FINAL UPDATE: All my pending payments just switched to paid this morning! Exactly 6 business days after I spoke with the EDD rep. The money should be on my Money Network card tomorrow. Such a relief! For anyone else dealing with this, it seems the key is just getting through to someone who can check on your claim status and maybe add a note to expedite the review.

Congrats on getting it resolved! This gives me so much hope. I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - been stuck in "under review" status for about 10 days after transitioning from my old claim to a new one. I was starting to panic thinking something was seriously wrong with my application. Your experience confirms what others have said about this being a standard consecutive claim review process. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service you mentioned since calling EDD directly has been impossible. Thanks for documenting your whole journey here - it's incredibly helpful for those of us going through the same thing!

my cousin works for edd she says always appeal bc like 40% of people win just bc the employer doesnt show up to the hearing lol

I went through something similar when my employer terminated me after FMLA leave. The key thing that helped me win my appeal was organizing all my documentation chronologically and creating a simple timeline showing: 1) when I went on leave, 2) when I was medically cleared to return, 3) when I contacted my employer to return, and 4) when they terminated me. The judge really appreciated having everything laid out clearly. Also, if you have any witnesses (coworkers, supervisors who knew about your leave), mention them in your appeal paperwork. Even if they don't testify, it shows you have corroborating evidence. Don't give up - this is exactly the kind of case appeals are designed for!

Pro tip: If you're mailing in documents, send them via certified mail with return receipt. It's a few bucks extra but gives you proof they received your stuff. Trust me, it's worth it.

Hey Mia! I went through this exact same process about 6 months ago when I was pregnant with my second. Here's what worked for me: I sent in my certified marriage certificate along with a copy of my updated driver's license and Social Security card (make sure you update SS first like Harper mentioned!). I also included a brief cover letter explaining that I was updating my name due to marriage and would be applying for pregnancy disability soon. The whole process took about 6-8 weeks, so definitely start ASAP! Also, make sure your doctor is aware of the name change so there's no confusion when they submit your disability paperwork. Good luck with everything! 💕

UPDATE: I just want to thank everyone for the amazing advice. I've drafted my letter using all of your suggestions - the formal headings, timeline, mentioning the UI Code Section 1256, requesting Good Cause consideration, explaining the address issue, and including a copy of my termination letter. I'm also going to request the Affidavit of Support form and send everything via certified mail tomorrow. I'll try that Claimyr service next week to follow up by phone since calling on my own has been impossible. Will keep you all posted on what happens!

Good luck with your appeal! I went through something similar in 2023 and want to add one more tip - when you send your certified mail letter, also email a copy to the EDD appeals department (if you can find their email address) and reference the certified mail tracking number in your email subject line. This creates multiple touchpoints in their system. Also, consider reaching out to your state assemblyperson's office - they often have staff who specialize in EDD issues and can sometimes help expedite cases that are stuck in the system. Many people don't realize this is a free service available to constituents. With your termination letter showing involuntary termination, you really do have a solid case here. The fact that they approved one week but denied the rest on the same claim actually works in your favor - it shows their initial determination was inconsistent. Stay persistent!

the entire california edd system is designed to confuse people i swear. like they WANT us to mess up and not get benefits. so glad u got it figured out!

So glad you got it sorted out! I went through this exact same confusion last year when I was laid off from my retail job. The EDD phone reps really should mention that UI Online is only for managing existing claims, not filing new ones. I wasted so much time refreshing that empty dashboard thinking it was broken! One thing I wish someone had told me earlier - after your claim gets approved, bookmark the UI Online certification page because you'll be going there every 2 weeks. And definitely sign up for text notifications if they offer it, because sometimes the email reminders end up in spam. The whole process gets much easier once you understand the system, but that initial setup is needlessly confusing for first-timers.