on temporary layoff with an expected return date. This helps explain your situation if anyone from EDD reviews your case. Also, make sure to keep screenshots of your CalJOBS activities for your records. I got randomly selected for an audit and having those screenshots saved me a lot of headaches. The good news is that once you're back at work, you can just stop certifying and your claim will automatically close. Your employer really won't know or care about the CalJOBS registration - it's just between you and EDD.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it's absolutely maddening when EDD hits you with multiple issues at once! I went through something similar last year and here's what I learned: The key thing is that these are two separate issues that need to be handled differently. The 10-week disqualification is likely because they think you provided false information (even if you didn't!), while the overpayment from 2 years ago is a completely different matter. For the disqualification appeal, definitely include your termination letter showing it was a layoff due to downsizing. Also gather any emails or documentation from your employer confirming the workforce reduction. EDD will likely contact your former employer during the appeal process to verify the separation reason. For the overpayment, since it's from an old claim and they sent notices to your wrong address, you have a strong case for a waiver. Document everything showing you updated your address - screenshots from your online account, any confirmation emails, etc. One important thing everyone's mentioned but I'll emphasize - you MUST continue certifying every two weeks during the 10-week disqualification period, and yes, you still need to do work search activities and keep records. I know it seems pointless when you're not getting paid, but if you don't certify, your claim gets closed. File both appeals immediately and send them certified mail. The waiting is brutal, but many people do win their appeals when they have proper documentation.

I'm really sorry you're going through this nightmare with EDD - it's incredibly stressful to deal with both a disqualification AND an overpayment at the same time, especially when you're already struggling financially. One thing I wanted to add that might help with your overpayment situation: since they sent the original notices to your old address from 2 years ago, make sure to request what's called a "good cause" determination along with your overpayment waiver. This basically argues that you shouldn't be held responsible for the overpayment because you never received proper notice due to their address error. When you file your appeals, include evidence that you updated your address with EDD - screenshots of your online account showing the current address, any confirmation emails, even bank statements or other mail showing you were living at your current address during the time period in question. Also, don't let them pressure you into paying the overpayment while your appeals are pending. You have the right to contest it first, and paying it could actually hurt your case by making it look like you're admitting fault. The whole system is designed to discourage people from fighting these decisions, but you clearly have grounds to appeal both issues. Stay strong and document everything!

Just wanted to update - I called today using the number sequence I mentioned and got through in about 8 minutes. The rep confirmed my card was actually mailed 18 days ago. They asked if I wanted to report it lost and get a replacement (which would take another 10+ days) or expedite a new one for $15 that would arrive in 3 business days. I chose the expedited option and they're sending it out today. Hope this helps others!

I went through this exact nightmare last month! Here's what finally worked for me: I contacted my state assemblyperson's office and filed a complaint about the delayed benefits. Within 48 hours, someone from EDD called me directly and expedited my card at no charge. It arrived 3 days later. Most people don't know that elected officials' offices have direct lines to EDD for constituent services. You can find your assemblyperson on the CA legislature website - just enter your zip code. They deal with EDD issues all the time and actually get results. Worth trying while you're also attempting the other suggestions here!

Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else who might face this issue - I had the exact same "Reopen Claim" problem appear out of nowhere last month while on partial unemployment. Like Fatima, I was panicking thinking I'd messed something up. The key thing I learned is that when you do get through to EDD (which can take forever, I know), make sure to ask them to check your "claim status flags" in their system. Sometimes there are multiple flags that get triggered, and they need to clear ALL of them, not just the reopen status. The first rep I spoke to only cleared one flag, and I had to call back again when the problem persisted. Also, if anyone is still struggling to get through by phone, I've had better luck using the "Ask EDD" contact form on their website for non-urgent issues like this. It takes 3-5 business days to get a response, but sometimes they can fix these system glitches without needing a phone call. Worth trying if you're not in immediate need of payments. Glad you got it resolved, Fatima! This whole system is so unnecessarily stressful.

I'm going through this exact same issue right now! Woke up this morning to the "Reopen Claim" message and was completely confused since I've been consistently certifying every two weeks while working part-time at a retail store. Reading through everyone's experiences here is such a relief - I was worried I had somehow messed up my claim. Based on what everyone shared, I'm going to try calling EDD first thing tomorrow morning at 8am sharp. If that doesn't work, I'll try the "Ask EDD" contact form that Amara mentioned since I can probably wait a few days for a response. Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions. It's so frustrating that EDD's system creates these problems for people who are doing everything correctly, but at least now I know I'm not alone and there are ways to fix it!

Just wanted to add my voice to this incredibly helpful thread! I'm new to this community and found Aaron's post while desperately searching for answers after my EDD interview yesterday. Like so many others here, I got the standard "you'll receive a letter in the mail" response and immediately spiraled into worst-case-scenario thinking. Reading through everyone's experiences has been such a relief - it's amazing how this one thread captures the exact anxiety we all go through during this process! Aaron, huge congratulations on your approval! 🎉 Your willingness to come back and update everyone really shows what makes this community special. For anyone else currently in the waiting phase: based on all the experiences shared here, it seems like the key is to remember that EVERYONE gets the same neutral response regardless of outcome, keep certifying while you wait, and check your UI Online account regularly. The waiting is brutal, but these stories give me so much hope that honest cases like layoffs due to downsizing typically work out. I'll definitely update when my letter arrives - this community deserves more success stories to help calm future nerves! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences. 🙏

Just want to echo what everyone else is saying - this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm also new to this community and found it while searching for EDD interview experiences. Had my phone call yesterday morning and got the same "you'll receive a letter" response that everyone describes. Initially panicked thinking it meant bad news, but reading through all these real experiences has been so reassuring. Aaron, congratulations on your approval! 🎉 It's so great that you came back to update everyone - that kind of follow-through really makes this community valuable. Your timeline (letter in about 4 days, UI Online updating around the same time) gives me a concrete expectation of what to look for. For anyone else currently waiting: the consensus here seems to be that the neutral phone response is 100% standard procedure, not a reflection of the actual decision. The fact that so many people with legitimate layoff situations have gotten approved after the same experience is really encouraging. I'm also dealing with a company downsizing situation, so seeing these success stories gives me hope that honest, qualifying cases do get approved when you explain everything clearly. Will definitely update when my letter arrives to keep this chain of helpful experiences going! Thanks to everyone who shared their stories. 🙏