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!

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.

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!

I'm telling you, it's a conspiracy to keep us poor and desperate. They make it so hard on purpose so people just give up. Stay strong and keep fighting!

I've been through this exact same situation! The waiting game is absolutely brutal. One thing that worked for me was creating a new email address specifically for unemployment correspondence and then updating my contact info through the online portal. Sometimes their system gets glitchy with certain email providers. Also, try checking if there's a "secure messages" section in your online account - sometimes they send notifications there instead of email. I know it's frustrating, but don't give up! The squeaky wheel gets the grease, so keep being persistent with calls and emails. You've got this! 💪