This is exactly why we need more awareness about these predatory tactics! Companies going out of business often try every trick in the book to minimize their final costs, even if it means screwing over loyal employees. What you're describing is textbook unemployment avoidance - they know that voluntary resignations create hurdles for UI eligibility while layoffs due to business closure are automatic approvals. The fact that they're targeting you while you're dealing with a family medical emergency makes it even more disgusting. Stand your ground, document everything, and remember that you've earned those unemployment benefits through your payroll contributions over 3 years. Don't let them guilt trip you into giving up what's rightfully yours. Good luck with the call tomorrow - you've got this!

I work in HR (not for a company that's closing, thankfully) and I can tell you this is unfortunately a very common tactic. What your employer is doing is ethically questionable at best. Companies know that voluntary resignations can complicate UI claims, while layoffs due to business closure are straightforward approvals. Here's my advice: When they call tomorrow, be polite but firm. Say something like "I appreciate the offer, but I'd prefer to continue my employment until the official closure date. I'm planning to return from leave next week and finish out my time with the company." Don't feel like you need to justify this decision - it's completely reasonable. Also, after the call, send a follow-up email summarizing the conversation (even if it's just to yourself) with the date and time. This creates a paper trail in case you need it later. You've been a loyal employee for 3 years - don't let them manipulate you into giving up benefits you've rightfully earned. Stay strong!

Just wanted to add another option that worked for me - you can also get a cashier's check or money order from many grocery stores and pharmacies using your Money Network card. Places like Kroger, Safeway, and CVS usually offer this service. There's typically a small fee ($1-3) but you can get a cashier's check for your full rent amount without dealing with daily withdrawal limits or waiting for bank transfers. I did this last month when I needed to pay $1,800 for rent and my landlord only accepts checks. Just go to the customer service counter, tell them you want a money order, and they'll run your Money Network card like a regular debit purchase. The money order is as good as cash to most landlords and you get it immediately. Also wanted to second what others said about credit unions - they're usually much more helpful with cash advances than big banks. My local credit union has never charged me a fee for cash advances and the staff actually knows how to process them quickly.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Just got my Money Network card and was so confused about the $300 ATM limit. This thread has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the cash advance option at bank tellers or that you could get money orders at grocery stores with the card. One thing I'm wondering about that I haven't seen mentioned - has anyone tried using the card for large purchases and then returning the item for cash? Like buying something expensive at a store that gives cash refunds instead of store credit? Probably not the most practical solution but just curious if anyone's tried that workaround. Also, for anyone still struggling with this - I called Money Network customer service directly (the number on the back of your card) and they actually walked me through all the withdrawal options. The rep confirmed that bank teller cash advances are legit and there's no fee from their side. Took about 10 minutes on hold but way easier than trying to reach EDD directly. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - you've saved me a lot of frustration!

Anastasia, I'm really sorry you're going through this - it's especially tough when you've been such a dedicated worker for so many years. I wanted to mention something that might help: since you worked as a private caregiver, you might want to double-check that all your wages were properly reported to EDD when you filed your original claim. Sometimes private caregiving work isn't reported the same way as traditional employment, which could affect your benefit calculation. Also, I've heard that some people in your situation have had success reaching out to their state assembly member's office for help with EDD issues. They sometimes have staff who can cut through the red tape when you can't get through the regular phone lines. For immediate job leads, try contacting licensed home care agencies in your area - they're often more willing to hire quickly than larger institutions, and your 13 years of private care experience would be incredibly appealing to families looking for trustworthy caregivers. Places like Comfort Keepers, Visiting Angels, and A Place at Home are always looking for experienced people. You've got this - your experience and dedication will absolutely pay off!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who went through the exact same situation about 8 months ago. Like you, I had never been on unemployment before and was completely blindsided by how the 26-week limit works versus the benefit year timeframe - it's honestly one of the most confusing aspects of the whole system. One thing I wish I had known earlier: if you do manage to find even temporary or part-time work before your benefit year expires in March, keep track of those earnings carefully. If you earn enough in wages after your original filing date, you might be able to file a new claim once your current benefit year ends. The wage requirement is pretty specific though, so definitely ask EDD about this when you get through. Also, I see others mentioned IHSS - that program was a lifesaver for me. The application process takes a bit of time, but once you're approved as a provider, there's steady work available. Your 13 years of private caregiving experience would make you an ideal candidate. Hang in there - I know how scary this feels, but your experience and work ethic are exactly what employers in the caregiving field are looking for right now. You're going to find something!

