Just want to add - if your employer contests your claim (which often happens with these hour reduction situations), don't panic! You'll get a notice for a phone interview. Be prepared with all your documentation showing the pattern of reduction. Speak clearly about how many hours you originally worked vs. now. Don't say anything negative about the employer - stick strictly to the facts about hours. The determination usually favors the employee if you can show a clear pattern of reduction without misconduct on your part.

hey just checking in - did u apply yet? hoping things work out for u!

The ID.me verification was actually pretty smooth for me, just make sure you have your driver's license or passport ready and a decent camera for the selfie verification. It took about 10 minutes total.\n\nFor job search activities, I report at least 3 activities per week. Be specific - company name, position, date, how you applied, any contact info you have. Mix it up between actual applications, updating your LinkedIn, attending networking events, etc. I keep a simple spreadsheet with columns for all this info so certification is easy.\n\nOne tip: set a reminder for your certification days! They're always the same 2 weeks apart, and if you miss the window it can delay your payment.

This is super helpful - thank you! I'll start a spreadsheet today to track everything. And good tip about the certification reminders, I definitely don't want to miss those.

Also make sure u get UI ONLINE set up on ur phone cause u have to certify every 2 weeks or they stop paying u!!!!! I missed ONE certification deadline and it took me calling 37 TIMES to fix it!!!!

One more tip - keep documentation of the road closures. Screenshot news articles, official announcements, or Caltrans updates about the Big Bear road closures. If you get any written communication from your employer about the closure, save that too. While you probably won't need it, having this documentation ready will help if there are any questions about your claim.

just went thru this!! call the 2511 number not the 5616 one. 5616 reps r useless for this problem. and call exactly at 8:02am not 8:00 (everyone calls at 8 sharp). ask SPECIFICALLY for tier 2 or claim specialist. dont waste time with regular reps. took me 3 weeks to figure this out but finally got paid last friday after the specialist fixed it. good luck!!

Just to follow up on this thread - the system update issue affecting certifications is specifically related to how the EDD database processes consecutive certifications. Some accounts are getting caught in what they call a 'certification loop' where the UI Online interface shows successful submission but the backend payment processing system never receives the data. The only permanent fix is getting a tier 2 specialist to manually break the loop and reprocess your certifications. For your mortgage issue, definitely request the hardship forbearance as suggested above, but also get documentation from EDD about the system issue to support your claim. A Tier 2 specialist can provide an official notice of payment delay that most mortgage companies will accept.

Sounds like another case of EDD's left hand not knowing what the right is doing. Their phone system is a complete joke. I spent 3 weeks trying to reach someone before finding a way through. When you finally get an agent, demand that they note in your file that THEY missed the interview, not you. Otherwise, they might try to impose a false statement penalty week where you don't get paid even if your claim is approved.

Update us on how it goes! I'm curious if you're able to get this resolved. The document upload is just step one - getting a human on the phone who can actually help is the real challenge with EDD.