One last thing I forgot to mention - they might ask if you're looking for other work outside of substitute teaching. This is important because you need to be available for and seeking work to qualify for UI benefits. Make sure you can honestly say you're looking for other opportunities while waiting for the school year to start. Keep a record of places you've applied to if possible.

Just wanted to follow up and share how my interview went yesterday! The EDD representative was actually really understanding and knowledgeable about substitute teacher situations. She asked all the questions that Christopher mentioned - about guaranteed work, minimum days, summer opportunities, and my work pattern from last year. I emphasized that being on the substitute list gives me ZERO guarantee of work or income, and I showed her my work schedule from last year with all the gaps highlighted. I also mentioned that I'm actively looking for other summer work (tutoring, camps, etc.) while waiting for potential sub assignments. The whole interview took about 20 minutes, and she approved my claim on the spot! She said the key factor was that I could demonstrate inconsistent work even while being available, which shows I don't have "reasonable assurance" of steady employment. For anyone else going through this - having documentation ready really helped, and being clear about the economic reality of substitute work (no guaranteed hours = no guaranteed income) was crucial. Don't let them lump you in with contracted teachers who have actual job security! Hope this helps other subs who might be going through the same process. The system isn't perfect, but it can work if you're prepared and honest about your situation.

wait, I'm confused about something... i thought PUA was only for ppl who lost work directly bc of covid? did school closures actually count as a valid reason?

I went through a similar PUA appeal last year after moving states - here's what saved me: 1. Call EDD Appeals Board directly at (916) 653-0293 instead of the regular EDD number. They handle hearing logistics and are usually easier to reach. 2. For your gig work proof, if you have the platform's app still installed, try to screenshot your driver profile/history. Some platforms keep records longer than others. 3. Don't panic about "perfect" documentation. I won my case with: my 1099, a simple letter from my kid's school district (I called their main office and they emailed me a standard COVID closure confirmation), and my own written statement explaining the timeline. 4. During the hearing, stick to the facts and don't over-explain. The judge asked me maybe 6-7 questions total, mostly about dates and my work situation. The key is proving you were legitimately working before COVID and had valid reasons to stop. Your situation with both childcare needs AND a high-risk household member actually strengthens your case since you had multiple qualifying reasons. You've got this!

good luck! hope he finds something soon

I'm in a similar situation right now and it's really scary! My benefits are ending next month and I'm terrified about what comes next. From what I've learned, those short work periods your husband did might not be enough for a new claim - you typically need to earn at least $1,300 in a single quarter. But definitely have him call EDD to get the exact calculation for his situation since every case is different. In the meantime, I'd suggest looking into emergency rental assistance programs through your county and food banks to help stretch your budget. Also, has he considered signing up with temp agencies? Even if it's not construction work, any income would help and could potentially build toward future UI eligibility. Hang in there - you're not alone in this struggle!

idk if this helps but I've heard some people have luck reaching out on Twitter. Might be worth a shot?

Hey Mateo, sorry to hear you're dealing with this mess. I went through something similar a few months ago. Here's what worked for me: I sent them a written request through the UI Online message center explaining that I missed the call and requesting a reschedule. Make sure to include your claim details and be polite but firm about needing the interview ASAP. Also, try calling the 2511 number (1-800-300-5616) around 8:02 AM - sometimes you can get through right after they open. In the meantime, keep certifying for benefits even though you're pending - you don't want to miss those deadlines. Hang in there, it's frustrating but most people do eventually get it sorted out!

One more thing - if EDD is claiming it was a voluntary quit without good cause, your son should specifically request the "Notice of Determination" form DE 1080CZ. This form will explain EXACTLY why they disqualified him. Sometimes they disqualify for reasons you wouldn't expect, and arguing the wrong point in an appeal can cause you to lose automatically. If he can't get through to request this form, that's another situation where the Claimyr service I mentioned can help. Being able to talk to an actual EDD representative makes a huge difference in understanding exactly what needs to be addressed in the appeal.

I've been following this thread and wanted to add something important that hasn't been mentioned yet. Since your son is now in Nevada, he should also consider filing for unemployment benefits in Nevada while his California appeal is pending. Nevada has different eligibility requirements and might approve benefits even if California doesn't. Many people don't realize you can have claims in multiple states simultaneously if you've worked in different states within the base period. Nevada's system might view his situation more favorably, especially since he's now actively seeking work there. Also, make sure he keeps detailed records of EVERY conversation with EDD - dates, times, representative names, and what was discussed. This documentation can be crucial if his case goes to a higher level appeal. I learned this the hard way when I had to go through three levels of appeals a few years back. The interstate claim process can be confusing, but Nevada's unemployment office is generally more responsive than California's. Worth exploring as a backup plan while fighting the California decision.