Just wanted to add that if you're still unsure about how to allocate your severance across the certification weeks, you can also call your former employer's HR department. They should be able to clarify exactly how the severance was calculated and what time period it covers. I had to do this when I got laid off last year because my severance letter wasn't super clear about the breakdown. HR was actually pretty helpful and gave me the daily breakdown which made reporting to EDD much easier. Also keep all your documentation - severance agreement, final pay stubs, etc. - in case EDD asks for proof later on!

I went through this exact same situation when my startup shut down in 2023! They paid us through the end of the month even though we were technically laid off mid-month. Here's what I learned: definitely report ALL of it during certification - severance, unused vacation, everything. The key thing everyone's mentioned is correct - it's about what period the money covers, not when you received it. One thing I'll add that helped me: I created a simple spreadsheet breaking down exactly what I received and which certification weeks it applied to. This made it super easy when filling out the forms and also gave me a record in case EDD had questions later. Also, don't stress too much about getting reduced benefits during those severance weeks - once that period ends, you'll get your full weekly benefit amount. The most important thing is being honest and thorough from the start!

Hey Keisha, I can totally relate to your stress right now - I went through almost the exact same thing about 8 months ago. The terminology confusion between "laid off" and "let go" is SO common, and honestly the EDD should do a better job explaining these distinctions upfront. Here's what worked for me: I structured my appeal letter like a formal business letter but kept the tone respectful and straightforward. I opened by acknowledging that I made an unintentional error in terminology, then explained that I genuinely didn't understand the legal distinction between being "laid off" versus being "let go" for performance reasons. I emphasized that I was fully cooperative during my phone interview and immediately clarified the circumstances once I understood the difference. The most important thing is to show that you weren't trying to hide anything or commit fraud - you were just using everyday language that didn't match EDD's specific definitions. Include any employment documents you have and definitely mention those unrealistic sales targets during the pandemic if that's relevant to your situation. Also, start working on your appeal letter right away but don't rush it. Take time to review it carefully before submitting. You've got plenty of good advice in this thread already - you're going to get through this!

I'm going through something very similar right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I made the same mistake - told EDD I was "laid off" when I was actually terminated for attendance issues. Got the same disqualification notice last week. One thing I wanted to add that might help: when I called my former HR department to get copies of my termination paperwork, they were actually really understanding about the situation. The HR rep even mentioned that they get calls like this fairly often because people don't realize how specific EDD's language requirements are. Also, I found a sample appeal letter template on the EDD website under the "Appeals" section that gives you a basic structure to follow. It's not super detailed but at least gives you the proper format and headers they expect to see. Keisha, based on what you've shared about the unrealistic sales targets during the pandemic, I think you have a really strong case. That context about the 30% increase in targets when foot traffic was down could be key to showing this wasn't misconduct on your part. Definitely include that detail in your appeal! Hang in there - from everything I'm reading in this thread, these terminology mix-ups are way more common than we realized and many people successfully get them overturned.

I just went through a DUA interview two weeks ago after losing work due to the same January storms! The interviewer was really understanding about the situation. They asked me about my work schedule before the disaster, how exactly the flooding affected my ability to work, and what steps I'm taking to find temporary employment while waiting for my regular job to come back. One thing that helped me was having my employer send me a brief email stating that the worksite was closed due to flood damage - even if it's just a simple statement, having something official really seemed to make a difference. The text messages from your boss might work, but try to get at least one formal communication if possible. The whole process took about 20 minutes and I got approved the next day. Don't stress too much - they understand that natural disasters create legitimate unemployment situations and they're not trying to trip you up. Just be honest about your situation and have your documents organized. You've got this!

Just wanted to add that during my disaster interview last month, they also asked if I had filed for any other disaster-related assistance like FEMA or Red Cross aid. They're not trying to disqualify you for getting other help, but they need to know for their records and to make sure there's no duplication of benefits. Also, if you have any medical limitations that might affect your ability to work (even temporarily due to stress from the disaster), be upfront about that too. The EDD rep told me they'd rather know everything upfront than have to do follow-up calls later. Sounds like you're preparing well - having those text messages is better than nothing, and showing you're actively trying to get better documentation demonstrates good faith on your part.

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know that my payment for the first week was approved! It switched from pending to paid this morning. Thanks for all the helpful advice. For anyone else in this situation - yes, you do get paid for partial unemployment when you only work one of the two certification weeks. The second week shows $0 since I earned more than my benefit amount.

Congratulations on getting it resolved! This is such a helpful update for anyone else who might be in the same situation. It's reassuring to know that EDD does handle partial unemployment correctly when you report everything accurately. How long did it take total from when you certified to when it switched to paid?

Has anyone tried going to an actual EDD office in person? wondering if thats faster

@Dylan Cooper - I went through the exact same thing a few months ago! The key is persistence and having multiple backup plans. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Try the ID.me verification if you haven't already - sometimes it works better than EDD's own system 2. If that fails, gather EVERYTHING: driver's license, passport, utility bills, bank statements, tax returns - the more official docs the better 3. Call the technical support line (not the general number) - they're more equipped to handle verification issues specifically 4. Document everything - screenshot error messages, keep notes of who you talk to and when The whole process took me about 3 weeks, but I did get it resolved. Don't panic - this is unfortunately super common right now. You've got this! 💪