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.

Quick update - how did things turn out? Were you approved?

Congrats on getting approved! This is exactly what I needed to hear since I'm going through a similar situation right now. Just had my eligibility interview last week after reporting reduced hours at my retail job due to school schedule conflicts. The interviewer asked the same questions about why I didn't report changes, even though I've been properly certifying with the correct reason codes. It's so frustrating how they make it sound like you did something wrong when you followed their own instructions! Thanks for sharing the positive outcome - gives me hope that mine will work out too.

Ruby, I'm glad you were able to get through to EDD and found that error in your wage reporting! Even a small amount added back to your claim balance can help. Since you're expanding your job search, you might also want to check if any dental offices in your area are hiring for temporary or part-time positions - sometimes they need coverage for staff vacations or sick leave, and it could help you maintain connections in your field while you look for permanent work. Also, many dental offices post openings on Indeed or their websites rather than going through traditional job boards, so checking individual practice websites directly might uncover opportunities that aren't widely advertised. Hang in there - the healthcare job market can be slow but positions do open up!

Ruby, I'm so glad you were able to get through to EDD and get that wage reporting issue resolved! Even though it's just a small amount, every bit helps when you're dealing with this kind of financial stress. Your situation really highlights how complex the UI system can be - it's frustrating that they don't make it clearer upfront that benefits can run out before the benefit year ends. For what it's worth, I've seen a lot of people in similar situations who eventually found work, even when the job market felt impossible. The healthcare field can be slow to hire, but once positions open up, they often hire quickly. Keep documenting all your job search activities too - when you file your new claim in November, having that record will be helpful. Also, don't forget to check with local workforce development centers or American Job Centers in your area. They sometimes have resources for people in your exact situation, including job search assistance and information about training programs that might be available. Some even have emergency assistance programs. Wishing you the best of luck with your expanded job search!

dont listen to the pesemists on here EDD mess things up ALL THE TIME!!! my freind got 3 denials and then suddently got aproved with back pay. just keep fighting and tel your story about youre mom needing care. the system is designed to wear people down so they give up on gettin benefits they deserve

I went through something very similar last year - got denied, then got a second interview letter on the same day as my denial notice. It was confusing but turned out to be legitimate! In my case, the second interview was with a different adjudicator who was much more thorough and actually listened to my situation. The key things that helped me get approved were: 1. Having all my documentation organized (sounds like you already have the texts and schedule approvals - that's perfect) 2. Clearly explaining the timeline of events and emphasizing that the employer changed the terms AFTER approving your arrangement 3. Focusing on the fact that you had no reasonable alternative given your caregiving responsibilities Don't get discouraged by the initial denial - it seems like the system sometimes auto-denies voluntary quit cases and then flags them for human review. Your situation with the approved reduced schedule being suddenly revoked definitely sounds like it could qualify as good cause. Make sure you're prepared to explain exactly when your schedule was approved, who approved it, and how suddenly it was changed. The "no reasonable alternative" angle is crucial here. Good luck with your second interview!