I'm currently in a very similar situation and wanted to share what I've learned so far! I work part-time at a local bookstore (around 16 hours/week) and just filed for unemployment after losing my full-time marketing job. Like you, I was initially confused by all the conflicting information online, but after speaking with an EDD rep and doing some research, here's what I understand: You absolutely can work part-time while collecting unemployment - the system is actually designed to encourage this! The key things to remember: 1. Report ALL earnings during certification for the week you actually WORKED (not when you got paid) 2. Always report GROSS earnings (before taxes) 3. Keep detailed records - I started using a simple phone app to track daily hours and pay 4. EDD uses roughly a 75% deduction rate, so you'll always have more total income than unemployment alone With your $315 weekly benefit and around $180 coffee shop earnings, you'd likely receive about $180 in benefits plus your $180 wages = $360 total versus just $315 from unemployment. I haven't done my first certification yet, but I've been meticulously tracking everything in preparation. The consensus from everyone I've talked to is that accuracy and honesty are key - don't overthink the calculations, just report your actual numbers and let EDD's system handle the math. You're definitely making the right choice keeping that coffee shop job - it shows you're actively working and helps with the overall job search process. Good luck with your certification!

I've been in your exact situation and can definitely confirm that working part-time while collecting unemployment is completely legitimate! I worked at a local cafe (about 10-15 hours/week) while receiving benefits from my previous full-time job for several months. The most important advice I can give you is to start tracking everything immediately - and I mean EVERYTHING. I created a simple note in my phone where I recorded my exact hours and gross earnings every single day I worked. This made certification so much less stressful because I had all the numbers ready. Here's what really helped me understand the process: EDD wants to encourage part-time work, so the formula is designed to make you better off working than not working. With your $315 weekly benefit and approximately $180 coffee shop earnings, you'd likely end up with around $315-340 total income versus just $315 from unemployment alone. The key points that tripped me up initially: - Report earnings for the week you WORKED, not when you got your paycheck - Always use gross earnings (before any deductions) - Don't panic if your hours vary week to week - just report accurately - Save every pay stub as backup documentation Your first certification will feel overwhelming, but it's actually pretty straightforward once you do it. You'll check that you worked, enter your hours and gross pay for each week, and EDD automatically calculates everything. You're absolutely doing the right thing keeping that job - it shows you're actively working and helps with your job search requirements too. Just stay organized and be completely honest with your reporting!

For anyone still following this thread or dealing with similar rescheduling issues, I wanted to add one more strategy that worked for me recently. If you're having trouble getting through on the main 1-800-300-5616 number, try calling your local EDD office directly. Many people don't know that each region has local offices with their own phone numbers, and sometimes these are less congested than the main line. You can find your local office number by searching "EDD office near me" on Google or checking the EDD website. When I called my local Fresno office, I got through in just 3 tries and they were able to reschedule my interview just as easily as if I'd called the main number. The rep even told me that local offices often have more availability for rescheduling because they serve a smaller area. Worth a shot if the main number isn't working for you!

I'm a newcomer to this community but had to share my recent experience since this thread has been so helpful! I just went through this exact same panic situation last month - had an EDD interview scheduled during my kid's school emergency and couldn't figure out how to reschedule. After reading similar advice in other forums, I tried the early morning calling strategy (started at 7:58am) and used the button sequence several people mentioned here. It took me 31 calls over two days, but I finally got through! The rep was actually really understanding once I explained my situation, and they rescheduled me for just 2 days later. One thing I wish I'd known beforehand - they asked if I preferred morning or afternoon slots, so definitely think about your preferences before calling. Also, the rep mentioned that having a legitimate conflict (like medical appointments, family emergencies, work obligations) makes the rescheduling process much smoother than just wanting a more convenient time. This community is amazing for sharing real experiences with EDD's system. The persistence really does pay off, even though it's incredibly frustrating. Thanks to everyone who shares these strategies - it makes such a difference for people like me who are new to navigating this system!

