Yes, networking activities can count toward your work search requirements! When you certify, EDD gives a list of qualifying job search activities that includes: - Submitting job applications - Attending job interviews - Networking with professional contacts for job leads - Attending job fairs or workshops - Registering with employment agencies - Taking skills assessments or certification courses Just document those coffee meetings (date, person's name, company, what was discussed) same as you would job applications. Regarding your EDD claim processing: If it's been more than 14 days since filing and your claim still shows as pending, it might be worth trying to speak with a representative. Many people find success calling right when they open (8am) or trying the technical support line instead of the main line.

Another resource you should look into immediately is your local 211 service - they can connect you with emergency financial assistance programs in your area. Many counties have rapid rehousing funds specifically for people who've lost jobs unexpectedly. Also, if your startup was funded by VC money, check if they offered any employee assistance programs that might still be available even after layoff. For your medication, call your doctor's office and explain the situation - many have sample supplies or can help you apply for manufacturer patient assistance programs. Don't wait on this since your insurance ends soon. One more tip: start your job search documentation NOW even though you just filed. EDD can ask for proof of job search activities going back to your claim start date, so having everything tracked from day one will save you headaches later. Good luck - you're going to get through this!

Hey Aria! I went through almost the exact same thing a few months ago when my retail hours got cut from 35 to about 20 per week. The pending status is totally normal for partial benefits - it usually takes 3-5 business days for them to calculate everything and switch it to "paid." One thing that really helped me was keeping detailed records of my hours and earnings each week, just in case they ever needed verification. Also, don't panic if it stays pending a bit longer than usual - sometimes they do random reviews on partial benefit claims, but it doesn't mean there's a problem with your claim. You're doing everything right by reporting honestly. The partial benefit amount might seem small, but like others mentioned, it keeps your claim active which is super important if your hours fluctuate. Hang in there - the restaurant industry is tough right now but things will get better!

I'm going through something similar right now! My hours at the grocery store got cut from 32 to 18 hours per week last month. I was so confused about whether I could still get benefits while working part-time, but reading through all these responses is super helpful. The calculation breakdown really makes it clear how the partial benefits work. I'm still waiting for my first partial payment to process - been pending for about 4 days now. It's nerve-wracking not knowing when it'll switch to paid, but sounds like that's pretty normal. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences! It really helps to know other people have been through this and gotten it sorted out. @Aria Khan - hope your pending status clears up soon! Sounds like you're doing everything right by reporting your hours honestly.

Update: I finally got through to EDD this morning after trying for 2 hours! The rep confirmed exactly what you all said - my old disability claim from 2023 was still showing as active in their system even though it ended over a year ago. They fixed it on their end and told me to go ahead and certify again. The disability questions are now gone from my certification! She said my payments should process normally now. Thanks everyone for your help!

Congrats on getting it resolved so quickly! For anyone else reading this thread with similar issues, here are a few key takeaways: 1) Never put false information in your certification even if it seems easier, 2) Keep calling EDD until you get through - persistence pays off, 3) Ask for confirmation numbers when you speak to reps, and 4) The disability/UI system overlap is a known bug that happens frequently. Your experience shows that when you actually reach a knowledgeable rep, these issues can be fixed pretty fast. Hope your payments come through smoothly now!

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!