California Unemployment
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Will my EDD benefits stop after working one 4-hour shift as a part-time brand ambassador?
Hey everyone - I'm freaking out a bit and need help understanding how part-time/gig work affects my unemployment benefits. I got laid off from my full-time job back in January and have been on regular UI since then. Last week, I picked up a brand ambassador position for a beverage company doing grocery store demos, but the work is SUPER inconsistent. I just did my first 4-hour shift yesterday (made about $80) and now I'm worried my entire unemployment claim will be terminated! My neighbor told me any work at all automatically ends your benefits completely. I have rent due next week and now I'm panicking that I made a huge mistake by taking this gig. Does anyone know if this is true? Do I lose all benefits after one tiny shift, or do I just report the earnings and get a reduced payment that week? Really appreciate any advice!
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Weird EDD message 'claim year ended' right after new claim approval - do I have to reapply AGAIN?
Hey everyone, I'm completely baffled by what's happening with my EDD account right now. I had an old claim from 2024 that was denied (had issues with eligibility or something). After that whole mess, I filed a new claim in August 2025 and was actually approved this time - hallelujah! The EDD rep specifically told me they closed my old problematic claim and confirmed my new one was active.\n\nBut when I logged in yesterday to do my first certification, the system is saying my "claim year has ended" and that I need to reapply! How is this possible when I JUST got approved like 2 weeks ago?? Has anyone dealt with this bizarre situation before? I absolutely cannot deal with filing ANOTHER application and waiting another month+ for processing. Is this just a system glitch? Wrong message? Please tell me I don't have to start from scratch again!
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update????? did u get it fixed? im curious cuz i might have the same issue happening again with my new claim
Finally got it resolved! I used the Claimyr service someone recommended here and got through to EDD in about 15 minutes. The first rep couldn't help but transferred me to a specialist. They confirmed exactly what people here said - my old claim was still partially active in one of their systems even though it showed as closed in another. They had to manually disconnect the old claim and refresh my account. I was able to certify right after the call. Such a relief!
EDD approved both my UI and SDI claims - pregnant and confused about benefit overlap
I'm in a weird situation and could use some help figuring out what to do. I lost my job back in February and finally got my unemployment claim approved two weeks ago. I requested backdating to March (I've been living off savings until now), and I've been getting certification notices for March through mid-June. Here's where it gets complicated - I'm 8 months pregnant and my doctor filed for SDI on my behalf starting June 15th due to pregnancy complications. That claim ALSO just got approved! I know you can't collect both benefits simultaneously, but I'm not sure what to do now. Do I need to call EDD to put my unemployment on hold? Will my backdated UI payments still come through for March-June 14th? And will the SDI payments go to the same EDD debit card, or do they use a different payment method? I'm stressing about this because I need to get my finances sorted before the baby comes (only 2-3 weeks left!). Any advice from someone who's navigated both systems would be super helpful!
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Is anybody 100% sure the payments go on the same card? My cousin got UI then SDI and swears she got a separate card for SDI. This was in 2024 though, maybe they changed the system? Just don't want OP to miss any payments looking for money on the wrong card...
The standard procedure is to use the same Money Network card for both UI and SDI benefits. However, there are a few specific situations where a claimant might receive a second card: 1. If the first card was reported lost/stolen 2. If the first card expired 3. If there was a name change on the account 4. If there was a very long gap between benefit programs For most claimants transitioning directly from UI to SDI (or vice versa), payments will continue on the same card. Your cousin may have fallen into one of the exception categories.
That makes sense! She did have like a 6 month gap between UI ending and SDI starting, so probably why she got 2 cards.
Update: I want to thank everyone for the helpful advice! I called EDD this morning and confirmed what most of you said - I should continue certifying for the backdated UI weeks before June 15th, but not certify for any weeks after SDI started. They said the payments will all go to the same Money Network card, and my backdated UI should process within 10 days. The rep also mentioned I should apply for Paid Family Leave after my SDI pregnancy benefits end, which will give me additional time for baby bonding. I feel much less stressed now knowing what to do. Thanks again to everyone who shared their experiences and advice!
That's excellent news! So glad you were able to get confirmation directly from EDD. Make sure to mark your calendar for when to apply for PFL - typically you should submit that application about 1-2 weeks before your SDI benefits end to avoid any gap in payments. Wishing you a smooth delivery and healthy baby!
so glad u got thru to someone!!! good luck with the baby!!
