I've been dealing with the same EDD login nightmare for weeks! What finally worked for me was a combination of things: 1) Using Firefox in private/incognito mode, 2) Manually typing my password instead of copy/paste or autofill, 3) Waiting exactly 24 hours between failed login attempts (I set a phone reminder), and 4) Logging in during off-peak hours like early morning or late evening. The system seems less overloaded then. Also, double-check that your caps lock isn't on - I know it sounds basic but I've made that mistake more than I'd like to admit! Don't give up, the system is broken but these workarounds have helped me get through. Hope this helps someone else avoid the frustration! 🙏

Just wanted to add another tip that saved me recently - if you're getting the "account locked" message, try logging in from a completely different device (like your phone if you were using computer, or vice versa). Sometimes the lockout seems to be device-specific rather than account-wide. Also, make sure you're going directly to the official EDD website (edd.ca.gov) and not clicking through Google search results, as sometimes cached pages can cause issues. I know it's frustrating but don't give up - I was ready to throw my laptop out the window but finally got through last week using these methods!

I just went through this transition a few months ago and yes, absolutely use 8/15/23 as your last day worked! That's the actual date you stopped working before going on disability. A couple of tips that helped me: Make sure your SDI claim is completely closed before filing for UI (check your EDD account to confirm no pending payments). Also, when you file, be prepared to explain the gap - they may ask during the phone interview why there's such a long period between your last work date and filing for UI. Having your disability case number and award letter ready will help explain the timeline. The application process was actually smoother than I expected once I had all my documentation in order. Just answer all questions honestly and exactly as asked. Good luck with your claim!

Just wanted to add my experience since I went through this transition recently too. Definitely use 8/15/23 as your last day worked - that's the actual date you stopped working before disability, which is exactly what they're asking for. One thing I wish someone had told me: when you apply online, there's a section where you can upload documents right away. I'd recommend having your SDI award letter and a doctor's note clearing you to return to work ready to upload immediately. Even if they don't ask for it right away, having it in your file from the start seemed to help my claim process faster. Also, make sure you're genuinely ready to start job searching before you file. They're pretty strict about the "able and available" requirement, especially coming off disability. I started applying to jobs the day before I filed my UI claim so I had some applications to reference if they asked. The whole process took about 3 weeks from filing to first payment, which seemed pretty good compared to what I've heard from others. Hope this helps!

Just wanted to add that your husband should also register with CalJOBS if he hasn't already - it's California's official job search site and EDD actually requires registration for most claimants. You can find it at caljobs.ca.gov. Once he's registered there, he can use job searches on that site as part of his weekly work search activities. It also has some decent resources for resume building and career exploration that might be helpful during his job search.

Quick tip that really helped me - I created a simple template in my phone's notes app with fields for "Company Name," "Position," "Date Applied," "Method (online/email/in-person)," and "Contact Info." Every time I apply somewhere, I just fill out a new entry. When certification time comes, I have everything organized and ready to copy into the UI Online boxes. Makes the whole process way less stressful! Your husband might find this approach easier than trying to remember everything later.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago - won my appeal and then had the eligibility interview about unreported earnings from my full-time job. The key thing that helped me was being super clear about WHY I was confused. I told them I thought since my employer was already paying into the system and EDD had access to wage records, that ongoing employment was automatically tracked. I brought a printed timeline showing when I started collecting benefits, when I certified each week, and what my regular work schedule/pay was. The interviewer actually said that's one of the most common misunderstandings they see. I did have to repay about $3,200 in overpayments, but they waived all penalties since it was clearly an honest mistake. They put me on a $125/month payment plan which was totally manageable. The whole interview took about 25 minutes and was way less intimidating than I expected. Just be honest and stick to the facts - you're already off to a good start since you won your appeal!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you have any documentation from when you first applied for benefits, like emails or notes where you asked questions about reporting requirements, bring those too! I had saved some screenshots from the EDD website where I was trying to figure out the reporting rules, and the interviewer said it really helped show I was genuinely trying to follow the rules correctly. Also, don't be afraid to ask them to repeat a question if you don't understand it clearly - they'd rather you ask for clarification than give a confusing answer. The fact that you already won your appeal shows you have credibility with them, so try to remember that going in. You're being proactive and preparing well, which is exactly the right approach!

Update: My sister decided to take the 1-month position. We made sure to get everything in writing and her direct manager promised to provide her with a termination letter at the end of the temporary assignment that clearly states the permanent business closure. She also found out they're NOT offering any severance pay to anyone (so at least we don't have to worry about that complication). Thanks everyone for the super helpful advice! It's making this stressful situation a bit easier to navigate.

Smart choice on taking the temporary position! One more thing to keep in mind - when she files her claim after the temp work ends, she should be prepared to explain the timeline clearly during her initial interview or if EDD has any follow-up questions. Sometimes they get confused when there's a gap between the original layoff announcement and the actual last day of work. Having that termination letter mentioning the business closure will be key. Also, she might want to start putting together her job search documentation now since EDD requires proof of work search activities. Good luck to your sister!