California Unemployment

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tell ur son to keep filing evry 2 weeks no matter what!!! u dont wanna miss weeks

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I went through something very similar with my nephew last year! The determination took about 6 weeks total, and EDD kept paying him the whole time. What really helped was when we finally got through to a rep (took many attempts) who explained that as long as he submitted the required documentation and continues certifying accurately, the payments usually indicate they're leaning toward approval. The key thing is making sure he doesn't miss any certification periods and answers all questions honestly. Also, if they do schedule an interview, treat it very seriously - be prepared with all the facts about why he left his job and any documentation that supports his story. Most of these cases do work out fine, especially when someone is being proactive like your son has been!

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Update us on how it goes! The whole EDD process can be confusing but I've seen multiple cases where people got benefits after leaving a stable job for a better opportunity that didn't work out. The system is designed to protect workers in exactly this type of situation. Just make sure you certify on time every two weeks once you open your claim!

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I definitely will! I'm going to apply tonight. One more question - for the job I just got fired from, should I put the exact reason they gave me ("not a good fit") or is there a specific option I should select in the dropdown menu that would be better? I really don't want to mess this up.

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When you get to that section, there should be an option like "discharged" or "terminated" - select that rather than "quit." Then in the explanation box, write exactly what they told you: "Employer stated I was not a good fit for their company culture." Keep it simple and factual. Being let go for not being a good fit is considered a no-fault separation, which shouldn't disqualify you from benefits.

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I went through something very similar a few months ago! Got let go from a new job after just 2 weeks because of "performance concerns" but I had left my previous job of 5 years for what I thought was a better opportunity. The good news is that California's base period system worked in my favor - EDD calculated my benefits based on earnings from up to 18 months prior, so my long-term previous job was included. The key thing that helped me was being completely transparent about both job separations during my eligibility interview. I explained that I left my stable job for career advancement (higher salary, better benefits) and that the new employer let me go during what was essentially an extended probationary period. EDD approved my claim because leaving for a substantially better job is considered "good cause" and being terminated for not being a good fit isn't considered misconduct on your part. Don't wait to apply - even if there are questions about your eligibility, it's better to get the process started. The worst thing that can happen is they deny your claim, but based on what you've described, I think you have a strong case.

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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

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I had a similar issue with verification! Here's what worked for me: First, make sure you're using the exact format that matches your official documents. Sometimes is very picky about abbreviations (like "St" vs "Street" or "Apt" vs "Apartment"). If your passport doesn't have your current address, you'll need a secondary document like a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement that shows your name and current address. You can also try calling support directly - they have a helpline specifically for government benefit issues. If all else fails, contact directly and explain your situation - they sometimes have alternative methods available. Good luck!

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Just want to add that I was in a similar situation where EDD claimed they never received my identity verification documents even though I had proof of delivery. After months of frustration, I finally attended an in-person appointment at an EDD office rather than trying to resolve it by phone. The in-person staff actually took the time to search through different systems and found my documents had been received but filed under the wrong SSN (someone had transposed two digits). Might be worth seeing if you can schedule an in-person appointment if phone calls aren't working.

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That's a really good suggestion! I didn't even realize in-person appointments were an option. I'll look into that right away. It makes sense that someone might be able to do a more thorough search if we're face-to-face rather than over the phone.

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This is exactly why I always tell people to document EVERYTHING when dealing with EDD. Your certified mail receipt is gold - don't let them gaslight you into thinking it doesn't matter. Here's what worked for me when I had a similar issue: I created a detailed timeline with dates, tracking numbers, and names of every rep I spoke with. Then I submitted a formal written complaint to EDD's Director's Office citing their failure to process a timely-filed appeal despite proof of delivery. I referenced the specific regulation that says appeals must be processed when received within the deadline, regardless of internal processing errors. Within two weeks of sending that complaint (also via certified mail, of course), I got a call from someone in their escalations department who not only found my original appeal but fast-tracked my hearing. Sometimes you have to speak their language - cite regulations, reference your proof, and make it clear you understand your rights under the appeals process. Stay strong and don't give up! Your certified mail receipt proves you did everything right - this is 100% their administrative failure, not yours.

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I was in almost the same situation last month! My benefits ran out after 26 weeks and I was really worried. I contacted my local America's Job Center (the AJCC office in my county) and they connected me with a job counselor who helped me completely revamp my resume and gave me access to some job listings I hadn't seen before. I also found out about the Training Benefits program another commenter mentioned, and while I didn't end up using it, it's definitely a good option if you want to learn new skills. The good news is I just got a job offer yesterday! It's in a slightly different field than my previous work (I was in marketing, now moving to customer success), but the skills transfer well enough. Don't lose hope! I also recommend joining industry-specific groups on LinkedIn if you haven't already. That's where I found my new position.

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Congratulations on your new job! This is excellent advice. The AJCC offices (America's Job Centers of California) are seriously underutilized resources. They offer free career counseling, resume help, interview preparation, and sometimes even have relationships with local employers looking to hire. @OP - Here's the link to find your nearest center: https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/find-american-job-centers.aspx

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I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - I know exactly how you feel. I was in a similar situation about 6 months ago when my UI benefits were about to run out. Here's what I learned: 1. **File for CalWORKs if you qualify** - Many people don't know about this, but if your income is low enough after UI ends, you might be eligible for cash assistance through CalWORKs. It's not much, but it's something. 2. **Contact 211** - Just dial 2-1-1 from any phone. They can connect you with local resources including emergency rent assistance, food banks, and utility help programs specific to your area. 3. **Look into temp agencies** - I know it's not ideal for your accounting background, but agencies like Robert Half and Accountemps specifically place accounting professionals in temporary roles. Sometimes these turn into permanent positions, and at minimum they'll help you build earnings for a potential new UI claim. 4. **Check if your previous employer offers any severance extensions** - Some companies have programs to help laid-off employees even months later. The job market is brutal right now, but don't give up. I finally found something after 8 months of searching. Hang in there!

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