You need to specifically request a determination interview regarding your eligibility. This is different from just calling their general line. When you get through to EDD (which is admittedly very difficult), tell them you want to schedule an eligibility determination interview to discuss your reduced hours and the child support income issue. During that interview, make sure to emphasize that your hours were involuntarily reduced and you're actively looking for full-time work. The interview gives you a chance to explain your situation to someone who can actually make decisions about your claim, not just a general customer service rep. Also, make sure you're properly certifying every two weeks, even while waiting for this to get resolved. If you ultimately win your appeal, they'll pay you retroactively for the weeks you certified correctly.

Just FYI my sister was in a similar situation last year and she ended up qualifying for CalFresh even though she didn't get unemployment. You might want to look into that too while you're fighting the EDD decision!

I don't have experience with suretyship specifically BUT make sure you understand that these hearings are recorded and everything you say matters!!! My friend thought the hearing was going well but then contradicted herself on one small detail and the judge used that to deny her appeal. Be consistent!!!

Since your hearing is tomorrow, focus on these final preparations: 1. Organize your documents chronologically in a binder with tabs 2. Write a brief timeline of events (1 page max) 3. Practice explaining your situation in under 3 minutes 4. Prepare concise answers to likely questions about: - Why you became a guarantor - Why you couldn't meet both work schedule and financial obligations - What specific accommodations you requested - Why other alternatives weren't viable Regarding your question about finding another position within the company - yes, the judge may ask about this. Be prepared to explain whether internal transfers were available and if not, why not. The key is demonstrating you exhausted all reasonable options before quitting.

why dont u just certify the weeks u can see for now? those missing weeks might show up later automatically. my roomate had this happen

Update on what to do in this specific situation: 1. First, have your partner certify for the weeks currently available (5/11 and 5/18) 2. Wait 2-3 days to see if the system updates with the April weeks 3. If not, contact EDD directly - phone is fastest but hardest to get through 4. When speaking with a representative, specifically ask them to "add the missing certification weeks from the claim beginning date of 4/7/2024" 5. Be prepared to explain that the award letter shows 4/7 as the start date The representative should be able to manually add those weeks to the certification queue. Once added, your partner will need to certify for those weeks immediately. Don't worry about the payments being "lost" - as long as the claim beginning date is 4/7, he's entitled to certify for those weeks.

i had to wait like 4 months for my hearing butt hen they canceled it and rescheduled for 2 monht later! so frustrating!!!

Something else to consider - if your financial situation is truly dire, you might want to look into emergency assistance programs while waiting for your appeal. Many counties have rental assistance, food banks, and utility payment help available. 211 is a good resource to find what's available in your area. The appeal process is definitely taking much longer than it should, but there are resources to help bridge the gap.

UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning! The agent explained that because my claim involves both workers' comp AND unemployment, they need special documentation. Apparently, my application was flagged because I checked "Yes" for "Are you receiving or expecting to receive workers' compensation?" The agent helped me submit the additional documentation they need (doctor's work status report, employer letter confirming reduced hours, etc.) They're sending my claim for "special review" by a different department that handles these hybrid cases. The agent said it could take 10-14 days but should be resolved. She also said I shouldn't need a formal appeal if I provide all the documentation they requested. Thanks everyone for your advice and support! Will update when I hear back.

Just be careful because even after my claim was "approved" through special review, my first payment got stuck in pending for almost 3 weeks!! Had to call AGAIN to get them to release it. They're sooooo disorganized it's insane. Make sure you're checking your UI Online account daily!