I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - I know exactly how you feel. I was in a similar situation about 6 months ago when my UI benefits were about to run out. Here's what I learned: 1. **File for CalWORKs if you qualify** - Many people don't know about this, but if your income is low enough after UI ends, you might be eligible for cash assistance through CalWORKs. It's not much, but it's something. 2. **Contact 211** - Just dial 2-1-1 from any phone. They can connect you with local resources including emergency rent assistance, food banks, and utility help programs specific to your area. 3. **Look into temp agencies** - I know it's not ideal for your accounting background, but agencies like Robert Half and Accountemps specifically place accounting professionals in temporary roles. Sometimes these turn into permanent positions, and at minimum they'll help you build earnings for a potential new UI claim. 4. **Check if your previous employer offers any severance extensions** - Some companies have programs to help laid-off employees even months later. The job market is brutal right now, but don't give up. I finally found something after 8 months of searching. Hang in there!

I went through this exact situation in 2023 and want to share what worked for me. When my regular UI benefits exhausted, I discovered that many people overlook the **Work Sharing Program** - if you can find ANY part-time work (even just 10-20 hours/week), you might still be eligible for partial UI benefits while working reduced hours. Also, since you mentioned you're an accountant, this is actually prime tax season hiring time! Many accounting firms and tax prep companies are desperately looking for seasonal help right now (January-April). H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, and local CPA firms often hire experienced accountants for tax season even if it's just temporary. This could be perfect timing to: 1. Bridge your income gap 2. Build earnings toward a new UI claim 3. Potentially network into a permanent position One more thing - if you have ANY professional certifications or licenses, make sure they're current and prominently featured on your applications. The accounting job market is saturated with general candidates, but specialized skills (like QuickBooks certification, tax preparation, or industry-specific experience) can really make you stand out. Don't panic yet - you still have 3 weeks to explore these options!

To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

I'm going through the same thing right now - my claim has been "under review" for about 6 weeks. From what I've read in other posts here, it seems like the timeline can vary a lot depending on your specific case. Some people hear back in a few weeks, others have been waiting months. I'd suggest calling EDD directly to get more details about your specific situation, though I know getting through can be really difficult. Has anyone else here had their "under review" status resolved recently? Would love to hear about timeframes others have experienced.

see i told u itd be fine!! they just gotta check boxes for their system update thing. my cousin said the same thing happened with him!

That's such a relief to hear your interview went well! I'm going through something similar right now - EDD wants to interview me about a claim from 2019. Your experience gives me hope that being honest about what I can and can't remember will be enough. Did they ask for any specific documentation during the interview, or was it mostly just verbal confirmation of your separation reason? I'm trying to prepare as much as possible but like you, most of my records from that far back are long gone.

good luck!!! the system is so broken my claim was pending for 3 months and i couldnt even get anyone on the phone. hope your appeal goes fast

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! My husband was denied benefits after being laid off because of an old misconduct issue from 2022, even though he's worked steadily since then. What I've learned from talking to other people in our situation is that the key is really understanding how they calculate those base periods. One thing that helped us was requesting a "wage and benefit statement" from EDD that shows exactly which quarters they're using for the calculation. Sometimes seeing the actual numbers makes it clearer whether the alternate base period would help your case. Also, if your husband's recent employer is willing to provide a letter confirming he was laid off due to lack of work (not performance issues), that can be really helpful documentation for the appeal. The whole process is so confusing and stressful when you're already dealing with job loss. Hang in there and keep pushing through the appeal process - from what I've read here, it sounds like many people do eventually get their benefits once they get in front of a judge who can actually review the details properly.

To directly answer your question - no, you absolutely do not need to wait until you file taxes to start a new unemployment claim. The two systems are separate. EDD verifies your wages through employer reporting, not your tax returns. File your new claim immediately if you're currently unemployed, and make sure you're completing your work search activities every week.

Just wanted to add that when you file your new claim, make sure you have your Social Security card and ID ready - sometimes the system asks you to verify your identity again even though you had a previous claim. Also, if your temp work was through a staffing agency, make sure EDD has the correct employer information because sometimes there can be delays if they can't verify wages from temp agencies. Good luck with your application!