EDD claim stuck in 'pending' after part-time work - no identity/eligibility notice for a month
I started a seasonal job in retail that only gives me hours some weeks but not others. I applied for UI to cover the weeks with no work. Got my award letter in February, but here's where things get weird. First certification week I earned over my weekly benefit amount so no payment (totally expected). Second week I had zero hours so I certified promptly. That was 28 days ago and my claim has been stuck on 'pending' ever since. When I check my UI Online account, there's a message saying they need to verify my identity OR eligibility, but I've received NOTHING - no mail, no messages in the portal inbox, no emails explaining what they need from me. My identity was already verified through ID.me when I first applied! Is the system just glitching? Do I need to call them? Wait longer? I'm getting really anxious because my rent is due next week and I was counting on this payment.
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There are two distinct issues that could be happening here, and they require different approaches: 1. If this is an identity verification issue: Check if you received any communication about completing additional ID verification beyond ID.me. Sometimes EDD requires secondary verification through their own system. 2. If this is an eligibility issue: This is more likely given your intermittent work pattern. EDD needs to confirm you're still meeting the availability for work requirements and that your job separation reason for the weeks you don't work qualifies for benefits. The most efficient solution is to contact EDD directly. While continuing to certify, call the main UI line (1-800-300-5616) between 8:00-8:15 AM when they first open. If you can't get through after several attempts, try their secondary number (1-833-978-2511) which sometimes has shorter wait times. When you reach a representative, specifically ask them to check for: 1. Any flags on your account 2. If an eligibility interview has been scheduled 3. What documents or information they're waiting for The representative can often clear these pending issues immediately if there's just a system flag. Don't wait for something to arrive in the mail if nothing has come after a month.
Thank you for this detailed explanation! I'll definitely ask about these specific things when I call. I'm going to try first thing tomorrow morning.
Quick update on my earlier comment - when you call, make sure you specifically say "I'm calling about a pending payment that hasn't been resolved for over 4 weeks" when you get to the menu options. This will route you to the right department. Also, have your claim information, last certification date, and work history details ready so you don't have to scramble when they ask questions.
This is super helpful! I was wondering which menu options to select. I'll definitely prepare all my information ahead of time too. Thanks!
EDD claim as 1099 contractor for 2 years - do I qualify for unemployment?
Just got blindsided today—my company terminated my contract after working with them as a 1099 contractor for over 2 years. I received the same monthly payment the entire time, had set hours, and used their equipment. Now I'm suddenly without income with three kids to support. Can I even file for unemployment as a contractor? I've heard something about being 'misclassified' if you're treated like an employee but paid as 1099. The company controlled when and how I worked, gave me tasks daily, and I only worked for them. Has anyone successfully filed for EDD benefits after being a long-term contractor? Or are there any labor laws I should look into since I was essentially treated like an employee but without benefits? This job was our family's main source of income, and I'm really worried about making ends meet while finding something new.
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ive been seeing this happening EVERYWHERE lately!! companies calling ppl "contractors" when theyre really employees!! so messed up!!!! good luck with ur claim!!
ya and they dont even give u benefits or pto or anything. total scam
Since you mentioned having children, you might also qualify for other assistance programs while your unemployment claim is being processed. You can apply for CalFresh (food assistance) and potentially CalWORKs through your county social services office or online at BenefitsCal.com. These programs have different eligibility requirements than unemployment and can provide support while you're waiting for your UI claim determination. As for labor laws, you might also have a wage claim if you weren't paid overtime or provided with paid sick leave that regular employees receive. The Labor Commissioner's Office (DLSE) handles these types of claims. Their website has information about how to file: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/
Thank you so much for this information. I never thought about filing for paid sick leave that I should have received as an employee. I'll definitely look into CalFresh too - anything helps right now while I'm searching for a new position.
Victoria Charity
My sister had a similar job doing wine demonstrations at Costco. She said make sure you know exactly when your certification period begins and ends! Like if you worked on Sunday but that's technically the first day of your next certification period, don't accidentally report it in the wrong week. EDD gets really picky about that stuff.
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Dominic Green
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel so much better now. I'll definitely report my earnings accurately when I certify and keep detailed records of my work hours/pay. It's a relief to know that sporadic gig work won't terminate my claim completely. I appreciate all of you taking the time to explain how this works!
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