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EDD claim after contract ends - has the process changed since COVID?
My tech contract is ending July 15th and I'm freaking out a bit about filing for unemployment. Haven't been on EDD since the COVID days (2020/2021) and wondering how much has changed. Can anyone help with these questions? 1. Is my old UI Online login still valid or do I need to create a new account? 2. Is the application process still fully online or do they require in-person visits now? 3. Are payments still through direct deposit or did they switch to something else? 4. What's the work search requirement situation? Back in 2018 I had to keep this detailed job search diary with like 3 contacts per week. If my current company extends my contract I won't need to file, but I want to be prepared just in case. Thanks for any info!
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EDD interview after being deactivated from food delivery app - chances of approval?
Hey all, I'm in a tough spot and need some advice. I was working for one of those food delivery apps for about 8 months and got deactivated last week. They sent me this vague email saying I was 'prolonging delivery times' which is complete BS. I had a 4.8 rating and always delivered on time according to their own metrics!\n\nAnyway, I filed for unemployment and got a notice that I have a phone interview scheduled with EDD next Tuesday. I'm really nervous because I've heard gig workers often get denied. The company classifies us as independent contractors, but I couldn't set my own rates and had to follow their strict guidelines.\n\nHas anyone been through something similar after being deactivated from a delivery app? What kind of questions will they ask in the interview? Do I have any shot at being approved since the company will probably claim I violated their terms? Any advice would be so appreciated!
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does anyone know if its better to do a phone interview or an in-person one? my friend said in-person is better cuz they take u more serious
EDD primarily conducts phone interviews now, especially for initial eligibility determinations. The format of the interview doesn't affect how seriously they take your case - the evidence and facts are what matter most. They follow the same protocol and ask the same questions regardless of whether it's by phone or in-person.
EDD appeal nightmare - sent in 5 weeks ago but status not updated
I'm so frustrated with the appeals process and getting contradictory information. I mailed my appeal for a disqualification on June 23rd, and tracking shows it was delivered June 28th. It's been 5 weeks and my UI Online account still shows 'Disqualified' with no indication they received my appeal. I've called EDD four times in the last two weeks and gotten completely different answers each time: Rep #1: "We received it but don't have staff to update the system - could take months before your hearing" Rep #2: "We have no record of your appeal - you need to submit a new one with a letter explaining why it's late" Rep #3: "We're still processing appeals from 2024 - just be patient" Rep #4: "Your appeal might be lost - submit again through UI Online instead" I'm at my wit's end! Has anyone dealt with this appeal limbo? Should I submit another appeal or just keep waiting? I'm worried about missing my hearing date if they have it but never tell me!
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Update to my earlier comment: I just checked the CUIAB website, and they state that the current average processing time for appeals is 61 days from receipt to hearing. So while 5 weeks feels long, it's actually still within their normal timeframe. Here's what I recommend: 1. Send a duplicate appeal via certified mail 2. Include a cover letter stating this is a duplicate 3. Attach proof of your original submission (tracking number) 4. Call CUIAB directly at (800) 400-7166 instead of regular EDD 5. Continue checking your UI Online account daily The CUIAB phone line is separate from EDD and specifically for appeals status.
Thank you so much for this detailed info! I had no idea there was a separate CUIAB phone number - I'll try calling them tomorrow. I'll also send the duplicate appeal with all the documentation you suggested. Really appreciate your help!
btw when i finally got my appeal hearing they only gave me like 5 days notice!! so make sure ur checking ur mail every single day or you might miss it. good luck!!
same happened to my friend! notice came super late and he almost missed his hearing. they should email or text but nope just regular mail like its 1995 lol
EDD eligibility after termination related to elder abuse investigation that cleared me?
