UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning! Turns out there was an issue with my ID verification - even though I completed ID.me successfully, it somehow didn't properly link to my EDD account. The rep was actually really helpful and reactivated the verification process on their end. She said I should receive instructions in my UI Online inbox within 48 hours and once I complete that, my disqualification should be removed within 5-7 business days. Thank you all for your advice! I've still submitted an appeal just in case (better safe than sorry), and I'm contacting my assembly member today too as backup. Will update again once everything is resolved.

So glad you got through and figured it out! The ID verification linking issues have been plaguing EDD for months now - you're definitely not alone in this. I had a similar problem where my ID.me verification completed successfully but somehow didn't sync with my claim. It's infuriating because there's no way for us to know this happened without speaking to someone directly. Your persistence with calling paid off! For anyone else reading this thread dealing with the same issue, Logan's experience shows it's worth filing that appeal as backup even when you think you've resolved the main issue. EDD's systems are unpredictable enough that having multiple safety nets is always smart.

I went through something very similar as a substitute teacher who got offered a paraprofessional position for the fall but at much lower pay. What really helped me was framing it correctly during my EDD interview - I emphasized that while I had accepted the fall position out of necessity, I was still actively seeking full-time teaching positions that would start immediately and provide comparable pay to my previous role. The interviewer understood that accepting a significantly lower-paying job doesn't mean you should stop looking for better opportunities. Keep documenting every application you submit and interview you attend. Also, when you certify each week, make sure you're answering "yes" to being available and looking for work - because you genuinely are! One tip: if they ask about your August start date during the interview, explain that you're hoping to find something better before then that you could start right away. The gap between now and August is exactly why you need unemployment benefits. Good luck with your interview Friday!

I'm a former EDD representative and can provide some clarity on your situation. You should absolutely still qualify for benefits! The key factors working in your favor are: 1) You were involuntarily separated (laid off) from your previous position, 2) Your new job doesn't start for 2.5 months, leaving you genuinely unemployed now, and 3) The significant pay reduction ($15k less) demonstrates you have legitimate reasons to continue seeking better employment. The "reasonable assurance" provision that applies to school employees typically only applies when the SAME employer provides assurance of future work. Since you're moving to a different district at lower pay, this shouldn't disqualify you. During your eligibility interview, be completely honest about your situation. Emphasize that you're actively seeking immediate employment at your previous salary level, and that the August position was accepted as a backup due to financial necessity. Keep detailed records of all job applications and interviews - this shows genuine work search efforts. One important note: always answer "yes" when asked if you're looking for work during weekly certifications, because you legitimately are seeking better opportunities that could start immediately. Good luck!

Thank you everyone for the incredibly helpful responses! I'm going to follow your advice and apply for both UI and SDI. I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow to discuss my work restrictions and treatment plan, so I'll get updated documentation. I'm feeling much more confident about navigating this process now. One last question - if my employer contests my UI claim (which they probably will), how long does that typically extend the process?

I'm so sorry you're going through this - it sounds like a really difficult situation. As someone new to this community, I've been reading through these responses and they're incredibly helpful. I'm dealing with a somewhat similar issue at my retail job where they're not accommodating my documented knee problems, and I'm starting to feel like they want me to quit. Your case sounds much stronger than mine since you have clear documentation of requesting accommodations and your employer's refusal to provide them. The fact that they started writing you up AFTER you returned from disability and provided medical restrictions really shows a pattern of retaliation. I'd definitely recommend following the advice here about being very specific when you file - mention "constructive discharge" and "failure to accommodate documented medical restrictions" rather than just saying you quit for health reasons. From what I'm reading, having that HR complaint on file before you quit is going to be really important for your case. Good luck with your doctor's appointment tomorrow! It sounds like you're taking all the right steps.

hey i know this is kinda off topic but does anyone know if they can garnish your tax refund for EDD overpayments? I'm expecting a refund this year and worried they'll take it

I went through something very similar last year and want to share what worked for me. After getting my hearing decision (also ruled ineligible), I was panicking about the overpayment too. Here's what I learned: Don't wait for the overpayment notice! Call EDD immediately and ask them to send you form DE 1446W (the financial hardship waiver application) right away. I made the mistake of waiting for the official notice and it delayed my waiver application by almost 3 weeks. When you call, also ask them to put a temporary hold on any collection activities while your waiver is being processed. Not all reps will do this, but some will if you explain your financial situation. For the waiver application, be thorough with your documentation. I included: - Bank statements showing minimal funds - Unemployment verification letter - Monthly budget breakdown showing expenses exceed income - Medical bills (if you have any) - Written statement explaining how repayment would cause severe financial hardship My waiver was approved after about 10 weeks. The key is showing you genuinely can't afford to repay without causing serious hardship to your basic living needs. Also, keep detailed records of every interaction with EDD - dates, times, rep names, reference numbers. You'll need this if there are any issues later. Hang in there - the waiver process does work for people in genuine financial hardship!

Quick update on what I included with my appeal form since you asked: I sent the form plus my final paystub, a letter from my employer confirming my last day of work, and a timeline I wrote out showing all the dates I'd certified and when I received the disqualification notice. The more documentation, the better! And yes - using Claimyr was a game-changer. I wasted so many hours getting busy signals and disconnections before finding them. The EDD rep I finally spoke with actually helped correct some info on my file that might have been causing the problem in the first place.

I'm dealing with something similar right now - got disqualified last week and still haven't received the appeal form they promised would come in 3-5 days. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! For anyone else in this situation, I just want to emphasize what others have said about the 30-day deadline being FIRM. I almost made the mistake of just waiting around for their mail. Downloaded the DE 1000M form this morning after reading this thread and I'm getting it in certified mail tomorrow. One thing I learned from calling around - if you're dealing with ID.me verification issues at the same time as a disqualification (like I am), those are two separate processes that don't automatically talk to each other. So even if you complete ID.me successfully, you still need to file the appeal for the disqualification separately. Has anyone had success getting their case expedited due to financial hardship? I'm about to lose my apartment and wondering if there's any way to speed up the appeal timeline.