I had this exact same issue about 6 months ago! Here's what worked for me: check if you have the EDD mobile app installed on your phone - sometimes it saves payment history even when you can't log into the website. Also, if you use any budgeting apps like Mint or YNAB that connect to your bank account, they might have categorized the EDD deposits and you can see the exact amounts there. The payment amount they want is the gross amount before any taxes or deductions. Don't give up - there are definitely ways to find this info without having to wait on hold for hours!

I went through this nightmare last year and here's what saved me: if you have any tax documents from last year (like your 1099-G form that EDD sends for tax purposes), it might have your payment amounts listed. Also, try logging into your bank's website and searching for deposits with "EDD" or "CAEDD" - sometimes they show up with those abbreviations even if they don't display clearly in your account. One more thing - if you have any screenshots on your phone from when you were checking your balance or certifying, those might have the payment amounts visible. I know it's frustrating but don't panic, there are usually more traces of this info than you think!

Just to follow up - I found that after completing the CalJOBS registration, you can actually customize your profile to list entertainment industry job categories. Under the occupation search, use terms like "Media" or "Arts" and you'll find some relevant categories. Not perfect, but it makes the profile look more legitimate when an EDD reviewer checks it. Remember, the key requirement is registering and creating a profile. The actual job applications can still be through your industry channels as long as you document them during certification.

As someone who just went through this process as a cinematographer, I can confirm this is definitely real and required now. I was initially panicked too, but it's really not as bad as it seems once you understand what they actually want. Here's my experience: I registered on CalJOBS in about 20 minutes, uploaded a basic resume, and selected "Motion Picture and Video Industries" under the occupation categories. For work search activities, I just document my normal industry networking - calls to DPs I know, emails to production companies, checking with my agent, etc. When I certify, I select "contacted employer directly" for most of these activities. The system seems designed more for compliance tracking than actually forcing us to use their job board. I haven't applied to a single job through CalJOBS but my benefits have continued without issue as long as I'm documenting legitimate job search efforts in our industry. Don't stress too much about it - just get registered ASAP and keep doing what you normally do to find work!

Congratulations on your new job! As someone who just went through this process last month, I can confirm what everyone else is saying is correct. One additional thing I'd mention - if your new job offers direct deposit, it might take a week or two for your first paycheck to hit your account, so make sure you have enough savings to bridge that gap since you'll stop receiving unemployment benefits after your final certification. Also, don't forget to update your address with EDD if you're moving for the new job, since they might need to send you tax documents (1099-G) early next year. The whole process is actually much simpler than it seems when you're overthinking it. Just be honest on that final certification and you'll be all set!

Congrats on the new job! I went through this same situation about 8 months ago and can confirm what everyone is saying here is accurate. One thing I'd add is to make sure you understand how your employer reports your earnings to EDD - some companies report immediately while others might take a few weeks. This doesn't affect what you need to do (still report honestly on your certification), but it's good to know that EDD will eventually cross-reference your reported earnings with what your employer reports. Also, if you're switching from unemployment to a significantly different income level, you might want to adjust any other benefits or programs you're enrolled in (like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, etc.) since your income change could affect eligibility. The most important thing is just being completely accurate on that final certification - report every penny you earn, even if it's just for one day of work!

wait so they can just TAKE your tax refund without asking???? that seems illegal. did they at least notify you before they did this?? im freaking out bc i have an overpayment too from last year that i havent paid yet...

This is such a common source of confusion! I went through the same thing about 6 months ago. The tax intercept happened in February but my UI Online account didn't show the payment until mid-April. What helped ease my mind was calling the IRS Treasury Offset Program directly (not EDD) - they have a automated phone line where you can verify that your refund was actually sent to EDD and when. The number is 800-304-3107. At least then you'll have confirmation that the payment is in the pipeline even if EDD's system hasn't caught up yet. Just be patient with the timing - it really does take forever for these government agencies to sync up their systems!

Hey OP, congrats on the new family member! Quick heads up - make sure you're also looking into SDI (State Disability Insurance) if you gave birth. You can get up to 4 weeks before your due date and 6-8 weeks after for recovery, THEN your PFL bonding time starts. Don't leave money on the table!

I went through this exact process about 6 months ago! The relationship evidence part was actually pretty straightforward - they just wanted to see that I was legally connected to the baby. Since I'm married, I uploaded our marriage certificate along with the birth certificate showing both our names. One thing that helped me was calling them right after I submitted my initial claim to ask what specific documents they'd need so I could get everything ready in advance. Took a few tries to get through, but it saved me time later when they made their official request. The whole process took about 5 weeks from filing to getting my first payment, which seems to be pretty typical based on what I've seen here. Make sure you certify for benefits every two weeks once you're approved - that part is easy to forget! Best of luck with everything, and congrats on your new addition! 🍼