I just got fired from my job at a senior care facility after being suspended for 3 weeks during an elder abuse investigation. The investigation actually CLEARED me completely (found the claim was false), but my employer still decided to terminate me anyway. They vaguely mentioned "other complaints" but I've NEVER received any written warnings or even verbal reprimands during my 2 years there. I'm wondering if this makes me eligible for unemployment benefits? Since the investigation found nothing against me, can they still deny my unemployment? I'm really worried because I have bills piling up and no income now. Has anyone dealt with something similar?
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I'm dealing with something similar (different field) and I'm so nervous about the eligibility interview next week. What kinds of questions do they ask? Do I need a lawyer? My employer is a large corporation with HR and legal teams and I'm just me...
You don't need a lawyer for an eligibility interview. They'll mainly ask about the circumstances of your separation - why you were terminated, if you received warnings, your work history, etc. Be honest, stick to facts, and have any supporting documentation ready. The interviewer is trying to determine if you were fired for misconduct that would disqualify you from benefits. Most people handle these interviews on their own without legal representation.
Make sure you CERTIFY FOR BENEFITS every two weeks even while waiting for the initial determination!!! I made the mistake of waiting until my claim was approved, and I lost out on several weeks of backpay because I didn't certify. Even if your claim is pending or under review, you need to certify for each eligible week or you won't get paid for those weeks later!
I didn't know this - thank you! I would have probably waited for approval before certifying. So even while they're deciding if I qualify, I should still do the bi-weekly certification?
YES! 100% certify for EVERY eligible week regardless of your claim status. If your claim is eventually approved, you'll only get paid for weeks you certified for. Miss a certification and that money is GONE forever.
Can I get EDD benefits with 50% reduced work hours? Manager cut my schedule in half
My retail manager just told me they're cutting my hours from 40 to 20 per week starting next month due to 'slow season'. This is basically slashing my income in half and I can't cover my rent on 20 hours! Can I file for partial unemployment with EDD when my hours get reduced? Has anyone successfully collected benefits for reduced hours rather than a complete layoff? I'm worried they'll deny me since I'm still technically employed. My coworker said I should just quit and get full benefits, but that seems risky. Really stressed about this - any advice appreciated!
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wait im confused...do u have to quit to get unemployment or not?? my boss cut my hours too (from 35 to 22) but im scared to apply cuz what if they say im committing fraud or something?? everyone tells me different things!!
No, you absolutely do NOT need to quit to get unemployment benefits. In fact, quitting voluntarily could disqualify you. When your hours are substantially reduced (like yours - from 35 to 22), you can qualify for partial unemployment benefits while continuing to work those reduced hours. This is perfectly legitimate and not fraudulent at all.
Second update: My claim went through! I got a message in my UI Online inbox saying my weekly benefit amount is $267. I just did my first certification and reported the 20 hours I worked. The calculator said I'll receive a partial payment of $164 for the week. Not as much as I hoped but definitely helps with the reduced income. Thanks again everyone!
Congrats! That's exactly how it should work. Every bit helps when your hours get cut!
You're SO LUCKY it went through that fast!! Mine took FOREVER!!
Amara Okafor
Wait they don't use Bank of America anymore? I still have my old BofA EDD card from 2021, so I'll need a new one? Also does anyone know if the weekly benefit amount is the same calculation as before?
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Fatima Al-Rashid
Correct - they switched from BofA to Money Network in July 2023. Your old card won't work. The benefit calculation is still the same: approximately 60-70% of your average weekly wage during your highest-earning quarter in the base period (typically the 12 months before you file), up to the maximum benefit amount (currently $550/week).
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Jamal Brown
Thanks everyone for the helpful info! I'm going to start gathering all my employment docs now just in case. Sounds like things are mostly the same but with a few important changes (new card provider, ID.me verification, etc). I'll definitely keep detailed work search records too - not worth risking an overpayment situation. Fingers crossed my contract gets extended and I won't need any of this, but better to be prepared!
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KylieRose
Smart to prepare ahead of time. One final tip: when you do file, do it early in the morning (like 5-6am) on a weekday. The UI Online system tends to be much faster with fewer timeout errors during off-peak hours. Good luck with everything!
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