I'm going through this exact situation right now and can relate to everyone's frustration! My benefit year ends in about 2 weeks and I've been dreading the reapplication process because I know my wages from 2022 were substantially higher than what I've earned recently. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - I called EDD last week using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier, and the rep actually walked me through exactly how they calculate the base period for new claims. She explained that when you file in July 2025, they look at April 2024 through March 2025 for the standard base period, and if you don't qualify, they check the alternate base period which is the 4 most recently completed quarters. The rep also told me something important that I hadn't seen mentioned elsewhere - if you were working part-time or had any earnings during your current claim period, those wages DO count toward your new base period calculation. So even if the amounts are small, they still factor into whether you qualify and what your new weekly benefit amount will be. She recommended filing the new claim within a few days after your benefit year ends to avoid any payment delays. Apparently there's a sweet spot where filing too early can cause issues, but waiting too long can create gaps in payments while they process everything. Still nervous about the whole process, but at least I have a better understanding of what to expect now!

I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! My benefit year is ending in about a week and I've been stressed about the wage lookback issue. What's really concerning me is that I worked for a startup in 2022 that paid really well, but after they went under in late 2023, I've only been able to find much lower-paying temporary work. From everything I'm reading here, it sounds like I need to mentally prepare for a significant drop in my weekly benefit amount since those good 2022 wages won't count anymore. The part about having to file a completely new claim rather than just renewing was news to me - EDD really should make this clearer on their website. One question for those who've been through this process: after you file the new claim, how quickly do you typically get the determination letter with your new weekly amount? I'm trying to plan my budget and it would help to know roughly how long I'll be in limbo waiting to find out what my new benefit will be. Also, has anyone had success with the workforce development programs that were mentioned? With benefits potentially dropping so much, it seems like focusing on getting retrained for higher-paying work might be the better long-term strategy than just accepting whatever the new claim amount turns out to be.

This whole thread has been really eye-opening! I'm currently between jobs and was considering filing for unemployment, but now I know to budget for that missing first week. It's crazy that in 2025, with all the technology and resources EDD has, they still can't figure out how to clearly communicate this basic policy to applicants. For anyone dealing with this situation right now - I work at a local community resource center and we see this confusion constantly. One thing I always tell people is to check if your city or county has a "one-stop" resource center. These places often have emergency assistance funds, food resources, and sometimes even small cash assistance programs specifically for people waiting on their first unemployment payments. Most people don't know these exist, but they can be a real lifeline when you're short that first week's payment. Also, if you're comfortable with it, consider reaching out to family or friends who might be able to spot you for essentials like groceries until your payments get regular. Most people understand that unemployment has weird timing issues and are willing to help bridge a short gap. Stay strong everyone - this waiting week thing is awful policy but you'll get through it!

I'm really sorry you're going through this Maria - the waiting week policy is one of the most frustrating aspects of the unemployment system. As others have confirmed, that first week is essentially lost forever, which is incredibly harsh when people are already dealing with the financial stress of job loss. What really bothers me about this is how EDD handles the communication around it. They could easily add a clear notice during the application process that says something like "Important: You will not receive payment for your first week of benefits (waiting period week)" but instead people discover it when they're already counting on that money. Since you mentioned your rent is due next week, here are a few immediate options that might help: Many counties have emergency rental assistance that can cover late fees or even full rent payments - search "[your county name] emergency rental assistance" online. Also, most utility companies will work with you on payment plans if you call and explain you're waiting on unemployment benefits. Don't wait until services get shut off - call proactively. For food assistance, 211 (just dial 2-1-1) can connect you with local food banks and emergency assistance programs in your area. Many don't require lengthy applications and can help same-day. This system is broken in so many ways, but you'll get through this. Once you're past this first hiccup, the payments should come regularly. Keep documenting your job search activities and hang in there!

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 the exact same situation! My claim also ended on 9/4/21 and I can't certify for benefits anymore. From what I understand, this is because the federal pandemic programs (PUA, PEUC, Fed-Ed) all expired on September 4th, 2021. If you're still unemployed and have wages from the last 18 months, you'll likely need to file a new regular UI claim. The system won't automatically let you certify until you do this. I'd recommend calling EDD as soon as possible to get this sorted out - the sooner you file a new claim, the sooner you can start receiving benefits again if you qualify. Don't wait too long though, as there might be time limits on when you can file. Good luck getting through to them!