Thanks everyone for the amazing advice! I'm going to apply online tonight and make sure I clearly indicate I'm still working part-time but lost my main source of income. I'll be super careful with my weekly certifications and make sure to report my gross earnings accurately. Sounds like I'll still qualify for some partial benefits which will really help until I can find another full-time position. Will update on how it goes!

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - when you're doing your weekly certifications, they'll ask about any job contacts you made that week. Since you're working part-time but looking for full-time work, keep a simple log of where you applied or who you contacted. It doesn't have to be tons of places, but having 2-3 legitimate job search activities per week will keep you compliant. I used to just write down the company name, position, and date I applied. Made the certification process so much smoother!

dont waste ur time with school just keep applying i got rejected from 32 interviews before i finally got hired last month. the market is just tough right now but if u stop looking to do school ur just delaying getting a real job. benefits gonna run out anyway.

I'm actually going through this right now! Started a cybersecurity bootcamp 3 weeks ago while on UI. Here's my experience so far: When I certified and answered YES to the training question, EDD immediately sent me the DE 3100 form through my UI Online account. I filled it out within 24 hours and included: - My class schedule (evenings 6-9pm, 4 days/week) - Program curriculum showing it's job-focused training - Letter from school confirming I can work full-time during the program My payments went to "pending" status for about 2.5 weeks, which was stressful. But I just got approved yesterday! They actually called me to confirm some details about my program, which was surprising. One tip: in the DE 3100 form, really emphasize how the training directly relates to jobs you're seeking. I mentioned specific job titles and salary ranges for cybersecurity roles in my area. I think that helped show it wasn't just random education but targeted career training. Your data analytics program sounds perfect for approval - it's exactly the kind of in-demand skill training CTB is designed for. Just be patient during the review period and keep certifying even while payments are pending.

I've been in a similar boat and completely understand both your desperation and ethical concerns. After 4 weeks of trying to reach EDD about my pending disqualification, I finally broke down and used one of these services (ended up using EDD Caller after researching several options). Here's what I learned: - They do work, but they're essentially just sophisticated auto-dialers that keep calling until they get through the queue - Cost me $20 but saved probably 20+ hours of my time trying to redial constantly - Got connected to an actual EDD rep in about 45 minutes vs. weeks of failed attempts - The rep was able to see all my uploaded documents and resolve my issue in one call I felt conflicted about paying for what should be free government access, but when you're facing financial hardship and the system is this broken, sometimes pragmatism wins over principles. These services exist because EDD has failed to adequately staff their phone lines or improve their system. My advice: try the free methods others mentioned first (assembly member contact is surprisingly effective), but don't let ethics prevent you from getting help you desperately need. The system is broken - that's not your fault, and you shouldn't suffer because of it. Whatever you decide, make sure you're prepared with specific questions and all your documentation ready when you do get through!

I've been reading through this whole thread and wanted to add my perspective as someone who recently went through this exact situation. Like many of you, I was initially opposed to paying for what should be free government access, but after 5 weeks of failed attempts and facing eviction, I decided to try Claimyr. The service worked as advertised - got connected in about an hour when I'd been trying unsuccessfully for weeks. The representative was able to review my case and resolve my disqualification issue in a single call. Was it expensive? Yes, about $25. But it saved me from potential homelessness. Here's what I think we're all dancing around - the real ethical issue isn't people using these services when they're desperate. It's that California has allowed EDD to become so dysfunctional that a cottage industry has sprung up to provide basic access to government services. These companies exist because our state has failed us, not because we're doing anything wrong by trying to survive. That said, definitely exhaust free options first. The assembly member route mentioned here is legitimate and I wish I'd known about it sooner. But if you're facing immediate financial hardship and free methods aren't working quickly enough, don't let guilt stop you from getting help. The system is broken. You didn't break it. Your priority should be getting the benefits you're entitled to, not maintaining moral purity while you go homeless.

Update: Finally got through today! For anyone dealing with this same issue, here's what worked for me: 1. Fixed my phone number in UI Online (had a typo) 2. Called right when they opened at 8am 3. When I finally got through the queue (still took 45 mins), I got the verification code texted to me 4. Entered the code and actually spoke to someone! The rep told me there was a flag on my claim because my employer submitted some conflicting information. They're going to contact my employer to verify my leave dates and should have my payments processed within 5-7 days. Still a ridiculously inefficient system, but at least I'm making progress now. Thanks for all the advice everyone!

Wow, thanks for the detailed update! This is super helpful. I've been struggling with the same verification code issue for my UI claim. I'm definitely going to check my contact info in UI Online tonight and try calling right at 8am tomorrow. It's encouraging to hear that you actually got through and resolved your issue. The fact that it was an employer documentation problem makes sense - seems like a lot of these "pending" claims are just waiting for some kind of verification or correction that could be handled much more efficiently. Fingers crossed I have similar luck!

To answer your follow-up question about evidence: Yes, you should submit copies of all your evidence to the Appeals Board before your hearing. The notice you received should include instructions on how to do this. Generally, you can email, fax, or mail copies of your documents. Make sure you also have copies for yourself to reference during the call. Judges typically receive decisions within 7-14 days, though some complex cases might take longer. You'll receive the written decision in the mail. As for needing a lawyer - most people represent themselves successfully in these hearings. The process is designed to be accessible without legal representation. However, if your case involves complex legal issues or significant backpay amounts, you might consider at least consulting with an employment attorney.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago! My employer claimed misconduct but didn't show up to the hearing. The judge still asked me detailed questions about my separation and wanted to see my documentation, but without my employer there to challenge my testimony, it definitely made things easier. One thing I wish I'd known beforehand - the judge will ask you specific questions like "What was the exact reason given for your termination?" and "Do you have any documentation supporting your claim?" So practice giving clear, factual answers without rambling. Also, make sure you understand the difference between being "laid off due to restructuring" versus being "terminated for misconduct" - the judge will want you to explain this clearly. Since you have that termination letter mentioning restructuring, you're in a good position! The whole process was way less scary than I expected. Just stay calm, be honest, and stick to the facts. You've got this!