Hey OP, if you're still stuck, DM me. I'm bilingual and might be able to help you out or at least practice what you want to say in English.

Another option is to look for a local community organization or library that offers translation services or has bilingual volunteers who can help you make the call. Many cities have immigrant resource centers that provide this kind of assistance for free. You could also try calling during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) when wait times might be shorter and you have more patience to work through any language barriers. ¡Buena suerte!

I went through this exact same situation last year with my employer's holiday shutdown. Just wanted to add a few things that helped me: 1. Keep all documentation from your employer about the shutdown dates - emails, notices, etc. EDD sometimes asks for proof it's temporary 2. If you have any unused vacation days, your company might let you use them for some of the unpaid days instead of taking the full hit 3. The online application actually handles temporary layoffs pretty well now - just make sure to select "temporary layoff" and put in your expected return date The whole process was way less stressful than I expected. Got my benefits for the second week without any issues. Good luck!

I've been through this same situation multiple times over the years. Definitely file for unemployment - temporary layoffs absolutely qualify! A few things that really helped me: 1. File your claim about a week before the shutdown starts if possible. This gives EDD time to process it before you actually need the benefits. 2. When you certify for benefits, be super precise about which days you worked vs didn't work. For the holiday pay days, mark those as worked and report the exact amount you received. 3. Keep a copy of any company communication about the shutdown dates and return date. I've never been asked for it, but it's good to have just in case. 4. The waiting period situation has changed a few times, so definitely check the current rules when you file. Even if there is one, getting benefits for the second week still makes a real difference. The whole process is pretty straightforward for temporary layoffs now compared to a few years ago. The online system handles it well and you shouldn't need to call unless something gets stuck. Good luck with your claim!

I just want to echo what everyone else has said - this thread is absolutely incredible! I'm also doing Amazon Flex after being laid off and was having the exact same confusion about the employer number and availability questions. What really stands out to me from reading all these responses is how consistent everyone's approach has been. It seems like "Amazon Flex - Self Employed" (or similar) + SSN for the employer number is the standard approach that actually works. And the key insight about EDD distinguishing between "suitable work" and gig work is huge - I was definitely overthinking the block availability issue. I'm going to implement that weekly tracking system several people mentioned with work dates, gross earnings (including tips), and job applications. Having everything organized by certification periods (Sunday-Saturday) rather than just random tracking seems like the way to go. The most reassuring part is hearing from people who've been successfully doing this for months without issues. Sometimes the EDD system seems so intimidating, but it sounds like as long as you're honest, organized, and genuinely job searching, the gig work situation is totally manageable. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their real experiences - this is exactly the kind of practical guidance that makes all the difference when you're trying to navigate unemployment + gig work for the first time!

I'm also doing Amazon Flex while on unemployment and this thread has been such a lifesaver! I was making it way more complicated than it needs to be. Based on everyone's advice, I'm going to: 1. Put "Amazon Flex - Self Employed" and use my SSN for the employer number 2. Track my daily earnings by actual work date (not payout date) in a simple spreadsheet 3. Report gross earnings including tips during certification 4. Keep screenshots of my weekly earnings from the app as backup documentation 5. Continue focusing on my full-time job search and document everything The clarification about "suitable work" vs gig work availability has removed so much anxiety for me. I was convinced EDD would penalize me for not grabbing every available block, but now I understand they know gig work isn't reliable full-time employment. One question for those who've been doing this successfully - do you mention Amazon Flex at all in your work search activities, or do you keep that completely separate from your full-time job applications when documenting your search efforts? Thanks again to everyone who shared their real experiences. This community support makes navigating these confusing systems so much easier!

I've been following this thread as someone who might be in a similar situation soon, and I just wanted to say how helpful all these responses have been! One thing I'd add from my research is that California specifically recognizes "completion of temporary assignment" as a valid reason for unemployment benefits in their UI code. So Roger, you can feel confident that your situation is explicitly covered under state law. Also, I noticed a few people mentioned the work search requirement - just wanted to clarify that you need to be actively seeking work, but attending job fairs, networking events, or even informational interviews can count toward your work search activities, not just formal job applications. The key is documenting everything you do to find work. Hang in there - it sounds like you're being really proactive about planning ahead, which is exactly the right approach. Even if your contract doesn't get extended, you'll be prepared and know exactly what steps to take!

I'm a temp worker myself and have been through this process twice - you're absolutely eligible for unemployment when your contract ends! The EDD actually has a specific category for "end of temporary assignment" which makes it pretty straightforward. One tip that saved me a lot of stress: create a simple folder on your phone where you can quickly access photos of all your important documents (contract, paystubs, manager contact info, etc.). When you file online, having everything at your fingertips makes the process much smoother. Also, don't feel guilty about filing even if there's a small chance they might extend you - unemployment is literally designed for situations like yours where work ends through no fault of your own. You've been working and paying into the system, so you've earned the right to use it when you need it. The whole process is way less intimidating than it seems from the outside!

Reading through this entire thread has been incredibly educational! As someone who's currently navigating unemployment myself, I had no idea there were so many factors to consider with retirement withdrawals while on UI benefits. The distinction about base period employers is something I never would have known - that's a crucial detail that could make or break someone's entire claim. It's scary how easy it would be to make an expensive mistake without understanding these nuances. I'm really impressed by all the alternative resources people have shared here. The 2-1-1 hotline, United Way, CalWORKs Emergency Aid, professional association grants, and especially the 401k loan option instead of withdrawal - these are all things that should be more widely known for people in financial emergencies. @Sofía Rodríguez - I hope the 401k loan option works out for you! That seems like it could solve your problem without any of the tax penalties or EDD complications. Please keep us posted on what you find out from Meridian's HR department. Your situation and everyone's responses here could really help other community members facing similar challenges. Thanks to everyone who contributed their knowledge and experiences. This is exactly the kind of community support that makes such a difference when you're dealing with the stress of unemployment and financial emergencies.

This thread has been incredibly informative! As someone who's also dealing with unemployment and unexpected expenses, I had no idea about the base period employer complications or the difference between hardship withdrawals and distributions. @Sofía Rodríguez - I really hope the 401k loan option through Meridian works out for you! That seems like the ideal solution to avoid both the tax penalties and potential EDD issues. The math that Emily broke down is eye-opening - losing $4-5k in taxes/penalties for a $3,100 repair really puts it in perspective. One thing I wanted to add that I don't think anyone mentioned - if you do end up needing to go the withdrawal route and talk to EDD, you might want to also ask them about the appeals process upfront. Given some of the horror stories shared here about penalty weeks and claim cancellations, it would be good to know your rights and options if something goes wrong, even if you report everything correctly. Also, for anyone else reading this thread in the future - document EVERYTHING. Take screenshots of EDD website pages, save emails, write down dates/times/names when you call. The system seems complicated enough that having a paper trail could be crucial if disputes arise later. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and resources. This community is amazing for looking out for each other during these tough times!