Just following up - were you able to get this resolved? Another option I forgot to mention is visiting an America's Job Center (AJCC) in person. They can sometimes expedite these kinds of issues by connecting with EDD liaisons directly. Bring your ID and any EDD correspondence you have.

That's awesome news that you got it sorted out! The name spelling issue is such a common problem but most people don't think to check that. Really glad the community here could help you avoid missing rent. For anyone else reading this thread - definitely save this info because the Money Network migration has been causing similar issues for months. The key takeaways seem to be: 1) Get the EXACT spelling/formatting EDD has on file, 2) Ask for your BIC number, 3) Paper check backup option exists, and 4) Services like Claimyr can help you actually reach EDD reps. Hope your card arrives on time!

@profile3 I actually used Claimyr like you suggested! It worked exactly as advertised - I was connected to an EDD rep in about 15 minutes. Completely worth it after days of frustration trying to get through on my own. Now I'm just waiting for my eligibility interview which is scheduled for next week. Fingers crossed!

I'm so glad you got through and found out what was going on! This is exactly why I joined this community - to learn from others' experiences with EDD issues. I'm a substitute teacher and have been worried about potential problems with my summer claim since I also had some unpaid time off during my base period. Your situation gives me hope that even when there are multiple issues, they can be resolved if you get the right person on the phone. Please keep us updated on how your eligibility interview goes - I'm sure others in similar situations would benefit from knowing the outcome. Good luck!

One final thing to consider - when you file your claim, you'll likely need to complete the DE 230 (Employee Questionnaire for Unemployment Insurance Benefits Eligibility). Be very detailed about your working conditions that show you were an employee, such as: - Who controlled how and when you worked - Whether you could accept/decline assignments - If you used their equipment/facilities - If you were integrated into their business operations - Whether you worked exclusively for them - If they trained you or required specific methods These factors are crucial for the ABC test. For the hours issue, there's usually a section where you can explain special circumstances - this is where you should note that you weren't instructed to track hours since you were told you were a contractor/on salary, but that you consistently worked at least 40 hours weekly. Don't hesitate to attach a separate sheet with additional explanation if needed.

Just wanted to add that you should also keep detailed records of all your communications with EDD throughout this process. Save copies of everything you submit, take screenshots of confirmation pages, and write down the names/ID numbers of any EDD representatives you speak with. Also, if your former employer tries to contact you directly about the claim (which sometimes happens), don't discuss it with them - refer them to EDD or your attorney. They might try to pressure you to withdraw the claim or "work something out" but that could complicate things. Good luck with your case! It sounds like you have a strong misclassification claim based on what you've described.

Update: I filed my claim yesterday and the process was smoother than I expected! I made sure to indicate that I was available for non-union work and other types of employment. My claim is pending now, and I have a phone eligibility interview scheduled for next week. Thanks everyone for your advice - it really helped me prepare! I'll update again after the interview to let everyone know how it went in case other actors are in the same situation.

Good luck with your interview, Caleb! I went through a similar situation during the writers' strike a few years back. One tip that really helped me: when they ask about your availability for work, be specific about the types of jobs you're actively pursuing. I mentioned I was looking for commercial acting work, teaching opportunities, and even restaurant work to show I was genuinely available and willing to work outside the union. They seemed to appreciate the concrete examples rather than just saying "I'm available for non-union work." Also, don't stress too much - the eligibility interview is really just to verify your situation, not to trip you up. You've got this!

btw ur friend might qualfy for the altenative base period if the regular 1 doesnt work out!!! they look at diferent quarters

As someone who went through the EDD process recently, I'd highly recommend your friend apply online through UI Online rather than trying to call. The online system walks you through each step and lets you save your progress. Also, make sure she has her Social Security card, driver's license, and any tax documents (W-2s, 1099s) from 2022 ready before starting. The system will ask for employer information going back to her base period, so having those documents handy will make the process much smoother. One thing that helped me was writing down all my employers and approximate dates before I started the application - it made filling out that section much faster.