Update: I got an official layoff email today that clearly states I was let go due to "insufficient client demand and no suitable positions currently available." Going to file my claim online today. Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I'll update once I hear back from EDD on my claim status.

As someone who just went through this process with a temp agency layoff last month, I wanted to add a few practical tips that helped me: 1. File your claim ASAP - benefits are backdated to when you file, not when you were laid off 2. Keep a detailed job search log from day one. EDD requires you to make at least 3 job contacts per week, and they can audit this 3. If the temp agency calls with a new assignment while you're on benefits, you generally have to accept it if it's "suitable work" (similar pay/hours/location to your previous job) 4. Set up direct deposit when you file - paper checks take forever Also, don't be surprised if your weekly benefit amount seems low. It's calculated based on your highest earning quarter in the base period, so temp work can sometimes result in lower benefits than expected. But something is definitely better than nothing while you're job hunting! The online filing process is pretty straightforward, just make sure you have all your employer info and wage details ready before you start.

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 the exact same issue with ID.me showing duplicate accounts! What worked for me was contacting ID.me support directly (not EDD) to merge or delete the duplicate account. You can reach them through their help center at help.id.me. They were able to clean up my account within 24-48 hours, and then I could proceed with the EDD verification. It's definitely frustrating, but don't give up on the online option just yet - the phone/mail route takes much longer. Good luck!

Thank you everyone for all the helpful replies! I'm feeling less anxious now knowing this is normal. I'll wait another week before trying to contact anyone about it. And I'll definitely set up direct deposit once I get the card to avoid this issue with future payments. I'll also check with my neighbors and make sure I'm watching for a plain envelope that could look like junk mail. Really appreciate all the advice!

One thing I'd add - if you're really stressed about accessing your money while waiting for the card, you can also check if your bank offers Zelle or if you have friends/family who could help you access funds once the card arrives. Some people I know have had their trusted family member receive the card, activate it, and then transfer money to them via Zelle or Venmo as a temporary solution. Obviously only do this with someone you completely trust! But it can be a lifesaver if you have urgent bills while waiting for the postal service to deliver your card.

Just to add some clarity on the formula EDD uses: 1. You report your gross earnings (before taxes) 2. EDD disregards 25% of those earnings 3. The remaining 75% is subtracted from your weekly benefit amount So with your $375 weekly benefit, if you earn $200 gross in a week: - 25% of $200 = $50 (disregarded) - 75% of $200 = $150 (deducted) - $375 - $150 = $225 (your partial UI payment) You'll still receive benefits as long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount + $25 (so $400 in your case).

I'm in a similar situation - just started a part-time retail job while collecting unemployment. One thing I learned the hard way is to keep detailed records of your work hours and earnings for each week. I use a simple notebook to track my shifts and gross pay, which makes certification much easier. Also, if your coffee shop hours ever change (like picking up extra shifts during busy periods), just remember that you need to report ALL earnings for the week you worked them, even if it pushes you over the benefit threshold for that particular week. The EDD system is pretty forgiving as long as you're honest and accurate with your reporting.

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know - I just checked my Money Network card and my payment FINALLY posted! It took almost 6 days total. No explanation from EDD about the delay, it just eventually showed up. Hope everyone else sees their payments soon too.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been dealing with EDD for over a year now - payment delays like this are unfortunately more common than they should be. I've had it happen 3-4 times where everything shows "paid" but the actual deposit takes several extra days. From my experience, it's usually one of three things: 1) Technical glitches in their payment processing system, 2) Bank/card network delays (especially around holidays), or 3) Sometimes they run additional verification checks that aren't visible to us but cause delays. The good news is that if it shows "paid" in your payment history, the money will come through eventually. I know that doesn't help with immediate bills, but I've never had a "paid" status not eventually result in the actual deposit. Hang in there!