UPDATE: I finally got it working! Used a combination of everyone's advice - borrowed my sister's MacBook, used Safari in private browsing mode, cleared all cookies first, and tried at exactly 10:15am. The passcode finally went through! Now I'm caught up on my certifications. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

So glad you got it working! This thread is going to be super helpful for others dealing with the same issue. I've been putting off updating my recovery options for months - your experience is the push I needed to actually do it. It's crazy how many different workarounds people had to figure out for what should be a simple password reset. Definitely saving this post for future reference!

UPDATE: The money just hit my card this morning! That was about 36 hours after the status changed to conditional payment. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help. Now I'm just wondering what happens next... should I expect an eligibility interview soon?

Glad to hear your money came through! Just wanted to add that when you do get scheduled for the eligibility interview, don't stress too much about it. I had mine about 3 weeks after my conditional payment started. The interviewer was actually pretty understanding and just wanted to make sure I had a valid reason for leaving my job. They asked basic questions like "why did you leave your position" and "have you been looking for work." As long as you're honest and have your paperwork ready (like your separation notice or any emails from your employer), you should be fine. The whole thing took maybe 15 minutes. Good luck!

Does anyone know if backdating affects your weekly benefit amount? I'm worried if I backdate, they might recalculate and give me less 😬

I actually went through the backdating process successfully about 6 months ago! Here's what worked for me: I had to backdate because I didn't realize I was eligible after being laid off (thought I had to wait longer). I called the EDD number every day at 8am sharp for like 2 weeks straight until I got through. The rep was actually really helpful and walked me through filling out the backdating request form. The key is having solid documentation - I had my layoff letter, emails showing I was looking for work during that period, and a letter from my doctor about some health issues that delayed me from filing initially. It took about 6 weeks to get approved, but I got all the back payments in one lump sum. Don't give up @Carmen Ortiz - it's definitely doable if you have legitimate reasons and stay persistent! 💪

To clarify the legal aspects here: you need to appeal the determination notice within 30 days. Once appealed, you'll eventually have a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. For your specific situation, you need to focus on California UI Code 1253.3(b) which covers school employees. The key is proving you did NOT have "reasonable assurance" of returning to work in the same capacity. For your appeal and hearing preparation: 1. Gather any district communications showing uncertainty about reopening 2. Document any changes in your position, hours, or pay when schools eventually reopened 3. Get statements from supervisors if possible about the uncertainty during that period 4. Prepare a timeline showing how the COVID closure was different from normal breaks 5. Research any Department of Labor or EDD guidance specific to COVID school closures Finally, even if you lose the appeal, you can request a waiver of overpayment if repayment would cause financial hardship. You would need to complete DE 1446W form for that process.

As someone who went through a similar situation with EDD, I want to emphasize what others have said - file that appeal IMMEDIATELY! Don't wait even one more day. The 30-day clock is ticking from when that determination notice was mailed. I'm a substitute teacher and faced the same "reasonable assurance" issue during COVID. What saved me was keeping detailed records of every communication from my district during that chaotic period. Look for emails where they used words like "tentative," "uncertain," "pending," or "subject to change" - these show there was NO reasonable assurance. Also, when schools did eventually reopen, did you return to the exact same position with the same hours and pay? If anything changed (fewer hours, different role, etc.), that's more evidence you didn't have reasonable assurance of returning to your specific job. One tip - when you file your appeal, be very specific about dates and include copies of any documentation you have. The more concrete evidence you can provide, the better your chances. Good luck - you can beat this!

Just checking in - have you been able to report this and start the process with EDD? Any updates?

So glad you were able to get through to someone at EDD! That's honestly the hardest part of this whole process. The 4-6 week timeline sounds about right from what I've seen. Make sure to keep detailed records of all your communications with EDD - dates, times, reference numbers, names of who you spoke with. This documentation will be crucial if there are any delays or issues with the corrected 1099-G. Also, don't forget to monitor your credit reports regularly over the next few months since identity thieves often try multiple types of fraud once they have someone's personal information. You're handling this exactly right by getting professional tax help and filing the extension. Best of luck with the resolution!