One more tip: if you have a complex issue (like identity verification or appeal questions), calling the main line might not help even if you get through. In that case, try these specialized numbers: - For ID.me verification issues: 1-866-401-2849 - For Money Network card problems: 1-866-320-8699 - For overpayment questions: 1-800-676-5737 Also, sometimes the foreign language lines have shorter waits. You can request an English-speaking rep after connecting.

I feel your pain! Just went through this same nightmare last month. Here's what finally worked for me: I used the "comma trick" - call 1-800-300-5616, then when you hear the first menu press 1,2,1 really quickly with commas in between (like 1,,2,,1). The commas create pauses that help you get through the system faster. Also try calling at 8:02 AM exactly - I read somewhere that their system resets right after 8 and there's a brief window before it gets overloaded again. Took me 15 tries but I got through! Don't give up, you've got this! 🙏

While reaching EDD by phone is certainly challenging, I'd suggest trying these specific approaches: 1. Call at 8:01am Tuesday-Thursday (avoid Monday rush) 2. When prompted for your Social Security Number, don't enter anything - this sometimes routes you to a live person faster 3. Try the Technical Support line (1-855-327-7057) and then ask for a transfer 4. Ensure your UI Online contact information is 100% up-to-date, as they sometimes try to call claimants with issues 5. Check if your identity verification was successfully processed - this is a common reason for claims being stuck in pending Also make sure your certification answers are consistent with your application to avoid triggering eligibility interviews.

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through using any of these methods? I'm curious which one worked (if any).

I went through a phone appeal in December and it was actually less scary than I expected! The judge was professional and asked straightforward questions. For your situation with the PDF vs JPG issue, make sure you can clearly explain that you DID complete all the required job searches - you just uploaded the proof in the wrong format. Have specific details ready: company names, dates you applied, how you applied (online, email, etc.), and any confirmation numbers or emails you received. The judge will likely ask you to walk through a typical week of job searching activities. Practice explaining your process out loud beforehand so you sound confident. Also, if you still have those PDF files, mention that you can provide them in the correct format immediately if needed. Regarding backpay - yes, if you win they'll process all your past weeks automatically, but like others said, it can take 2-4 weeks to actually see the money. The important thing is that you've been certifying every two weeks even while disqualified. Good luck! Your case sounds pretty straightforward since it's just a formatting issue, not an actual failure to job search.

I had my phone appeal hearing about 6 months ago for a similar documentation issue and wanted to share some specific advice. The judge will likely focus on whether you actually performed the work search activities, not just the format issue. Be ready to provide exact details - I had to give specific company names, job titles I applied for, and dates. One thing that really helped me was having a printed copy of my job search log in front of me during the call so I could quickly reference details when asked. The judge asked me to describe my typical job search process step-by-step, so practice explaining that clearly. For the backpay question - yes, it should be automatic IF you've been certifying every two weeks (which it sounds like you have). Mine took about 18 days after the written decision to hit my account. The key is to keep certifying even during the appeal process, which you're already doing. Don't stress too much - your case sounds very winnable since you actually did the required activities. The PDF vs JPG thing is honestly ridiculous on EDD's part. You've got this!

I'm facing the exact same situation and honestly, reading all these responses has been both helpful and terrifying. I exhausted my regular UI benefits 3 weeks ago and there really aren't any extensions available right now in California. What I wish I had done differently (and what might help you): Start applying for CalFresh and CalWORKs NOW, not when your benefits run out. The application process took me almost 6 weeks and I could have avoided some really scary weeks if I'd started earlier. Also, check with your local American Job Centers - they sometimes have emergency assistance funds that aren't widely advertised. I got a one-time $800 utility assistance through them that literally kept my power on. For the healthcare admin field specifically, I've had better luck with staffing agencies like Robert Half and Adecco. The pay isn't amazing but it's something, and some of their temp positions have turned into permanent offers for people I know. The mental toll of this is just as hard as the financial stress. You're doing everything right - 178 applications shows incredible persistence. Don't let anyone tell you you're not trying hard enough. The system is broken, not you. Hang in there. You're not alone in this struggle. 💪

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the uncertainty is absolutely awful when you have a mortgage and kids depending on you. I went through something very similar in 2024 and wanted to share what actually worked for me. First, the hard truth: there are no UI extensions available right now in California like there were during COVID. Once your regular benefits are exhausted, that's it for unemployment compensation. BUT - and this is important - you have more options than you might realize: **Start these applications NOW (don't wait):** - CalFresh (food assistance) - you can apply while still on UI - CalWORKs (cash assistance for families with children) - with two teens you likely qualify - Local utility assistance programs (call 211 for your area) **Job search strategies that helped me:** - Healthcare staffing agencies (Kelly Services, Maxim Healthcare) often have admin roles - Part-time work can actually extend your UI benefits if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount - Remote healthcare admin positions have more opportunities - expand your search nationwide **One thing I wish I'd known:** Document EVERYTHING about your job search beyond just the required activities. If you ever need to appeal anything or apply for other programs, that documentation becomes crucial. The system feels designed to make you give up, but you're clearly a fighter with 178 applications already. That persistence WILL pay off. You're doing everything right in an impossible situation. Hang in there - you're not alone in this fight. 💪

Just a quick update from what I've seen recently - if you're still having trouble after trying the format suggestions and waiting a few days, there's one more thing to check. Make sure the name you're using matches EXACTLY what's on your Social Security card, not your driver's license or what you typically go by. EDD's system is very particular about this and will reject the registration if there's any mismatch, even if it's just a middle initial issue.

So glad you got it sorted out! This thread is going to be super helpful for other people dealing with the same issue. The O vs 0 confusion is such a common problem with government forms - they really should use clearer fonts on those letters. Thanks for updating us with what actually worked!