I'm experiencing the exact same frustrating situation! Just filed my claim last week and I'm still waiting for my first certification results, but after reading through all these experiences, I'm definitely prepared for potential issues now. It's incredibly helpful that so many people have shared their stories here. What strikes me most is how the new EDD interface seems to be systematically causing the same documentation mistake for tons of people. The fact that required work search fields appear optional is such a massive design flaw - it's creating unnecessary stress and delays for people who are already dealing with job loss. I've been keeping detailed records of my job search activities in a spreadsheet (company names, positions, application dates, methods used, follow-up actions) specifically because I've heard horror stories about EDD documentation requirements. After reading this thread, I'm going to make absolutely sure to enter every single detail into their system during certification, even if the fields look optional. For everyone dealing with the "disqualified" weeks issue - it's so encouraging to see that multiple people have gotten it resolved by calling with their job search details ready. The fact that you can all see your weekly benefit amounts means your claims are approved, which is the hardest part! This really seems to be a fixable certification documentation issue rather than anything wrong with your actual eligibility. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread - you're probably saving dozens of people from making the same mistakes and providing a clear path to resolution for those already dealing with it. This is exactly what community support should look like!

I'm new to this community and currently going through my first unemployment claim experience. Reading through all these stories has been incredibly helpful - it's both reassuring and frustrating to see how many people are dealing with the exact same work search documentation issue. I haven't received my first certification results yet, but after seeing everyone's experiences, I'm definitely going to make sure I document every single detail in the EDD system, even if those fields appear optional. It sounds like the new interface is causing widespread confusion by making required information look like suggestions. What really strikes me is how this thread demonstrates the power of community support. Everyone sharing their specific solutions (calling with detailed job search info, continuing to certify while issues get resolved, keeping spreadsheets of applications) is going to help so many people avoid or fix these problems. The fact that you can see your weekly benefit amounts means your claims are approved - that's huge! For those still dealing with disqualified weeks, it seems like calling EDD with company names, job titles, application dates, and contact methods is the fastest path to resolution. Keep your documentation ready and don't give up! This community has shown there's definitely light at the end of the tunnel.

I'm currently dealing with almost the exact same situation! Filed my claim last week after quitting due to a toxic supervisor who was creating an impossible work environment, and I just got my interview scheduled for August 22nd. Like everyone else here, I was really confused when I could certify but still had the pending interview. This entire thread has been so incredibly helpful - I had no idea that certifying while waiting for the interview was not only okay but actually the smart thing to do. I was worried I might be doing something wrong by certifying before they determined my eligibility. Based on all the great advice here, I've started organizing my documentation chronologically. I have: - Screenshots of inappropriate texts from my supervisor - Email showing I tried to discuss the issues with them directly - Formal complaint I submitted to HR - HR's inadequate response that basically ignored my concerns - Documentation showing the behavior continued and got worse - My resignation letter explaining the hostile environment It's so encouraging to read about people getting approved after their interviews, especially the ones who got all their backpay right away. I was starting to think I made a mistake quitting without having another job lined up first, but it sounds like EDD does recognize when work environments become truly unbearable. I'm definitely going to keep certifying every two weeks leading up to my interview. This community support is amazing - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and advice!

I just went through this exact process a few months ago and can definitely relate to the confusion! I quit my job due to workplace harassment and had the same situation - could certify but had an interview scheduled. Here's what actually happens: EDD lets you certify to "reserve" those weeks while they determine eligibility. Your payments will stay PENDING until after the interview decision. If approved, all those pending weeks immediately flip to PAID and you get the full backpay at once. For your hostile work environment case, make sure you can clearly show: - Specific incidents with dates/details - Steps you took to resolve issues internally first (supervisor meetings, HR complaints, etc.) - Why any reasonable person would have quit in that situation I had emails showing I tried to work with my manager and HR before ultimately having to quit. Got approved the day after my interview and received 4 weeks of backpay immediately. Definitely keep certifying every two weeks no matter what - missing certifications creates way more problems than the interview itself. The fact that they scheduled an interview instead of auto-denying is actually a good sign that they think your case has merit. The waiting is stressful but if you have documentation showing you tried to resolve things internally first, you should be in good shape. Good luck with your July 24th interview!