This whole thread is such a lifesaver! I'm bookmarking it because I know I'll probably run into this issue again. The EDD website seems to break in new and creative ways every few months. One thing I wanted to add - if you're still having trouble after trying all these solutions, don't forget that you can also visit a local America's Job Center of California (AJCC) office if there's one near you. They have computers and staff who can help you log in and certify in person. I had to do this once when their system was down for days and I was about to miss my certification window. Not the most convenient option, but it's there as a last resort. Really appreciate everyone sharing their workarounds - this community is way more helpful than EDD's actual tech support!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Been trying to log in for the past two days and it just sits on that loading screen forever. I've tried everything - different browsers, clearing cache, restarting my computer, even tried on my phone with mobile data. Nothing works! My certification deadline is this weekend and I'm starting to panic. Thank you everyone for sharing all these solutions - I'm going to try the early morning approach and incognito mode first thing tomorrow. It's so frustrating that we have to become IT experts just to access our benefits. Really appreciate this community for actually providing helpful solutions when EDD's own support is useless!

To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

I'm in a similar situation - I had a remaining balance when PUA expired on September 4th. From what I understand, any unused balance after that date is no longer accessible since the federal programs officially ended. However, if you had weeks that you were eligible for but never got paid (like pending weeks from before 9/4), you might still be able to get backpay for those specific weeks. I'd recommend calling EDD to clarify your specific situation and see if any of your remaining balance represents weeks you were entitled to but never received payment for.

This entire thread is like a masterclass in troubleshooting a fundamentally broken system! I'm currently dealing with the same E4301 error and have been stuck for 5 days now. Reading through everyone's experiences has been both incredibly helpful and deeply frustrating - it's clear that ID.me's verification system is poorly designed when everyone needs a different "magic combination" to get through. I'm planning to try the systematic multi-variable approach that worked for @Hazel Garcia, combined with some of the newer insights from @StarSeeker about W-2 formatting and @StarStrider's discovery about old gym memberships potentially interfering. Going to: 1) unfreeze my credit temporarily, 2) audit any old accounts/memberships for outdated info, 3) use my exact Social Security card name formatting, 4) match my address to my W-2 instead of credit report, and 5) try my old phone number from before I switched carriers. The fact that we need to become digital forensics experts just to access unemployment benefits is absolutely ridiculous, but this community troubleshooting approach has been a lifesaver. Thank you all for sharing your war stories and solutions - knowing that so many people have eventually succeeded gives me hope that I'll crack this code too! Will definitely update with my results.

I just wanted to add another potential solution that worked for me after dealing with the E4301 error for almost 10 days! After trying most of the approaches mentioned in this thread (credit unfreeze, W-2 formatting, full legal name, etc.), what finally did it was clearing out ALL saved passwords and autofill data from my browser, then manually typing everything fresh. Apparently my browser had been auto-populating some fields with slightly different formatting than what I was consciously entering. For example, it was adding periods after my middle initial even though I was trying to enter it without periods to match my Social Security card. I also discovered that my browser's autofill had my zip code stored as the 5-digit version, but my W-2 showed the full zip+4 format. Once I cleared everything and manually entered each field to exactly match my most recent tax return, it went through on the first try. Might be worth clearing all autofill data even if you think you're typing everything manually - those hidden auto-suggestions could be sabotaging your attempts without you realizing it!

I'm new to this community and your situation is making my blood boil! I went through something very similar with my respiratory therapy program at Pasadena City College last year. Like you, I was completely honest about my school attendance on every single certification, but they still denied my extension for not filing the formal CTB application within 16 weeks. The worst part is that I actually CALLED EDD during week 12 of my claim to ask about continuing benefits while in school, and the rep told me I was "fine as long as I kept reporting it on my certifications." Never once mentioned CTB or any formal application process! Then when I got denied, a different rep acted like I should have magically known about these requirements. What saved me was documenting EVERYTHING - dates of calls, rep names when they gave them, exact quotes of what they told me. I also got a letter from my program director explaining how respiratory therapy directly addresses critical healthcare shortages in California (especially post-COVID). The appeal judge was clearly frustrated with EDD's inconsistent information and approved my extension. Your healthcare administration program is absolutely in high demand right now - the administrative burden on healthcare facilities has exploded with all the new compliance requirements. Don't let their scare tactics about denying your whole claim work. You were eligible when you filed, you've been honest throughout, and you're training for a field that California desperately needs workers in. File that appeal and fight for what you're entitled to!

I'm new to this community but your situation really hits close to home because I'm currently dealing with EDD's confusing training benefit rules for my medical coding program at Mt. San Antonio College. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both infuriating and encouraging - infuriating because it's clear how broken EDD's system is, but encouraging because so many people have successfully fought these denials. What really stands out about your case is how you've been completely transparent from day one. The fact that you consistently reported school attendance on every certification shows good faith on your part, and EDD's failure to inform you about CTB requirements despite having this information is a major procedural failure on their end. Healthcare administration is absolutely exploding right now - between telehealth expansion, increased compliance requirements, and the ongoing administrative challenges healthcare facilities face post-pandemic, there's huge demand for qualified professionals in your field. Make sure to emphasize this workforce development angle heavily in your appeal. The intimidation tactic about potentially denying your entire claim retroactively is particularly disgusting - they're literally trying to scare you out of exercising your legal right to appeal. But seeing all these success stories proves that fighting back works when you have solid documentation like you do. Don't let their bureaucratic failures derail your October 2025 graduation plans. File that appeal, gather all your documentation showing honest reporting, and keep pushing forward. You've got this!

I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now! Day 7 and counting. What's really frustrating is that I can see my claim was submitted (I have the confirmation number from that part) but I just can't access the online account to certify. I've tried everything mentioned here - password reset, different browsers, clearing cache, different times of day, even created a new email address but got too scared to use it. The regular phone line is absolutely useless - I've called probably 30 times and never gotten past the "high call volume" message. Going to try that technical support number 1-833-978-2511 tomorrow morning at exactly 8am. Really hoping it works because my savings are almost gone and I'm starting to panic about rent. This system is absolutely broken and it's crazy that so many people are dealing with the same issue. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least I know I'm not alone in this mess!

I'm dealing with this EXACT same issue right now and it's such a relief to find this thread! I've been stuck for 3 days trying to access my EDD account after registering. The system says my account exists when I try to register again, but won't let me log in. I've tried everything - password reset (no emails received), different browsers, clearing cache, checking spam folders multiple times a day. The regular EDD phone line is completely useless - just get hung up on every time. Reading everyone's experiences here gives me hope that this can actually be resolved. I'm definitely going to try calling that technical support number (1-833-978-2511) first thing tomorrow morning at 8am sharp. It's so frustrating that their system is this broken when people are already stressed about being unemployed. Thanks to everyone who shared their solutions - knowing this is a widespread issue and not something I did wrong makes me feel so much better!