UPDATE: I managed to get through to EDD this morning after calling repeatedly since 8:01am. The representative confirmed what @helpful_expert said - my current claim will process payments until Wednesday, then I need to file a new claim that same day. She also put a note on my account about the situation to help avoid delays. Thanks everyone for your advice!

Wow, what a relief that you got through to EDD and got confirmation! It's so frustrating how these edge cases aren't clearly explained anywhere on their website. Your situation is probably way more common than they realize, especially with all the seasonal workers who cycle through the system. Thanks for updating us with what the rep told you - this thread is going to be super helpful for anyone else who finds themselves in the same boat with a mid-week benefit year expiration!

Just checking back - any luck getting through to EDD? Did you try Claimyr or the bank visit approach? I'm invested in your story now and hoping you got it resolved before rent was due!

So happy to hear you got it resolved! This thread is going to be super helpful for anyone else dealing with the same security lock issue. It's crazy how common this problem seems to be with new EDD cards, but at least now there's a clear roadmap: try Claimyr to get through faster, have your ID docs ready, ask for identity verification department, and don't hang up once you're in the queue. Thanks for updating us - I was worried you wouldn't make rent on time!

UPDATE: Had my hearing today! It went way better than expected. The judge was actually really understanding about the IHSS employer confusion. She looked at my W-2s and the letter from my caseworker and said this type of misunderstanding happens regularly with IHSS providers. The whole thing took about 25 minutes, and she said I should receive a written decision within 7-10 days, but she indicated she'll be ruling in my favor! So relieved right now. Thanks again for all your help and advice everyone!

Congratulations on the positive outcome! Your story is a perfect example of why preparation and honesty matter so much in these hearings. The fact that you took everyone's advice - getting the caseworker letter, organizing your W-2s, practicing your explanation - clearly made a huge difference. For anyone else reading this who might face a similar situation: this is exactly how these cases should go when it's genuinely just a paperwork error. The system works when you come prepared with documentation and can clearly explain the mistake. Thanks for sharing your experience - it'll definitely help other IHSS caregivers who run into this same confusion!

I'm in the exact same boat! This is my first time on unemployment and I certified for my second time yesterday. Both weeks are still showing as pending and I'm getting really anxious about it. Reading through all these comments is actually making me feel a lot better though - sounds like this is pretty normal for first payments. I'm going to try to be patient and wait the full 5 business days like Dylan suggested before I start calling. It's just so stressful when you're depending on this money to pay bills! Fingers crossed both our payments go through soon 🤞

I've been through this exact situation multiple times and here's what I've learned: first payments after the waiting week almost always take longer because EDD does additional verification checks on new claims. The system flags first-time certifications for extra review even when everything is correct. I'd recommend checking your payment history every morning around 6 AM - that's usually when status changes happen overnight. Also, if you have the EDD debit card, sometimes the money shows up there before the website updates the status. Don't stress too much unless it hits day 7-8, then definitely call. The waiting is the worst part but it's completely normal!

Hey everyone, I just wanted to jump in here as someone who went through this exact situation last year. Reading through all these responses, there's some really solid advice here, especially about the CTB program. One thing I'd add - if you do decide to pursue training through CTB, don't sleep on trade programs. I know you mentioned you're already in construction, but there are specialized certifications like solar panel installation, green building techniques, or even drone operation for construction surveying that are in super high demand right now. These programs are often shorter (8-16 weeks) compared to something like web development, so you'd get back into the workforce faster. Also, regarding the stress about rent - have you looked into California's rental assistance programs? Some counties still have emergency rental assistance available, and there might be local nonprofit organizations that can help bridge the gap while you're transitioning. It's worth googling "[your county] rental assistance 2025" to see what's available. The job market is tough right now, but construction actually has some bright spots - especially in renewable energy projects and infrastructure work. Don't give up hope!

I'm going through something similar right now - my benefits are set to run out in about 5 weeks and the job market has been brutal. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly eye-opening though! I had no idea about the CTB program until this thread. I've been so focused on just finding any job that I hadn't considered using this time to actually gain new skills. The solar installation certification that @Malia Ponder mentioned sounds really promising - I've noticed a ton of solar companies popping up around here lately. One question for those who've been through the CTB process - do you have to be approved for the program BEFORE your regular benefits run out, or can you apply after they're exhausted? I'm worried about timing since I only have 5 weeks left and don't want to miss any deadlines. Also, has anyone had luck with temp agencies during gaps in benefits? I've been hesitant to take temp work because I wasn't sure how it would affect my UI certification, but at this point I might need to consider anything to keep some income coming in.