I went thru this last year and ended up doing Instacart, which was better than food delivery cuz I didn't have to drive as much. just shopping and then dropping off in my neighborhood. not great money but better than nothing!

UPDATE: I got through to EDD this morning! The rep said I DO qualify for a new claim, but at a much lower benefit amount ($97/week vs. my previous $450). She said this is because my base period only includes that one quarter with the November job. It's not much, but it's something to help with groceries while I keep searching for work. She also confirmed the CalFresh application should be approved since my income is now so low. Thank you everyone for the advice and support. For anyone else in a similar situation - definitely check if you have ANY earnings during your benefit year that might qualify you for a new claim, even a small one.

my cousin got fired after 2 months and still got benefits they just asked more questions and had a phone interview

Just make sure you SAVE EVERYTHING - any messages where she said you were doing a good job, the termination paper, EVERYTHING! EDD interviews are all about EVIDENCE. If you have proof she was initially happy with your work, that strengthens your case that there was no misconduct. The burden of proof is on HER to show why you shouldn't get benefits. The system isn't perfect but at least has SOME protections for workers!

People don't realize how common this problem is! The EDD systems were completely overwhelmed during the pandemic and they're still dealing with the aftermath of all the fraud. Always double-check any tax documents you receive, especially from government agencies. One thing I'd add to the excellent advice others have given: check if your employer received any notices about disability claims filed in your name. Sometimes EDD contacts employers to verify employment details for SDI claims, so your HR department might have information that could help your case.

wait so did they tell u how someone got ur info?? thats scary they could just file for benefits in ur name without u knowing!!

This is why I HATE the EDD system so much! Why should people already struggling without income have to wait weeks for a stupid piece of plastic to access THEIR MONEY that's already been approved??? It's 2025 for crying out loud! Every other financial service can send money electronically from day one!

Just to wrap this up with some accurate information: 1. Official timeline: 7-10 business days from first payment issued 2. If not received by then, call Money Network at 1-866-320-8699 3. The envelope is plain and comes from South Dakota 4. Once received, register online immediately 5. Set up direct deposit for future payments 6. Keep your address updated in BOTH systems Hope this helps! Let us know when your card arrives.

my brothers gf works for edd and she says they r really backed up right now so expect to wait FOREVER for interviews.. apply now so u can get in line

One more important point: When you explain your case to EDD, be very careful about how you frame what happened. Don't say "I disobeyed my supervisor" or "I knowingly violated policy." Instead, present it as "I had to respond to a family emergency involving my child's safety after work hours." Framing matters tremendously in these cases. Also, California has specific protections for parents dealing with emergencies related to their children. If your employer has more than 25 employees, you might have been protected under California's Family Rights Act, which could strengthen your unemployment case by showing the termination itself may have been improper.