my sister is a RN and back in 2022 she got a DUI (not at work) and they suspended her license temporarily too! she tried unemployment and they kept saying she was "fired for misconduct" even though it wasnt AT work. she had to appeal TWICE and finally won. took almost 3 months tho. what worked for her was getting a letter from her employer stating she was terminated solely due to the licensing requirement and not for work misconduct. might help your case!

To address your specific situation: Yes, you can apply for UI after your SDI ends. Here's what you need to know: 1. Timing: File your UI claim the day after your SDI certification ends 2. Eligibility: Your case has good potential because: - The arrest didn't result in charges/conviction - The separation wasn't due to work performance - The regulatory requirement was beyond your control 3. Application strategy: - For separation reason, select "Regulatory requirement" if available, or "Other" - Clearly explain the license was suspended pending investigation, not revoked permanently - State that charges were dismissed/rejected by DA - Indicate you're appealing the board decision 4. Work search requirements: - Show you're looking for suitable work you CAN perform without your license - Document at least 3 job contacts per week 5. Be prepared for a phone interview and possible initial denial requiring appeal The key distinction EDD will evaluate is whether this constitutes misconduct connected with work. Since the incident was off-duty and didn't result in charges, you have a reasonable case.

has anyone else noticed the EDD website is actualy easier to use now than calling? i got halfway through my claim online before needing to talk to someone... maybe try that first? just click the "UI Online" button on their website

Update on wait times based on recent data: The EDD has implemented some staffing improvements in Q1 2025. Current statistics show: - Average wait time if you get through: 37 minutes - Average attempts needed to connect: 8-12 calls - Best time to call: 8:00-8:30am or 1:15-2:00pm - Worst time to call: 10:00-11:30am and 3:30-4:30pm If your freelance income was minimal (less than 10% of your total income), it may not significantly impact your claim processing. However, if it was substantial, prepare for additional verification steps. Also important: When certifying for benefits after your claim is approved, be sure to accurately report any ongoing freelance work. Even small amounts must be reported during the certification process.

One more important thing I forgot to mention - make sure your husband carefully answers the question about whether he refused any work during certification. Since he's accepting the part-time job offer, he should answer 'no' to this question. If he answers 'yes' (thinking they're asking if he's refused any FULL-TIME work), it will trigger a eligibility interview and delay his payments.

In my experience, part-time work while on unemployment was actually beneficial overall. Not only did I still get some UI benefits, but it also extended how long my claim lasted since I wasn't using my full benefit amount each week. Plus, it kept my resume active and eventually led to a full-time position at the same company. Just make sure your husband is precise with his reporting and keeps good records of hours worked and earnings each week. Taking a photo of each timesheet or schedule can be helpful if questions come up later.

btw did u try calling the identity verification department directly instead of the main edd number? sometimes they can help faster with these specific issues. their number is different from the regular edd line

Update from original poster? For anyone else facing this issue in the future, here's the correct process: 1. Identity verification is handled through ID.me and then processed by EDD 2. Once identity is verified, EDD must send a separate "release authorization" to Money Network 3. This release must be processed by a Tier 2 specialist at EDD 4. Money Network then takes 3-5 business days to process the release 5. You should receive an email notification when your card is unfrozen The most common mistake people make is assuming that once ID verification is complete, the card will automatically be unfrozen. These are actually two separate processes that must both be completed.

Quick update on what will happen when you do reach a representative. They'll likely: 1. Review your previous claim 2. Take information about your most recent W-2 employment 3. Ask if you've had any other work (this is when you should mention your 1099 gigs) 4. Calculate your new benefit amount based on your W-2 earnings only 5. Process your new claim over the phone After that, you should receive a series of notices in the mail confirming your new claim and benefit amount within 7-10 days. You'll also need to certify for benefits once the new claim is established. Regarding your W-2 documentation - having your paystubs ready is always helpful, especially if there might be a discrepancy between what you report and what they have on file. Better to have them and not need them than the other way around.

You know what really BUGS me?? The fact that in 2025 we still have to CALL and sit on hold for hours just to file a simple UI claim!!! Every other government system has been modernized but EDD is stuck in the dark ages. It's RIDICULOUS that their online system can't handle basic things like manually entering W-2 income. ARRRGGGH!!!! 😠😠😠