Just a heads up for everyone - I just checked and my payment finally changed from pending to paid! Took almost 5 days but it finally processed. Sounds like they're having system-wide delays this week.

I'm dealing with the same issue right now! Certified Sunday night and it's still showing pending. This is my first time experiencing a delay like this and I was starting to worry something was wrong with my claim. Reading through all these comments is actually really reassuring - sounds like there's a system-wide issue with processing times this week. I'm going to wait another day or two before trying to call since it seems like others are starting to see their payments go through. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it really helps to know I'm not the only one!

Not to be that guy, but have you checked if you actually qualify for paid family leave? There are specific criteria and required documentation. Might be worth reviewing the basics just in case.

I went through this exact same situation last year! The "does not meet eligibility requirements" denial is super common and usually means there's a documentation issue or they need clarification on something. Here's what worked for me: 1. Request your complete case file from EDD - this will show you exactly what they reviewed 2. Check if your doctor's certification form was filled out completely (missing signatures or incomplete sections are common causes) 3. Make sure your employment history matches what's in their system 4. File the appeal ASAP - don't wait the full 30 days The appeal process actually worked out better for me because I got to present all my documentation properly with explanations. Took about 6 weeks total but I eventually got approved retroactively. Don't give up - the system is frustrating but persistence pays off!

UPDATE: I FINALLY got through to EDD this morning after calling right when they opened! You all were right - it was a verification issue triggered by the Money Network card activation. The rep said there was a mismatch between my mailing address (where the card was sent) and my residence address on file. The tier 2 specialist was able to verify my identity and remove the disqualification. She said my payment should be processed within 48 hours. Such a relief! For anyone else experiencing this - keep calling and make sure you get to a tier 2 rep who can actually fix the issue. The first person I spoke with couldn't even see why I was disqualified.

So glad you got this resolved! This is exactly why I always tell people to double-check that ALL their information matches perfectly across EDD systems before activating anything. The Money Network card activation seems to trigger these verification checks more often than EDD admits. For future reference for anyone reading this - when you get your card, before activating it, go into your UI Online account and verify that your mailing address, residential address, phone number, and even how your name is formatted (middle initial vs full middle name, etc.) matches EXACTLY what you used when you first applied. Even tiny differences can cause these automated flags. It's ridiculous that EDD doesn't warn people about this possibility, but at least now we know what to watch out for. Thanks for updating us with the resolution - it really helps other people going through the same thing!

When you do get your appeal date, be prepared and organized. Bring a timeline of events, any documentation supporting your case (emails about the layoff, etc.), and your job search records. In my hearing, the judge asked very detailed questions about my separation from employment. Your former employer will likely participate, so be ready to counter their claims professionally. And yes, winning means you'll get backpay for all those certified weeks - usually within 7-10 days after the favorable decision. It will come all at once, which was actually a nice lump sum for me after months of financial stress.

Having those coworkers who were also laid off in the same restructuring is HUGE for your case! If possible, try to get written statements from them confirming the circumstances of the layoff - even just a simple email or text screenshot saying "yeah, we were all laid off together during the company restructuring on [date]" can be powerful evidence. The more witnesses you have to contradict your employer's "quit" story, the stronger your position. Also, if your company sent out any official communications about the restructuring (even internal memos or announcements), those would be gold for your hearing. Don't stress too much about the waiting - appeals are taking forever right now, but you're doing everything right by continuing to certify and job search!

UPDATE: I went through my files from when this happened to me. During my EDD phone interview, they specifically asked: 1. When was the last date you were paid? 2. What reason did the employer give for not paying? 3. Did you make a formal request for your wages in writing? 4. Are you still reporting to work? The interviewer told me that continuing to work without pay actually HURTS your unemployment claim because it suggests you're accepting the situation. She recommended formally requesting payment in writing with a deadline, then stopping work if not paid, THEN filing for unemployment. Just wanted to give you a heads up on what to expect!

I'm going through something similar right now! My restaurant reduced my hours to basically nothing after the holidays and then just stopped scheduling me entirely three weeks ago, but they never officially "fired" me. I filed for unemployment and got approved because EDD considers it a "reduction in hours and wages" due to lack of work. The key thing is how you answer the questions when filing. Don't say you quit - say your hours/wages were reduced through no fault of your own. When they ask if you're still employed, you can say yes but explain that you're receiving zero hours/pay. I had to do the phone interview too and the rep was actually really understanding about the situation. She said this happens all the time where companies try to avoid officially laying people off. Just make sure you have documentation of the missed payroll and any attempts to get answers from your employer. Also, start your job search immediately because you'll need to show you're actively looking for work to keep getting benefits. The good news is there are actually quite a few admin positions posted right now in CA - at least in my area. Don't let this company string you along any longer than necessary!