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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 had a similar issue with verification! Here's what worked for me: First, make sure you're using the exact format that matches your official documents. Sometimes is very picky about abbreviations (like "St" vs "Street" or "Apt" vs "Apartment"). If your passport doesn't have your current address, you'll need a secondary document like a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement that shows your name and current address. You can also try calling support directly - they have a helpline specifically for government benefit issues. If all else fails, contact directly and explain your situation - they sometimes have alternative methods available. Good luck!
Just want to add that I was in a similar situation where EDD claimed they never received my identity verification documents even though I had proof of delivery. After months of frustration, I finally attended an in-person appointment at an EDD office rather than trying to resolve it by phone. The in-person staff actually took the time to search through different systems and found my documents had been received but filed under the wrong SSN (someone had transposed two digits). Might be worth seeing if you can schedule an in-person appointment if phone calls aren't working.
This is exactly why I always tell people to document EVERYTHING when dealing with EDD. Your certified mail receipt is gold - don't let them gaslight you into thinking it doesn't matter. Here's what worked for me when I had a similar issue: I created a detailed timeline with dates, tracking numbers, and names of every rep I spoke with. Then I submitted a formal written complaint to EDD's Director's Office citing their failure to process a timely-filed appeal despite proof of delivery. I referenced the specific regulation that says appeals must be processed when received within the deadline, regardless of internal processing errors. Within two weeks of sending that complaint (also via certified mail, of course), I got a call from someone in their escalations department who not only found my original appeal but fast-tracked my hearing. Sometimes you have to speak their language - cite regulations, reference your proof, and make it clear you understand your rights under the appeals process. Stay strong and don't give up! Your certified mail receipt proves you did everything right - this is 100% their administrative failure, not yours.
This is incredibly helpful - thank you for sharing your strategy! I love the idea of creating a detailed timeline with all the documentation. I've been keeping notes but not in an organized way. Can you tell me more about what specific regulation you referenced in your complaint? I want to make sure I'm citing the right legal authority when I escalate this. Also, do you remember approximately how long the whole process took from when you first filed your appeal to when it was finally resolved?
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!
Thank you so much for this comprehensive list! I hadn't heard of CalWORKs - I'll definitely look into that. The 211 number is something I should have thought of earlier. And you're absolutely right about temp agencies - I've been so focused on finding permanent roles that I overlooked the fact that temp work could help me qualify for a new claim later. Robert Half actually reached out to me a few weeks ago but I didn't follow up because I was hoping for something permanent. I'm going to call them back tomorrow. It's encouraging to hear you found something after 8 months - gives me hope that persistence will pay off!
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.
I'm in a similar boat - mine has been under review for about 4 weeks now. From what I've gathered talking to others, it really does seem to depend on the complexity of your case. Some folks I know got through in 3-4 weeks, but I've also heard of cases taking 2-3 months or even longer. The waiting is definitely frustrating! I tried calling a few times but haven't had much luck getting through to someone who could give me a real timeline. Let me know if you have any success reaching them - I'd be curious to hear what they tell you about expected wait times.
Sofia Ramirez
Update us on how it goes! The whole EDD process can be confusing but I've seen multiple cases where people got benefits after leaving a stable job for a better opportunity that didn't work out. The system is designed to protect workers in exactly this type of situation. Just make sure you certify on time every two weeks once you open your claim!
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Dylan Cooper
•I definitely will! I'm going to apply tonight. One more question - for the job I just got fired from, should I put the exact reason they gave me ("not a good fit") or is there a specific option I should select in the dropdown menu that would be better? I really don't want to mess this up.
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Sofia Ramirez
•When you get to that section, there should be an option like "discharged" or "terminated" - select that rather than "quit." Then in the explanation box, write exactly what they told you: "Employer stated I was not a good fit for their company culture." Keep it simple and factual. Being let go for not being a good fit is considered a no-fault separation, which shouldn't disqualify you from benefits.
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Ravi Gupta
I went through something very similar a few months ago! Got let go from a new job after just 2 weeks because of "performance concerns" but I had left my previous job of 5 years for what I thought was a better opportunity. The good news is that California's base period system worked in my favor - EDD calculated my benefits based on earnings from up to 18 months prior, so my long-term previous job was included. The key thing that helped me was being completely transparent about both job separations during my eligibility interview. I explained that I left my stable job for career advancement (higher salary, better benefits) and that the new employer let me go during what was essentially an extended probationary period. EDD approved my claim because leaving for a substantially better job is considered "good cause" and being terminated for not being a good fit isn't considered misconduct on your part. Don't wait to apply - even if there are questions about your eligibility, it's better to get the process started. The worst thing that can happen is they deny your claim, but based on what you've described, I think you have a strong case.
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