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I started a temp assignment that ends on Oct 31st and I'm trying to figure out the right way to handle my EDD certifications. The job market in my field is super unstable right now, so I know I'll need UI again soon. Here's my situation: I was laid off in June, started receiving benefits in July, and just got called back for this short 6-week gig through my temp agency on Sept 12th. When I certified for the previous period, I reported that I had an upcoming job, but when I certified for the first week I actually worked, something weird happened. The system asked if I worked but didn't prompt me to enter dates or earnings like it used to. I still got my full benefit amount even though I worked all week! I don't want to commit fraud or get hit with an overpayment, but I also don't want to close my claim when this assignment is so temporary. In the past, I could just report my earnings and my benefits would reduce to $0 while working, then automatically resume when the job ended. Has the UI Online system changed? What's the correct way to handle this so I (1) don't get overpaid while working and (2) can smoothly transition back to UI when this temp job ends on Halloween without reapplying? Should I call EDD to explain the situation?
Hi everyone, just made a video about how to call the EDD and reach a live human agent: https://youtu.be/-R4SqP7_JUA
Outstanding" payment typically means that EDD has issued a payment but it'hasn t been processed or delivered yet. Since you mentioned you have a zero balance but were paid for 11 weeks, this could indicate'there s a pending payment in the system.'I d recommend calling EDD directly to clarify the status - sometimes there are delays or issues with payment processing that need to be resolved by a representative. You can also check if there are any holds or flags on your account that might be preventingpayment.
Hey everyone, I need to recertify my state disability claim and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. Has anyone gone through this process recently? Any tips or advice on what I should have ready or what to expect when I call? I want to make sure I don't mess anything up.
has anyone else noticed that the hold music is like... weirdly catchy? or am i just losing it from being on hold so long 🤣
I just went through SDI recertification a few weeks ago and it was way less scary than I expected! Here's what worked for me: • Have your claim number ready (they'll ask for it right away) • Keep a notepad handy to write down confirmation numbers or next steps • If you're still treating with the same doctor, mention that - it streamlines things • They might ask about your work capacity, so think about how your condition affects daily activities The whole call took maybe 15 minutes once I got through. You've got this! 💪
I'm so confused about how to handle my certification for this week! I worked as an independent contractor (1099) for 3 days and expect to earn over $1500, but I haven't actually been paid yet. Today is the deadline to submit my bi-weekly certification, and I'm not sure what to do. A friend told me I don't need to report 1099 income since independent contractors don't pay into CA unemployment insurance. But that doesn't sound right to me? I don't want to mess up my claim by underreporting income, but I also don't want to lose benefits I might be entitled to. Should I report the 1099 work on my certification even though I haven't received payment yet? And does this type of income actually affect my weekly benefit amount? I'm really stressed about making the wrong choice and getting hit with an overpayment later. Thanks for any help!
honestly this whole system is so confusing!! i wish they would just explain things clearly on their website instead of making us figure it out ourselves 🤦♀️
Good for you Jessica for reporting it! You definitely made the smart choice. I went through a similar situation a few months ago and was terrified about getting it wrong, but EDD really doesn't mess around when it comes to unreported income. Just a heads up - when you get your actual payment, if it ends up being significantly different from what you estimated (like more than $50-100 difference), you might want to call and let them know. They're usually pretty understanding about good faith estimates vs actual amounts, especially when you clearly tried to report accurately from the start. The stress of not knowing what to do is real, but you handled it the right way. Way better to potentially lose some benefits now than deal with overpayment letters and penalties later!
I'm seriously at my wits end with EDD customer service. Been trying to resolve an issue with my claim for the past week and finally got through today after 137 redials (yes, I counted). After waiting on hold for 2 hours and 17 minutes, someone picked up, asked for my info, then HUNG UP ON ME when I started explaining my situation! Called back, waited ANOTHER 1.5 hours, and the EXACT same thing happened again!!!! I'm absolutely furious. There has to be a way to file an official complaint about this kind of treatment. Does anyone know the proper channel to report this? Is there an ombudsman or supervisor line? I need this resolved ASAP as my rent is due next week and I'm already behind on utilities.
