Another important thing: while you're trying to get through on the phone, make sure you're still certifying for benefits every two weeks on time. Even if your claim is pending, don't miss your certification dates. Many people focus so much on calling that they miss certification and that creates a whole new problem that can further delay payments.

Update for anyone still following: I called the technical support line that someone suggested above (1-833-978-2511) at exactly 8:00 AM this morning, went through the prompts, and after a 45-minute wait, I got through to a representative! They were able to see that my identity verification was flagged for a manual review, which was causing the pending status. The representative expedited the review, and they said my payments should be processed within 3-5 business days. For anyone else stuck in pending status - sometimes it's an identity verification issue that needs manual intervention. Keep trying the phone numbers early in the morning!

Thank you so much for this insider perspective! This makes me feel much better about filing right away. One quick follow-up question - when I report the severance on my certification, do I report it as \

You report it as wages for the week you receive it. There isn't a separate category specifically for severance. When completing your certification, in the section asking about income, include the gross (pre-tax) amount of your severance as wages for that specific week.\n\nAlso, make sure to keep documentation of exactly when the severance was paid to you (like a bank statement or pay stub) in case there are questions later. EDD sometimes audits these reports, especially for larger amounts.

To answer your specific questions: 1. No, there is no direct email option for EDD. You can only send secure messages through UI Online or use the Ask EDD form on their website. 2. About reapplying: After exhausting regular UI benefits, your husband must wait until his benefit year ends before filing a new claim. A benefit year is 12 months from the Sunday of the week he initially filed. 3. Eligibility for a new claim requires sufficient earnings in the base period (typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before filing). He needs approximately $1,300 in his highest quarter to qualify. 4. If he worked during this benefit year and earned enough wages, he might qualify for a new claim after exhausting current benefits, even if his benefit year hasn't ended. This is called a "recomputation" and is worth investigating. I recommend having him check his UI Online account for his benefit year end date. It should be listed on the claim summary page.

I'm going through something similar right now. My payments are about to run out next month but my benefit year doesn't end until November! I've been looking EVERYWHERE for answers about what to do during that gap period. Something nobody mentioned yet - if your husband can't file a new claim right away, he should still certify for benefits every two weeks even after receiving his final payment. My friend's uncle's EDD rep told him this keeps his claim active in the system and shows he's still looking for work. Not sure if it helps with anything but that's what I'm planning to do... Also does anyone know if we're supposed to close our claim somehow after benefits run out or just leave it open?

My appeal wasn't about income reporting but about availability for work, but I think the process is the same. One tip: I started talking too much and getting off-topic, and the judge had to redirect me several times. So try to keep your answers direct and to the point. Also, I don't know if this matters for your case, but I was able to set up a payment plan for my overpayment after I lost my appeal. They took my financial situation into account and made the monthly payments manageable. Don't let fear of the full amount stress you out too much - there are options if things don't go your way.

One last tip - judges often look favorably on claimants who've taken steps to understand where they went wrong. Consider printing the relevant section of the EDD handbook about income reporting and highlighting the part you misunderstood. Then mention early in the hearing something like, "Since this happened, I've carefully reviewed the EDD guidelines and now fully understand my reporting responsibilities." This shows you're taking responsibility and are committed to following the rules correctly in the future. Good luck tomorrow - let us know how it goes!

Wait so do u have to pay back the money if they approve u then later decide u weren't eligible?? That's what im scared of

Based on everything you've shared, I really think you should apply. Your situation has several factors that suggest you may be eligible despite the 1099 status: 1. You work through an agency at multiple schools (suggesting you're not truly independent) 2. The schools/agency control your schedule and work methods 3. They provide materials and workplace 4. Your work is seasonal due to the school calendar (a recognized pattern) 5. You don't have a formal business structure File your claim, be completely honest about your situation, and let the EDD make the determination. Many seasonal educational workers qualify for benefits during scheduled breaks.