Bruh, I feel you. EDD's got me pulling my hair out too. Been waiting 6 weeks for them to sort out a simple address change. This whole system needs an overhaul fr 😩

Yo, I went through something similar a few months back! Missing employment info can definitely hold things up. Here's what worked for me: log into your UI Online account and look for any "Action Items" or notifications. Sometimes they'll let you add missing info directly through the portal. If not, you can try filing a "Request for Backdate" form - it's in the forms section. Also keep checking your inbox for any correspondence from them. The waiting sucks but hang in there! 🤞

Make sure you're using the CORRECT MAILING ADDRESS to send your application! EDD has different processing centers for different programs. My sister sent her pregnancy disability claim to the wrong address last year and it delayed everything by almost a month. For SDI claims, mail to: State of California Employment Development Department P.O. Box 989777 West Sacramento, CA 95798-9777

Just wanted to add my recent experience for anyone else going through this! I submitted my SDI application 3 weeks ago at 36 weeks pregnant and just got my approval notice yesterday. A few things that helped me: 1. I used certified mail to send my application so I had tracking confirmation it was received 2. Created my SDI Online account immediately after mailing so I could monitor status 3. Made sure my doctor used black ink and printed clearly - apparently handwriting issues can cause delays 4. Double-checked that my doctor included ALL required dates (last day worked, expected delivery date, etc.) My first payment should arrive next week according to the notice. The whole process was actually smoother than I expected after reading so many horror stories online! Just be thorough with the paperwork and don't overthink it. Good luck to everyone navigating this system!

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 feel your frustration Norman - the EDD system is notoriously difficult to navigate and it sounds like you got caught in the endless loop that so many of us face. The 1-3-3-0 sequence rarely works during peak hours. Have you tried calling very early in the morning (around 8:00-8:02 AM) or using the Spanish line option which sometimes has shorter wait times? Also, some people have had success with the 833-978-2511 number instead. Don't give up - many of us have been in your exact situation and eventually got through. Keep trying different strategies and times of day.

dont forget you have to do the ID.me verification thing when you apply! it took me forever to figure that out

Congratulations on getting that summer contract situation sorted out! That's a huge relief. Just wanted to add one more tip - when you file your claim, make sure to have your SF-8 form (Notice to Employee as to Possible Eligibility for Unemployment Insurance Benefits) ready. Your school district should have given you this when they notified you about the layoff. EDD will ask for information from this form during your application process. Also, keep any documentation about your layoff reason and effective dates handy. Since you're laid off (not just end of contract), you should have a smoother process than teachers who are just between school years. Good luck with your claim!

I went through this exact same situation last year and it's absolutely devastating. Here's what I learned that might help: First, you're right to be confused about the balance - the EDD portal can be misleading. What you probably saw was your original maximum benefit amount, not what was remaining. Once you hit your max (usually 26 times your weekly benefit amount), you're done regardless of time left. Some immediate steps that helped me: 1. Apply for CalFresh TODAY - it can take 2-3 weeks to process and you need food assistance now 2. Contact 211 or visit 211.org for emergency rental assistance in your area 3. Check if your local food banks have construction worker programs - some do 4. Look into day labor agencies for immediate cash work while you job hunt For construction specifically, try reaching out to union halls even if you're not a member - they sometimes know about non-union jobs too. Also check with electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors who might need general labor. The hardest part is that you CAN'T file a new claim until your benefit year ends in May, and even then you need sufficient wages earned since your last claim to qualify. But you WILL get through this - focus on survival mode for the next few months and keep applying everywhere. Construction always picks up in spring.

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the "benefits exhausted" message is one of the most stressful things to see, especially when you're still actively job searching. What you're experiencing is unfortunately very common in construction during the slow season. A few things that might help while you wait for your benefit year to end in May: 1. Check with your local Building Trades Council - they often have information about upcoming projects and sometimes offer short-term training programs that come with small stipends. 2. Look into disaster cleanup work if there have been any storms or fires in your area - FEMA contractors often need immediate help and pay daily. 3. Contact your county's workforce development office. Many have emergency assistance funds specifically for people who've exhausted UI benefits while still job searching. 4. Don't forget about utility assistance programs - most utility companies have programs to prevent shutoffs during financial hardship. The waiting period until May is brutal, but construction typically picks up significantly in late spring. Keep documenting your job search efforts - some programs require proof that you've been actively looking for work. You've got this, and the slow season won't last forever.