Something I learned the hard way - when you do the initial claim interview or phone call with EDD, they will contact your previous employer too and get their version of events. Make sure your account of the situation is documented and consistent because if your story and your employer's story differ significantly, that's what triggers a deeper adjudication review. Not saying be dishonest, just be specific and factual from the start.

I tried to call EDD for two weeks straight when I was going through my own voluntary quit adjudication - never got through once. Someone on another forum mentioned Claimyr and I was pretty skeptical but eventually tried it at claimyr.com. Got an agent on the line and was able to ask all the questions I had been sitting on. If you're trying to reach EDD before or during your adjudication, it's genuinely way easier than fighting the phone system. They also have a demo video at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10 if you want to see how it works before trying it.

kind of off topic but reading this thread made me realize how badly California needs to simplify how EDD communicates about these overlapping programs. Like the average person has NO idea that SDI, PFL, and UI are three different things all under EDD with different rules. They need a 'new parent who just lost their job' clear flowchart somewhere on their website.

Final update from me (the OP): I called EDD this morning and actually got through using the tip someone mentioned about Claimyr - worked really well. The agent confirmed I can file for UI since my position was eliminated by my employer, which is treated as a layoff rather than a voluntary quit. She walked me through how to answer the availability questions given that I'm planning to return to work within the next 6 weeks and have childcare being arranged. I've filed my initial claim and have my first certification coming up next week. I also learned about the SDI program and filed a late SDI claim for my physical recovery period - turns out I may have been leaving money on the table not knowing about that program earlier. Thank you to everyone in this thread who helped me understand all of this. This community is genuinely so helpful for navigating a confusing system.

random but relevant - I had a situation where my payment showed returned and when I called EDD they said it would be reissued but it came as a paper check instead of direct deposit even though I have DD set up. Just something to be aware of - if you don't get the deposit in a few days, check if maybe EDD mailed a check to your address on file. Took me two extra weeks to figure that out.

I haven't received my unemployment payment either and this thread is exactly what I needed to find. I've been assuming it was just taking longer than normal but now I'm realizing I should go check my message center immediately. Thank you all for actually being helpful, this kind of specific real experience is so much more useful than generic EDD FAQ pages.

I'll share my experience withdrawing a claim before any payment was issued, since it's slightly different from OP's situation. I filed during a layoff scare that didn't happen and wanted to withdraw cleanly. I sent a message through Ask EDD explaining I had returned to work and wanted to formally withdraw. Got a response in about 8 days confirming the claim was withdrawn and closed. Super easy actually, no phone call needed in my case.

Just to close the loop on OP's question since we've covered a lot of ground here - to summarize the answer to 'how to withdraw unemployment claim' with California EDD: 1. If no payments yet: Use Ask EDD message or call 2. If payments received and returning to work: Certify your transition week accurately, then stop certifying 3. Either way: Keep an eye on your UI Online account for a couple months 4. Document everything: Screenshots, email confirmations, dates That's really the whole picture. The EDD system is clunky but this specific situation (returning to full-time work) is one of the more straightforward scenarios you can face with them.

Coming back to add - I had an almost identical situation (seasonal warehouse, variable hours, wasn't sure about hours requirement) and I used Claimyr to finally get through to EDD after days of failed attempts. The agent I spoke with confirmed I qualified under the earnings threshold, explained my weekly benefit amount, and even looked at my claim to confirm there were no issues flagged. For anyone still spinning out trying to get answers, claimyr.com is genuinely worth trying - short video here https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10 showing how it works. Got my questions answered same day instead of waiting weeks to hear back through the portal.

Final summary for anyone finding this thread via search: California EDD unemployment does NOT have a minimum hours requirement. Eligibility is based entirely on wages earned during your base period (first 4 of last 5 completed calendar quarters). Minimum threshold is $1,300 in your highest quarter OR $900 in highest quarter plus total base period earnings of 1.25x that amount. If standard base period doesn't qualify you, alternate base period (most recent 4 completed quarters) may help. Weekly benefit amount is approximately 60-70% of your average weekly wage up to the current maximum. File your weekly certifications every week from the date you file even before approval. Document your 3 weekly job search activities every single week.