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Has anyone tried the UI Online message center instead of calling? My brother-in-law couldn't get through on the phone either but he sent a detailed message through his UI Online account (under Contact EDD) about his disqualification issue. He included his phone number and asked for a callback. An EDD rep called him back 3 days later and fixed his issue. Might be worth trying along with the phone strategies!
I sent a message through the portal about 5 days ago and haven't heard anything back yet. I'll try sending another one with more details though. Maybe I wasn't specific enough.
Make sure you select "Disqualification" as the subject and include specific dates in your message. My brother-in-law said he put "URGENT" in the subject line too, which might have helped. Hope you get it resolved soon!
I've been in your exact situation and know how stressful it is! Here's what worked for me after weeks of trying: I used the calling strategy mentioned above (calling at 8:01am, not 8:00) combined with the Claimyr service that Hunter mentioned. The service cost me $20 but it was worth every penny to avoid the endless calling. When I finally got through to an EDD rep, they found that my documents were uploaded correctly but got stuck in their review queue. The rep was able to manually push my case through and remove the disqualification within 2 days. In the meantime, definitely file that appeal Andrew mentioned - it gives you a safety net and shows EDD you're serious about disputing the decision. Also, since you mentioned rent is due soon, call 211 for emergency assistance programs in your area. Many have funds specifically for people waiting on unemployment benefits. You're not alone in this - the system is overwhelmed but your case sounds like a simple processing error that can be fixed once you reach the right person. Keep pushing!
This is really helpful advice! I'm definitely going to try the 8:01am calling strategy tomorrow and look into that Claimyr service. It's reassuring to hear that your situation was similar and got resolved quickly once you reached someone. I had no idea about the 211 emergency assistance either - that could really help with my rent situation. Thanks for taking the time to share all these details, it gives me hope that this will get sorted out soon!
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One thing to consider - if your brother-in-law does get laid off and has to file a new claim (after his benefit year), the weekly amount might be different based on his earnings at the new job. If he was making more money, his weekly benefit might go up (potentially higher than the $450 max if his new job paid A LOT more). But if he was making less, his weekly benefit might go down too. Just something to keep in mind when planning finances! My benefit amount dropped by $78/week on my second claim because I had taken a lower-paying job between claims. It was a nasty surprise.
That's a really good point I hadn't considered. His new job actually pays less than his previous one, so if he has to file a new claim rather than using the remaining weeks, he might get a lower weekly amount. I'll make sure to mention this so he can plan accordingly. Thanks for bringing that up!
Just wanted to add something that might help - if your brother-in-law is worried about the timing, he should keep track of when his benefit year actually ends. You can find this date on your EDD account online or on any correspondence from EDD. It's exactly 12 months from when he first filed, not from when he started receiving benefits. Also, if he does end up needing to file a new claim after his benefit year expires, he should file as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. There's no waiting period to build up more earnings - as long as he meets the base period requirements, he can file right away. The longer he waits, the more potential benefits he loses since you can't get retroactive payments for weeks before you file. Good luck to your brother-in-law! The system is definitely confusing but sounds like he's in a better position than many people dealing with EDD.
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just a heads up the whole process is waaaaay slower now than before covid. i filed in jan and it took almost 2 months to get everything sorted out!! make sure ur brother has some $ to live on while waiting
Yikes, 2 months is a long time! Thanks for the warning - I'll make sure we plan for a waiting period. Did they backpay you for those months once it was approved?
ya they did backpay from when i filed but still it was stressful waiting!!!
I work at a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities navigate government services. A few additional tips for your brother's situation: 1. EDD has a disability services unit that can provide extra support during the application process. You can request this when you call or note it in the application. 2. For someone with a learning disability who's working reduced hours, make sure to emphasize that the hour reduction was involuntary (employer decision, not his choice). This is crucial for eligibility. 3. Keep detailed records of his work schedule before and after the reduction - pay stubs, schedule screenshots, anything that shows the change wasn't voluntary. 4. The ID.me verification can be challenging, but they do have live video agents who can walk him through it step by step. The accessibility accommodations mentioned earlier are real and helpful. 5. Consider applying for CalFresh (food stamps) as well if he's not already receiving it - reduced income from work hours often qualifies someone, and it can help bridge the gap while waiting for EDD approval. Good luck helping your brother navigate this! The system isn't easy but there are people and resources to help.
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just wondering have u been certifying still while waiting 4 the appeal? My friends was told to keep certifying even tho she was disqualified just in case she wins
No I haven't been! I didn't know I was supposed to keep certifying after getting denied. Should I start doing that now? Will the system even let me?
Yes, absolutely continue certifying even after disqualification! If you win your appeal, they can only pay for weeks you properly certified for. The system will allow you to certify even while disqualified. This is one of the most common mistakes people make during appeals.
I'm so sorry you're going through this - the stress must be overwhelming! I'm a substitute teacher in the San Diego area and have been watching this issue affect colleagues all over the state. A few things that might help while you're preparing your appeal: 1. Contact your local union rep if you have one - many teacher unions are tracking this issue and may have resources or even legal support for appeals. 2. Document EVERYTHING about your work pattern - not just that it's variable, but show periods where you had NO work available (like when schools were closed for COVID, during testing weeks, etc.). This proves you can't rely on consistent income. 3. If your district sent you that "anticipation" letter, see if you can get clarification in writing about what exactly they're guaranteeing. Often they'll admit it's just a general statement, not a specific job offer. The financial stress is real - have you looked into local food banks or emergency assistance programs while you're fighting this? Some communities have specific funds for teachers facing hardship. You shouldn't have to choose between rent and food while bureaucrats figure out their own rules. Hang in there - from what others are saying, you have a really strong case if you prepare properly!
Zara Shah
btw ur friend might qualfy for the altenative base period if the regular 1 doesnt work out!!! they look at diferent quarters
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Nia Wilson
•That's partially correct. The Alternative Base Period (ABP) uses the most recently completed four quarters instead of the standard base period. However, it's only considered if the claimant doesn't qualify under the standard base period. The system automatically checks eligibility under both methods, so your friend doesn't need to specifically request ABP - EDD will use it if it benefits her claim.
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Chloe Davis
As someone who went through the EDD process recently, I'd highly recommend your friend apply online through UI Online rather than trying to call. The online system walks you through each step and lets you save your progress. Also, make sure she has her Social Security card, driver's license, and any tax documents (W-2s, 1099s) from 2022 ready before starting. The system will ask for employer information going back to her base period, so having those documents handy will make the process much smoother. One thing that helped me was writing down all my employers and approximate dates before I started the application - it made filling out that section much faster.
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