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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'm experiencing the same issue! Mine have been stuck on since mid-July as well. I've been trying to get through to EDD but the phone lines are constantly busy. It's really frustrating when you're depending on these payments. Has anyone had luck with calling at specific times of day to get through faster?
Anybody else notice that ever since they implemented that new ID verification system, everything's been even more of a mess? 🤔
Try calling the 833-978-2511 number right at 8am - that's been working better for me lately than the main number. Also, if you're getting stuck on the automated system, try pressing 1-2-4 really quickly after the initial greeting. Sometimes it bypasses some of the busy signals. I know it's frustrating but don't give up! What specific issue are you dealing with? Sometimes there are workarounds depending on the problem.
Thank you so much for this tip! I've been struggling with the main number for days. Just tried the 833 number and the 1-2-4 trick - still busy but it felt like I got further in the system before getting the busy message. I'm dealing with a disqualification that I think is a mistake, so definitely need to talk to someone. Going to keep trying with your method!
After reading all your responses, here's my suggestion: Start looking for work aggressively while still at this part-time job. Document the toxic environment thoroughly (dates, incidents, witnesses). See your therapist and request documentation connecting your anxiety to the workplace specifically. Then if you find yourself needing to quit before finding new employment, you'll have evidence for your eligibility interview. Just remember that even with good documentation, there's still a risk EDD could deny benefits, so having savings to cover a potential gap would be wise.
Thank you so much for this comprehensive advice. I'm going to follow these steps exactly. I've already started documenting incidents and have an appointment with my therapist next week. I'll keep certifying and job hunting aggressively in the meantime. Everyone's advice here has been incredibly helpful during this stressful time - I feel much more prepared to handle the situation properly now.
I went through a similar situation last year and want to share what worked for me. I was in a toxic retail job while collecting partial benefits, and my manager was creating a hostile environment. Here's what I did that helped my case when I eventually had to quit: 1. I kept a detailed log with dates, times, and specific incidents (took photos of schedules showing retaliation, saved any text messages) 2. I emailed my concerns to management creating a paper trail - even if they don't respond, you have proof you tried to resolve it 3. My doctor wrote a note specifically stating that my workplace was "exacerbating my anxiety and depression to a degree that threatens my wellbeing" 4. I continued job searching and kept records of all applications When I quit, EDD did schedule an eligibility interview, but because I had documentation showing I made good faith efforts to resolve the situation and medical evidence, they approved continued benefits. The key is being able to prove you didn't just quit impulsively - you tried other solutions first. Keep hanging in there and documenting everything while you search for something better!
I went through something similar last year when my UI ran out. Here's what I learned that might help: 1. File a new claim immediately when your balance hits zero - even if you think you won't qualify. Sometimes there are wages in your base period you forgot about or miscalculated. 2. Look into your local One-Stop Career Centers (America's Job Center). They often have "rapid response" job fairs specifically for people whose benefits are ending, and some employers there are willing to hire quickly. 3. Consider gig work as a bridge while you job search - DoorDash, Instacart, etc. It's not ideal but can help cover some expenses while you look for permanent work. 4. If you haven't already, reach out to temp agencies that specialize in accounting. They sometimes have immediate placements for tax season which is coming up. The job market is tough right now but don't give up. I ended up finding something through a temp agency that turned permanent after 3 months. Keep applying broadly and consider remote work too if possible.
This is really helpful advice, thank you! I hadn't thought about tax season creating more temporary opportunities - that's a great point since it's coming up soon. I'll definitely look into temp agencies that specialize in accounting/bookkeeping. The gig work idea makes sense too as a stopgap measure. I was hesitant about it before but you're right that some income is better than none while I continue my job search. I'll file that new claim right away when my benefits exhaust, even if I'm pretty sure I won't qualify. Worth a shot! And I'll check out the One-Stop Career Centers - I keep hearing about job fairs but haven't attended any yet.
I'm in a similar situation - my benefits are set to exhaust in March and I'm getting really anxious about it. Reading through all these responses has been both helpful and scary! One thing I wanted to add that might help everyone here: I've been using the "California Job Search" website (calcareers.ca.gov) which has state government positions. They're not always the highest paying but they often have good benefits and job security. Some positions are "examination not required" which means they hire based on your application without additional testing. Also, don't forget about seasonal tax preparation work - H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, and even Walmart have tax prep services that ramp up hiring in January/February. With your accounting background, you'd probably be a strong candidate and it could bridge you through tax season while you keep looking for permanent work. Hang in there everyone - this job market is brutal but we'll get through it! 💪
Andre Moreau
Great suggestion! Just tried it - unfortunately, when I click on \
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Ally Tailer
Hey Andre, I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Had my interview Thursday and my current claim info completely disappeared over the weekend - now it's just showing my old 2021 claim. I was panicking until I read through all these responses. It's so frustrating that EDD's system is this unreliable, especially when we're already stressed about finances. I'm going to follow everyone's advice and wait until Wednesday before calling. Fingers crossed for both of us that it's just their terrible system being terrible and not an actual denial! Keep us posted on what happens with yours.
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Mateo Gonzalez
•@Ally Tailer I m'so glad I m'not the only one going through this! It s'definitely reassuring to know someone else is experiencing the exact same issue. The waiting is the hardest part, especially when you re'already stressed about money. I ve'been checking my UI Online every few hours today but trying to remember what everyone said about it taking 2-3 business days. I ll'definitely keep you posted on what happens - hopefully we both get good news by Wednesday! Thanks for sharing your experience, it really helps to know we re'not alone in this.
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