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! 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.

Thank you everyone for the incredibly helpful responses! I'm going to follow your advice and apply for both UI and SDI. I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow to discuss my work restrictions and treatment plan, so I'll get updated documentation. I'm feeling much more confident about navigating this process now. One last question - if my employer contests my UI claim (which they probably will), how long does that typically extend the process?

I'm so sorry you're going through this - it sounds like a really difficult situation. As someone new to this community, I've been reading through these responses and they're incredibly helpful. I'm dealing with a somewhat similar issue at my retail job where they're not accommodating my documented knee problems, and I'm starting to feel like they want me to quit. Your case sounds much stronger than mine since you have clear documentation of requesting accommodations and your employer's refusal to provide them. The fact that they started writing you up AFTER you returned from disability and provided medical restrictions really shows a pattern of retaliation. I'd definitely recommend following the advice here about being very specific when you file - mention "constructive discharge" and "failure to accommodate documented medical restrictions" rather than just saying you quit for health reasons. From what I'm reading, having that HR complaint on file before you quit is going to be really important for your case. Good luck with your doctor's appointment tomorrow! It sounds like you're taking all the right steps.

hey i know this is kinda off topic but does anyone know if they can garnish your tax refund for EDD overpayments? I'm expecting a refund this year and worried they'll take it

I went through something very similar last year and want to share what worked for me. After getting my hearing decision (also ruled ineligible), I was panicking about the overpayment too. Here's what I learned: Don't wait for the overpayment notice! Call EDD immediately and ask them to send you form DE 1446W (the financial hardship waiver application) right away. I made the mistake of waiting for the official notice and it delayed my waiver application by almost 3 weeks. When you call, also ask them to put a temporary hold on any collection activities while your waiver is being processed. Not all reps will do this, but some will if you explain your financial situation. For the waiver application, be thorough with your documentation. I included: - Bank statements showing minimal funds - Unemployment verification letter - Monthly budget breakdown showing expenses exceed income - Medical bills (if you have any) - Written statement explaining how repayment would cause severe financial hardship My waiver was approved after about 10 weeks. The key is showing you genuinely can't afford to repay without causing serious hardship to your basic living needs. Also, keep detailed records of every interaction with EDD - dates, times, rep names, reference numbers. You'll need this if there are any issues later. Hang in there - the waiver process does work for people in genuine financial hardship!