This is absolutely outrageous and unfortunately way too common with EDD's broken system. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this nightmare, especially with eviction looming. Here's what I'd recommend based on what's worked for others: **MOST EFFECTIVE:** Contact your state assembly member's office ASAP - they have dedicated EDD liaisons who can bypass the phone system entirely. Multiple people here have gotten results in 2-3 days this way. **PHONE WORKAROUNDS:** If you call again, try the employer questions line (1-800-300-5616) - shorter waits and they can transfer you. Also try calling exactly at 8:00 AM when they open. **OFFICIAL COMPLAINT:** File through edd.ca.gov under Contact EDD > Submit Complaint with all your documentation (dates, times, wait durations). Make sure to emphasize your financial hardship situation. **DOCUMENT EVERYTHING:** Keep that call log going - it'll be crucial evidence for your complaint. The assembly member route is honestly your best shot at getting this resolved before rent is due. It's ridiculous that we need to go through elected officials just to get basic customer service, but the system is so broken that it's often the only thing that works. Don't let them grind you down - you deserve better than this treatment!
This is really comprehensive advice - thank you! I'm definitely going to start with my assembly member first thing tomorrow morning. The employer line trick is something I never would have thought of but it makes total sense. It's just mind-boggling that we need all these workarounds just to access basic government services we're entitled to. The fact that multiple people here have had success with the legislative route within just a few days gives me hope though. I'll make sure to emphasize the eviction timeline when I contact them. Really appreciate everyone sharing what actually works instead of just the "official" channels that clearly don't function!
I'm so sorry you're going through this absolute nightmare! Being hung up on twice after waiting over 3 hours total is beyond unacceptable, especially when you're facing eviction. The EDD system is completely broken and it's infuriating that they treat people this way when we're already struggling. Here's what I'd recommend based on what's worked for me and others: **CONTACT YOUR ASSEMBLY MEMBER IMMEDIATELY** - This is hands down the most effective route. They have dedicated EDD liaisons who can bypass the phone system entirely. I've seen people get responses within 2-3 days after months of phone hell. **FILE THE OFFICIAL COMPLAINT** - Go to edd.ca.gov > Contact EDD > Submit Complaint. Include every detail: dates, times, wait durations, exactly what happened. Your documentation will be crucial. **PHONE HACKS IF NEEDED** - Try the employer questions line (1-800-300-5616) for shorter waits, or call right at 8:00 AM sharp when they open. **EMPHASIZE YOUR HARDSHIP** - Make sure to mention the potential eviction and utility shutoffs in all communications. EDD has expedited processes for financial emergencies. The legislative route through your assembly member is honestly your best shot at getting this resolved before your rent is due. It's ridiculous that we have to go through elected officials just to get basic customer service, but the system is so broken that it's often the only thing that actually works. Stay strong and don't let them wear you down - you deserve so much better than this treatment!
This is exactly the roadmap I needed - thank you so much! I'm definitely calling my assembly member's office first thing in the morning and will emphasize the eviction timeline. It's incredible that so many people here have had success with that route within just days. The employer line workaround is brilliant too - never would have thought of that! It's absolutely maddening that we need these hacks just to get basic help from our own government, but I'm grateful everyone is sharing what actually works. I've got all my documentation ready including exact times of those infuriating hang-ups. Will definitely update once I make progress - fingers crossed this nightmare ends soon!
Hailey O'Leary
wait so with this new system do we still have to do the work search activities when on a temp job? im so confused about weather i need to list 3 job contacts when im already working but know ill need ui again in a few weeks
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Cedric Chung
Yes, technically you're still required to conduct work search activities even during temporary work, unless you have a definite return-to-work date with a regular employer (not a temp agency). However, your temporary work itself counts as one work search activity per day worked. Just document your temp work details in the work search record section.
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Zane Gray
Just want to add my experience here - I went through this exact same thing last year with a seasonal retail job. The key is being proactive about reporting your wages correctly, even when the system is confusing. I found that keeping detailed records of every day worked and earnings really helped when I had to call EDD later. Screenshot everything you do in the system too - saved me when there was a discrepancy months later. Also want to mention that for temp work through agencies, make sure you understand whether you're getting a W-2 or 1099 at the end of the year, as this affects how you report the income. Most temp agencies issue W-2s but some contractor positions are 1099, and EDD treats these differently for UI purposes. Good luck with your assignment! The fact that you're asking these questions now shows you're being responsible about it.
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