In my experience, having clear documentation of the layoff is key. If you have a layoff notice that specifically mentions outsourcing or reduction in force, that's gold! Make several copies. Also, try to get written statements from those 15 other colleagues who were laid off with you - the more evidence, the better your chances. Administrative Law Judges appreciate organization and clear evidence.

After reading all this thread, I have to chime in with something important: while you're waiting, make sure you keep checking your UI Online account AND your physical mail. EDD will sometimes send important documents about your appeal ONLY through mail, not through the online portal. I missed my hearing date because the notice went to my old address even though I'd updated it online.

Update to my previous comment: If you've been certifying regularly and have no income to report, when your claim is finally approved, the payment should process relatively quickly (2-3 business days). Make sure you've set up your payment preference in UI Online (direct deposit or BofA debit card). Also, when your interview finally happens, the EDD representative may ask if you've been looking for work during this time. Make sure you can provide at least 3 job search activities per week. This is a requirement that many people overlook, but it's essential for maintaining eligibility.

Just wanted to update everyone - I FINALLY got my eligibility interview letter in the mail today! Interview is scheduled for next Tuesday. I've been documenting my job search activities all along (thankfully) and have all my evidence ready about the scheduling issue. Thank you all for the advice and support during this frustrating wait. Will update after the interview on how it goes!

I've been on unemployment three times in the past five years, and I can tell you with absolute certainty that in-person filing is the SLOWEST method possible. The EDD offices are primarily for information and assistance, not actual claim processing. The fastest methods in order: 1. Online filing (using a reliable computer/internet) 2. Phone filing (if you can actually get through) 3. Mail filing (slow but reliable) 4. In-person (only for special circumstances) If your home internet is unreliable, you should go to the library as others have suggested. Most libraries give you at least an hour on their computers, which is more than enough time to complete an application if you have all your information ready. Also, make sure you're certifying on time once your claim is approved - that's where most people encounter delays in actually receiving payments!

Just checking back - were you able to file your claim yet? The library computer suggestion works for most people. If you're still having trouble, remember that you can also request a callback from EDD instead of waiting on hold. When you call, select the option to file a new claim, then when prompted for a callback, enter your number. It could take a day or two, but they will usually call back.

My sister had a similar job doing wine demonstrations at Costco. She said make sure you know exactly when your certification period begins and ends! Like if you worked on Sunday but that's technically the first day of your next certification period, don't accidentally report it in the wrong week. EDD gets really picky about that stuff.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel so much better now. I'll definitely report my earnings accurately when I certify and keep detailed records of my work hours/pay. It's a relief to know that sporadic gig work won't terminate my claim completely. I appreciate all of you taking the time to explain how this works!

UPDATE: I called EDD this morning and got confirmation that disaster assistance grants do NOT need to be reported when certifying. The representative said that disaster relief is considered emergency assistance, not income. Thanks everyone for your help! Just wanted to post this in case anyone else has the same question in the future.

One final note on this topic: while disaster grants aren't reportable for UI purposes, remember that some types of assistance might have implications elsewhere. For example, while FEMA grants aren't taxable income, some other forms of disaster assistance might have different rules. Always good to document everything you receive and check with a tax professional if you're unsure about the broader implications beyond your UI claim.