Have you tried checking if the card was mailed to a different address? When I was on partial unemployment through Work Share in 2025, they somehow had my old address from 3 years earlier! Called for weeks with no luck getting through. Finally went to an EDD office in person and they told me the card had been returned to sender. Had to verify my address and request a new one. Complete waste of time.

any update? did u get ur money yet?

Let me clarify some things about contacting EDD, since there's a bit of misinformation in this thread. The main UI claims line (1-800-300-5616) is staffed Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. If your issue is specifically about payments that switched from pending to disqualified, you likely need a tier 2 specialist. When you call, use these exact prompts to reach the right department: Press 1 for English, then 2 for claim questions, then 1 for existing claim. At this point, you need to explicitly say you need to speak with a tier 2 specialist about a disqualification issue. The first-level representatives can't help with disqualification statuses but can transfer you. Also, if your disqualification is related to an eligibility interview, ask if there's an interview scheduled. If so, prepare documentation showing your eligibility based on whatever issue they've flagged (either job separation or availability for work).

UPDATE: I tried calling this morning using the exact prompts that @profile1 suggested, and after 12 attempts I finally got through! The tier 2 specialist explained that my employer contested my claim saying I quit (which is NOT true - I was laid off). They've scheduled a phone interview for next week to resolve it. Thank you everyone for your suggestions! If the interview doesn't fix things, I'll try the assembly member route or Claimyr. Will post another update after my interview.

This happened to me! I actually had to appeal my disqualification. Make sure when you certify you clearly indicate you quit for HEALTH AND SAFETY reasons! If they schedule an interview, be ready with specific examples of the safety violations. I won my appeal by showing the job duties were misrepresented (hired for one thing, made to do another) and that safety protocols weren't followed. It was stressful but worked out in the end. Don't give up!

Just my testimony! I was specific about dates, names of supervisors I spoke to, and exactly what safety protocols were violated (and why they mattered). Being very detailed helped a lot. The judge believed me because I could answer all follow-up questions consistently. Oh, and I mentioned I tried to resolve it before quitting - that part is super important!

One important thing to add: when you submit your appeal documentation, include a cover letter explicitly stating that your case involves a clear-cut instance of constructive discharge due to reduced hours, and that you believe the evidence submitted is sufficient for a determination without a hearing. While this doesn't guarantee a paper review, it does flag your case as potentially resolvable without a hearing. The ALJ has full discretion on whether to schedule a hearing or not. Also, if your employer doesn't submit a response to your appeal (which happens frequently), that increases the likelihood of a favorable paper determination. Many employers don't bother to contest appeals once they're filed.

Based on what you've shared, you have a strong case. Reduction of hours to the point where you can't sustain yourself is recognized by EDD as good cause for leaving employment. The key will be documenting: 1. Your previous regular schedule 2. How the hours were reduced (by how much and over what period) 3. Any conversations with management about getting more hours 4. The financial impact of the reduction Even if you do end up with a hearing, remember that the ALJs are used to dealing with nervous people. They'll guide you through the process with questions. And unlike a regular court, these hearings are much more informal. The judge is mainly trying to establish facts, not trip you up with legal technicalities. Good luck with your appeal - it sounds like you have a legitimate case that should be approved once they review all the facts.

same thing happened to me. i think the system gets confused when u certify online but then call before its processed. just wait another day or two and check ur ui online account. mine updated after 3 days and the payment went thru without ever talking to anyone

I had a slightly different issue with certifications last month, but what fixed it for me was going through the 'Ask EDD' form on the website rather than calling. Go to 'Contact EDD' > select 'Unemployment Insurance' > then 'Payments' > then 'Where is my payment?' This creates a case that gets assigned to a specialist who will usually call you back within 48-72 hours. It's much less frustrating than getting stuck in phone loops. Just make sure to include your claim number and specify that you've already completed certification online but the system keeps asking you to certify by phone again.