Just checking back - any luck getting through to EDD? Did you try Claimyr or the bank visit approach? I'm invested in your story now and hoping you got it resolved before rent was due!

So happy to hear you got it resolved! This thread is going to be super helpful for anyone else dealing with the same security lock issue. It's crazy how common this problem seems to be with new EDD cards, but at least now there's a clear roadmap: try Claimyr to get through faster, have your ID docs ready, ask for identity verification department, and don't hang up once you're in the queue. Thanks for updating us - I was worried you wouldn't make rent on time!

One more thing to consider: depending on how much your weekly benefit amount is, you might still get partial benefits even after reporting this income. EDD doesn't deduct dollar-for-dollar - they use a formula where you can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit without reduction, then they reduce by the amount over that threshold. So if your weekly benefit is high enough, you might not lose everything.

I went through something very similar last year and wanted to share what worked for me. I had delayed commission payments from my previous employer that came in 2 months after I started collecting UI benefits. Here's what I did: 1. Reported the income on my certification (as required) 2. Immediately called EDD and explained it was for work performed before my claim started 3. They made notes in my account and told me to keep all documentation The key is being proactive about explaining the situation. Don't just report it and hope for the best - call them right away. Yes, it might reduce your benefits for that certification period, but if you can prove the work was done before your claim began, they can often adjust it retroactively. Also, keep copies of everything: the check stub showing the pay period dates, any correspondence with your employer or union about the delayed payment, and your original final pay stub that shows the overtime was missing. This documentation will be crucial if you need to appeal. The system isn't perfect, but they do have processes to handle these situations when you advocate for yourself properly.

I'm in the exact same boat! This is my first time on unemployment and I certified for my second time yesterday. Both weeks are still showing as pending and I'm getting really anxious about it. Reading through all these comments is actually making me feel a lot better though - sounds like this is pretty normal for first payments. I'm going to try to be patient and wait the full 5 business days like Dylan suggested before I start calling. It's just so stressful when you're depending on this money to pay bills! Fingers crossed both our payments go through soon 🤞

I've been through this exact situation multiple times and here's what I've learned: first payments after the waiting week almost always take longer because EDD does additional verification checks on new claims. The system flags first-time certifications for extra review even when everything is correct. I'd recommend checking your payment history every morning around 6 AM - that's usually when status changes happen overnight. Also, if you have the EDD debit card, sometimes the money shows up there before the website updates the status. Don't stress too much unless it hits day 7-8, then definitely call. The waiting is the worst part but it's completely normal!

Quick update - how did things turn out? Were you approved?

Congrats on getting approved! This is exactly what I needed to hear since I'm going through a similar situation right now. Just had my eligibility interview last week after reporting reduced hours at my retail job due to school schedule conflicts. The interviewer asked the same questions about why I didn't report changes, even though I've been properly certifying with the correct reason codes. It's so frustrating how they make it sound like you did something wrong when you followed their own instructions! Thanks for sharing the positive outcome - gives me hope that mine will work out too.

Hey everyone, I just wanted to jump in here as someone who went through this exact situation last year. Reading through all these responses, there's some really solid advice here, especially about the CTB program. One thing I'd add - if you do decide to pursue training through CTB, don't sleep on trade programs. I know you mentioned you're already in construction, but there are specialized certifications like solar panel installation, green building techniques, or even drone operation for construction surveying that are in super high demand right now. These programs are often shorter (8-16 weeks) compared to something like web development, so you'd get back into the workforce faster. Also, regarding the stress about rent - have you looked into California's rental assistance programs? Some counties still have emergency rental assistance available, and there might be local nonprofit organizations that can help bridge the gap while you're transitioning. It's worth googling "[your county] rental assistance 2025" to see what's available. The job market is tough right now, but construction actually has some bright spots - especially in renewable energy projects and infrastructure work. Don't give up hope!

I'm going through something similar right now - my benefits are set to run out in about 5 weeks and the job market has been brutal. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly eye-opening though! I had no idea about the CTB program until this thread. I've been so focused on just finding any job that I hadn't considered using this time to actually gain new skills. The solar installation certification that @Malia Ponder mentioned sounds really promising - I've noticed a ton of solar companies popping up around here lately. One question for those who've been through the CTB process - do you have to be approved for the program BEFORE your regular benefits run out, or can you apply after they're exhausted? I'm worried about timing since I only have 5 weeks left and don't want to miss any deadlines. Also, has anyone had luck with temp agencies during gaps in benefits? I've been hesitant to take temp work because I wasn't sure how it would affect my UI certification, but at this point I might need to consider anything to keep some income coming in.