UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know that my payment finally switched from pending to paid this morning! Took exactly 5 days. Thanks for all the advice and support, it really helped me not panic while waiting. For anyone else in this situation - yes, reporting settlement money will trigger a review, but it does eventually clear if everything is properly reported.

Glad to hear your payment went through! For future reference, if anyone else is dealing with settlement income, it's worth noting that EDD typically processes these reviews in order of submission. The 5-7 business day timeframe mentioned earlier is pretty accurate for most cases. Just remember to always report any income - even if it causes a delay, it's much better than dealing with overpayment issues later. The system is designed to protect both you and the state from errors.

Glad you finally got through to EDD and got some clarity! That's a huge relief just knowing where you stand. The contract wording thing is really important - I've seen cases where districts classify summer as "temporary layoff" vs "unpaid leave" and it makes all the difference for EDD eligibility. Since you're IT support, definitely ask about summer maintenance projects too - a lot of districts do major system updates/upgrades when students aren't around. Even if it's just a few weeks of work, every bit helps bridge that gap. Good luck with everything and thanks for updating us! It's really helpful to see how these situations actually play out.

Great update Lucas! So glad you got through to EDD and got some real answers. The contract wording thing is huge - I work in HR for a district and can confirm that how they classify the summer period makes ALL the difference. Some districts do "seasonal layoff" which can qualify you for benefits, while others do "unpaid leave" which usually doesn't. Also wanted to add that if you do end up doing gig work over summer, make sure to track your expenses (gas, car maintenance, phone data) - a lot of those are tax deductible for delivery drivers. And definitely keep EDD in the loop about any income you earn from gigs if you do end up qualifying for partial benefits. You handled this whole situation really smart by getting official answers instead of just guessing. Hope the summer works out well for you!

This is textbook employer manipulation to avoid UI tax increases. I went through something very similar - employer said "budget cuts" then suddenly found "performance issues" right before my last day. Here's what worked for me: File your claim IMMEDIATELY and select "lack of work/layoff" as your reason. In the additional comments section, explain the timeline: "Initially told this was a layoff due to budget cuts on [date], employer changed to termination for cause on [date] citing single tardiness from November." The key evidence that helped my case: - Screenshots of ALL communications (the layoff email, termination email, any company announcements) - Timeline documentation showing the gap between the alleged incident and when it suddenly became "serious enough" for termination - Witness statements from coworkers who heard the original layoff announcement EDD investigators are trained to spot these tactics. The 4-day turnaround from "we won't contest your claim" to "fired for cause" is a huge red flag. Combined with your 5+ year clean record and the fact that only high-paid employees got this treatment, you have a strong case. Stay calm during your phone interview and stick to the facts. You've got this!

I'm dealing with something very similar right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful. My employer laid me off two weeks ago citing "business restructuring" and now they're trying to say it was for performance issues that were never documented or mentioned during my 3+ years there. From what I'm reading here, it sounds like EDD is used to seeing these employer tactics. The advice about documenting everything and being specific about the timeline in your application seems crucial. I'm also going to look into that Claimyr service since getting through to EDD by phone seems nearly impossible on your own. @QuantumQuest - the fact that they specifically told you they wouldn't contest your claim and then changed their story 4 days later is going to work heavily in your favor. That kind of flip-flopping shows their true motivation. You should definitely mention that exact quote during your phone interview. Keep us updated on how it goes! This community has been a lifeline for navigating these situations.

Thank you! I didn't know about this portal. I'll definitely keep checking it.

I went through a similar situation last year! The postmark date is definitely what counts - I actually called the CUIAB office directly and they confirmed this. What helped me was also sending a follow-up email through their online portal with a copy of my appeal letter and the postal receipt showing the postmark date. That way I had digital proof they received it. Don't stress too much - you did everything right by mailing it on February 10th. The system is slow but they do honor the postmark rule. Just make sure to keep that postal receipt safe in case they ask for proof later during your hearing!

You'll get through this! One more thing - remember that EDD will ask during your appeal if you were actively looking for work during those weeks. Be prepared with details of any job applications, networking, or resume updates you did during that time. Having specific dates and companies can really help your case.

I went through this exact same situation last year! That certification question is so poorly worded - I think half the people who file unemployment mess it up at first. The good news is that you're absolutely right - you'll only be disqualified for those specific weeks where you answered incorrectly. Since you can still certify for new weeks and they're processing, your claim is definitely still active. I'd 100% recommend filing the appeal. I won mine by simply explaining that I misunderstood the question and providing a list of all the job applications I submitted during those weeks. The key is being super clear that you WERE available and actively looking for work during the disputed period. One tip: start documenting your job search activities now if you haven't been keeping detailed records. Even for your appeal, having specific company names, dates, and application methods will strengthen your case significantly. The whole process took about 2 months for me, but I got those weeks paid retroactively. Don't give up on that money - it's rightfully yours if you were genuinely available for work!