If you missed the call from EDD, don't panic! You can try calling back using the same number they called from (usually shows up in your call log). If that doesn't work, you'll need to go through the regular callback process again. Make sure your phone is charged and you're in a good reception area for the next call. Also, keep your claim number and ID ready so the process goes smoothly when you do connect.

If you missed the EDD call, try calling back immediately using the number that called you - it should show up in your recent calls list. If that doesn't work, you'll unfortunately need to request another callback through the usual process. For future calls, I recommend keeping your phone on high volume, staying near it during the callback window they give you, and having all your documents ready (ID, claim number, etc.). Some people also find success calling the main EDD number right after missing the callback since your case might still be active in their system. Don't give up - it's frustrating but you'll get through eventually!

I'm in the exact same situation! Just lost my job in food service and have been trying to navigate this CTB nightmare for weeks. The EDD website is absolutely useless - I keep getting sent in circles just like you described. After reading through all these amazing responses, I'm convinced that the key is bypassing EDD's website entirely and going straight to the source. I'm planning to: 1. Call my local community college's workforce development office first thing Monday morning 2. Visit the America's Job Center this week 3. Focus on programs that are 3-6 months, full-time, and in high-demand fields like IT What really stood out to me from everyone's experiences is that community colleges seem to have their own internal tracking of which programs get approved regularly. That's so much more useful than trying to decode EDD's confusing eligibility criteria on your own. For IT training specifically, it sounds like cybersecurity, networking, and cloud computing programs have really good approval rates. The "stackable credentials" approach that several people mentioned sounds perfect - you can build skills gradually while staying on benefits. Thanks for starting this thread - it's been incredibly helpful to hear from people who actually made it through this process successfully. Sometimes the community really does know better than the official resources!

Just wanted to jump in as someone who FINALLY got through this whole CTB maze successfully! I was in construction too before getting laid off, and spent weeks trying to find that mythical "approved programs list" that doesn't exist. Here's what actually worked for me: I called my local community college and asked to speak with their "workforce education coordinator" (not just general admissions). This person knew EXACTLY which programs get CTB approval and had helped dozens of displaced workers navigate the process. I ended up getting approved for a 5-month network administration program that had a 90% CTB approval rate according to their records. The key was that it was full-time (24 hours/week), led to industry certifications, and was in a high-demand field in our area. Pro tip: When you apply for CTB, include local job market data showing demand for the skills you'll be learning. The workforce coordinator helped me pull this data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and I think it really strengthened my application. Don't waste time trying to decode EDD's website - go straight to the community colleges and America's Job Centers. They're the ones who actually know how this system works! Good luck with your IT transition - it's totally doable coming from construction.

UPDATE: Just checked the ID.me website and they've changed their support process. The current recommended contact method is through their help portal at help.id.me/hc/en-us/requests/new They no longer prominently list their phone number because they're prioritizing online support tickets. Make sure to select 'Account Recovery' as your issue type, and be sure to mention it's for EDD unemployment access. Hope this helps!

any luck? im having the same problem now and freaking out

One thing that really helped me when I started was printing out the EDD Handbook from their website - it has a whole section on certification that explains everything step by step. I kept it next to my computer for the first few months until I got comfortable with the process. Also, if you ever have to call EDD, the best times to get through are Tuesday-Thursday between 8:00-8:30 AM. Avoid Mondays and Fridays completely - the wait times are insane. And keep your social security card and ID handy when you call because they'll ask for verification info right away. The certification process really does get easier once you do it a few times, so don't worry too much!

Just wanted to add something that saved me a lot of headaches - make sure you have backup ways to access your UI Online account. Write down your username and password in a safe place, and if you use security questions, write those answers down too (exactly as you entered them). I got locked out of my account right before a certification deadline because I couldn't remember if I capitalized something in my security answer. Had to wait 3 days for EDD to unlock it and almost missed my certification window. Also, if you're using a shared computer or public wifi, always log out completely and clear the browser history - you don't want someone else accessing your account. The certification process itself is straightforward once you get used to it, but account security issues can create unnecessary stress!

This whole situation is absolutely infuriating and unfortunately way too common with EDD. I went through something very similar last year - multiple hang-ups after waiting literally hours on hold. It's like they're designed to make us give up. Here's what I learned works best: **For immediate help:** Contact your state assembly member or senator's office RIGHT NOW. They have dedicated EDD liaisons who can escalate your case directly to EDD's legislative unit. This bypasses the broken phone system entirely. I got a call back within 2 days after months of phone hell. **For the complaint:** Definitely file through edd.ca.gov under Contact EDD > Submit Complaint, but don't expect fast results. Include every detail - dates, times, how long you waited, what exactly happened. **Phone strategy if you try again:** Call the employer line (1-800-300-5616) instead of the claimant line. Wait times are usually shorter and they can transfer you without losing your place in line. The assembly member route is honestly your best shot at getting this resolved before your rent is due. Make sure to emphasize the financial hardship and impending eviction - they prioritize emergency cases. It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to jump through these hoops just to access benefits we're entitled to, but hang in there. You're not alone in this fight!

I'm absolutely livid reading this - what you went through is completely unacceptable! Being hung up on twice after waiting over 3 hours total is beyond frustrating, especially with your rent due soon. Here's what has worked for others in similar situations: **IMMEDIATE ACTION:** Contact your state assembly member's office tomorrow morning. This is consistently the most effective route - they have direct EDD liaisons who can bypass the broken phone system entirely. Many people here have gotten responses within 2-3 days this way. **COMPLAINT PROCESS:** File through edd.ca.gov under Contact EDD > Submit Complaint. Include every detail you have - dates, times, wait durations, exactly what happened. Your documentation will be crucial. **PHONE HACKS (if needed):** Try the employer questions line (shorter waits) or call right at 8am sharp. Some have success with the disability insurance number too. **DOCUMENT EVERYTHING:** Keep that call log going and emphasize your financial hardship (potential eviction) in all communications - EDD has expedited processes for emergency situations. The legislative route through your assembly member is honestly your best shot at getting this resolved before your rent is due. It shouldn't have to come to this, but the system is so broken that going through elected officials is often the only way to get actual help. Stay strong and don't let them wear you down!