This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm currently stuck in this exact same verification loop nightmare and it's so reassuring to know I'm not alone. I've been trying to log in for the past day and getting increasingly frustrated. Based on everyone's experiences here, I'm going to try the incognito browser method first, then the complete browser data clearing approach if that doesn't work. If I'm still stuck by tomorrow, I'll definitely look into using Claimyr to get through to tech support like several people mentioned. It's ridiculous that EDD's system is this broken, but I'm grateful this community exists to help each other navigate these issues. I'll make sure to update with my results - every success story helps the next person dealing with this mess!

This thread is absolutely incredible! I just went through this exact same verification loop hell last week and was pulling my hair out. What finally worked for me was a combination approach: I used the incognito browser method PLUS switched from my home WiFi to my phone's mobile hotspot. Apparently the combination of fresh browser session and different network connection was the magic formula. I also want to emphasize what others said about the 5-minute waiting period after email verification - I think I was being too impatient and trying to log in immediately. For anyone still struggling with this, don't give up! I probably tried 20+ different combinations before finding what worked. And definitely save the Claimyr info for backup - I was about to use it when my DIY approach finally succeeded. This community is honestly better tech support than EDD's actual help desk!

Thank you everyone for the helpful information! I just submitted my unemployment claim online. I made sure to clearly explain that I was actually working (helping in another department) and that my only error was failing to properly notify my supervisor about where I was. I also highlighted my clean work record over the 2.5 years I was employed there. I'm feeling much more confident about my chances now, though I'm prepared for the possibility of needing to do the phone interview if my employer contests the claim. I'll update this thread once I hear something back from EDD about my claim status. Fingers crossed!

Good for you for filing right away! That was smart. Just a heads up - if your employer does contest it (and they probably will since they fired you for "misconduct"), don't panic when you get that first denial letter. It's pretty standard for EDD to initially side with the employer until they hear your side of the story during the phone interview. When that interview happens, stick to the facts just like you did in your application. The key points in your favor are: 1) you were actually working, not slacking off, 2) it was a communication issue, not deliberate policy violation, 3) you have a clean 2.5 year record with no prior warnings or write-ups. Those factors strongly suggest this doesn't meet EDD's definition of misconduct. Keep us posted on how it goes - your case sounds very winnable!

I'm in this exact same situation and finding this thread has been such a relief! Had my eligibility interview on April 26th and the interviewer told me everything looked "straightforward" and I'd hear back "within 10 business days." Well, it's been over 2 weeks now and my claim is still stuck in that dreaded "under review" status. I was starting to panic thinking I said something wrong during the interview or that my file got lost, but reading everyone's experiences shows this 4-6 week wait is unfortunately the new reality. It's so frustrating how they make it sound quick during the interview when we're all stuck waiting over a month! I've been certifying every two weeks like everyone suggested, and I'm definitely going to try that UI Online messaging system tomorrow morning. Also going to attempt calling right at 8am like CyberSamurai recommended. If I don't hear anything by next week, I might look into that Claimyr service too. Thanks to everyone for sharing their timelines and tips - it's keeping me sane knowing we're all in this waiting game together. The system is clearly broken but at least we have each other for support! Hang in there everyone! 🤞

I'm going through the exact same thing and this thread has been such a lifesaver! Had my eligibility interview on April 29th and was told everything looked "great" and I'd hear back "soon." It's only been about 2 weeks but I was already starting to panic thinking something went wrong. Reading everyone's experiences here has been so reassuring - I had no idea that 4-6 weeks was becoming the new normal! I've been certifying every two weeks and obsessively checking my account multiple times a day, but after reading Isabella's advice I'm going to limit myself to twice daily. Definitely going to try that UI Online messaging system once I hit the 3-week mark, and if needed I'll look into Claimyr too. It's absolutely insane that they make it sound quick during the interview when we're all stuck waiting over a month, but I'm so grateful for this community. Knowing we're all in the same boat makes this so much less isolating. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines and tips - we'll get through this together! 🙏

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful advice! I've decided to file my claim right away tomorrow morning. Just to make sure I get this right: 1. File now to establish my benefit year and protect my base period 2. Report my severance as "other income" during bi-weekly certification (using gross amount) 3. Expect reduced or $0 benefits while receiving severance 4. Benefits should automatically adjust once severance ends This has been so helpful - I was honestly going to wait the full 6 months which sounds like it would have been a big mistake. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain this!

You've got it exactly right! That's a perfect summary of the process. One small tip for when you file tomorrow - make sure to have your last day of work date ready (not when severance ends, but your actual last day on the job) since that's your official separation date. Also keep a copy of your severance agreement handy in case they ask for it later. You're making the smart choice by filing right away - it really does protect your benefit year and base period calculation. Good luck with your claim and your job search!

I work as a benefits specialist and see this confusion regularly. What happened is completely normal - EDD's system generated an automated "last employer" inquiry because their workflows weren't designed to distinguish between "I returned to work (claim suspension)" versus "I'm no longer working for this employer (potential new claim)." The good news is this doesn't indicate any problem with your certification or claim status. However, I'd strongly recommend contacting EDD to update your records. Even though your claim is currently suspended due to employment, having incorrect employer information could create complications if you ever need to reactivate benefits. The easiest approach is usually through UI Online messaging first, but if you need to speak with someone directly, try calling right at 8:00 AM when the phone lines open - you'll have the best chance of getting through then.

I just went through this exact same situation about 3 weeks ago! Got that confusing "last employer" letter about my current job and panicked thinking I had messed up my certification somehow. Turns out it's just a really common glitch in EDD's system. When you report returning to work during certification (which you did correctly), their automated letter system gets confused and sends out a standard "last employer" inquiry even though you're still working there. I sent a message through UI Online explaining the situation and got a response back in about a week confirming everything was fine and my records were updated. The customer service rep even said this happens "all the time" and that I had certified properly. Don't stress about it - you did everything right! Just reach out to them through UI Online to get your records corrected so there's no confusion if you ever need to file again in the future. The peace of mind is definitely worth it.