California Unemployment
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Can't reach California Unemployment? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.
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- Connect you to a human agent at the EDD
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the EDD drops your call
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- DO post questions about your issues.
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- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
Can I get EDD benefits if quitting due to doctor's disciplinary issues creating toxic workplace?
I'm in a really tough spot at my medical office job. My doctor/employer is currently under investigation by the Medical Board of California and it's creating an absolute nightmare work environment. The stress levels are through the roof! He's taking it out on all the staff, especially me since I handle patient scheduling and billing. I'm getting blamed for everything from appointment cancellations to patients asking questions about the investigation (which patients can see online). My anxiety is now so bad I'm having panic attacks before work. I've been there 3+ years with a perfect record until this started 2 months ago.\n\nIf I quit because of this hostile work environment, would I qualify for unemployment benefits? I've heard you normally can't get EDD if you voluntarily quit, but this situation feels different - it's affecting my mental health severely. Has anyone successfully gotten benefits after leaving a toxic workplace? What kind of documentation would I need? I really need some income while I search for something new but I literally cannot take another month in this environment.
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Can't recover EDD password without CAN number - never received it after 2 months
I'm at my wit's end trying to access my EDD account! I filed my unemployment claim about 2 months ago and received my award letter, claim forms, and all the other paperwork, but somehow my Customer Account Number (CAN) was never included in any of the documents they sent me. Now I'm trying to log into UI Online but I can't remember my password (it's been weeks since I created the account), and the password recovery is asking for my CAN number that I don't have! I've tried calling EDD countless times but just get the 'too many callers' message and get disconnected. Has anyone else had this problem? Is there another way to retrieve my CAN number without calling? I'm worried about missing my certification deadline and losing benefits.
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To clarify some misinformation in this thread: a missing CAN number is a common issue that does NOT require creating a new claim. EDD has established protocols for this specific situation. Your options in priority order: 1. Call the Identity Verification line at 1-866-401-2849 rather than the main number. This specialized line often has shorter wait times and can assist with CAN issues. 2. Visit an America's Job Center of California (AJCC) location in person - no appointment necessary for document verification assistance. 3. Submit a written request for your CAN by mail including photocopies of your ID, Social Security card, and claim documents to the address on your award letter. Note that your benefits will not be interrupted while resolving this access issue as long as you continue certifying by phone (EDD Tele-Cert) at 1-866-333-4606 until you regain online access.
Thank you SO MUCH for this information! I had no idea about the Identity Verification line or that I could certify by phone in the meantime. I'll try that specialized number first thing tomorrow morning. This is extremely helpful!
Just wanted to update - I used Claimyr this morning and got through to EDD in about 15 minutes. The rep verified my identity and gave me my CAN number over the phone! I was able to reset my password and access my account right away. Such a relief after weeks of stress. They also said I can request to have a new CAN letter mailed to me as a backup.
THANK YOU for sharing this update! I'm going to try Claimyr right now. So glad to hear you got it resolved quickly!
EDD phone lines open today? + SDI prompt shortcuts needed
Anyone know if EDD phone lines are open today (President's Day)? Need to talk to someone ASAP about my claim. Also, has anyone figured out the magic sequence of prompts to get through to an SDI rep quickly? Last time I called about my disability claim I was on hold for 2+ hours before I just gave up. Really need to get this sorted this week!
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The EDD phone system is GARBAGE. Been dealing with them for months about my claim and every time it's like pulling teeth to get through. I've tried all the "tricks" - calling at 8:01am, calling at 4:55pm, trying different prompts, hanging up and calling again if I get certain messages. None of it works consistently. The system is INTENTIONALLY designed to keep you from reaching a human being. It's absolutely infuriating. And don't get me started on their website that looks like it was built in 1997 and constantly has "scheduled maintenance" exactly when you need to certify.
So true! And after waiting forever, sometimes they just disconnect you for no reason! 😡
Since we're talking about SDI specifically - make sure you have your claim number and ID ready when you call. The SDI department typically asks for verification before discussing your claim details. Also, if your question is about medical certification, sometimes reaching out to your doctor to make sure they submitted their portion correctly is faster than waiting on EDD to sort it out. One lesser-known tip: If you're having issues with your claim that you can't resolve by phone, you can actually schedule an in-person appointment at certain EDD offices. These are often easier to get than successfully reaching someone by phone.
I had no idea you could do in-person appointments! That might actually be easier than dealing with the phone system. Do you know how to schedule those?
You need to call the main SDI number and specifically request an in-person appointment. Not all offices offer them and they're limited, but worth asking about. You can also check the EDD website for office locations that handle SDI claims since not all of them do.
EDD payment received but no Money Network card delivered after 3 weeks
I'm freaking out a bit here. My claim was finally approved & I received my first EDD payment notification 3 weeks ago, but still no debit card in the mail! I called Money Network yesterday and their rep told me 'the card is automatically sent out the next business day after your first payment is processed.' That doesn't make any sense with my timeline, right? Has anyone else had to wait this long? I need to access these funds ASAP to cover rent. Should I request a replacement card or wait longer? The Money Network people weren't very helpful when I asked about tracking info.
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Just to add to the chorus here - absolutely request a replacement card immediately AND set up direct deposit as soon as you get access. Money Network was a nightmare for me too. The worst part is that they claim they can't track these cards, which is complete nonsense in 2025. Every other financial company can track mail but somehow they can't? Ridiculous!
ya and they make $$$ on all the fees too!!1! everytime u use atm its like $3 fee. total scam
Thank you all for the advice! I just got off the phone with Money Network (after waiting on hold for 45 minutes...) and requested a replacement card with expedited shipping. They confirmed my address was correct but admitted there might have been a 'processing delay' with my original card. They're charging me $15 for the expedite fee, which is annoying, but at least I should have it in 3-5 business days. Will definitely set up direct deposit the SECOND I get access to my funds!
Glad to hear you got it sorted out! Just be aware that you'll need to activate the card and create a PIN before you can transfer funds to your bank account. The whole process is unnecessarily complicated, but you're on the right track now.
EDD appeal hearing process - worried my claim might expire before court date
I received a disqualification notice after my eligibility interview last month and immediately filed an appeal. Finally got my court appeal date scheduled but it's not until May 2025 (almost 3 months away)! I'm really concerned my claim might expire before the hearing happens. Has anyone gone through the appeals process recently? How long did yours take from filing to actual hearing? And does anyone know if there's a time limit where your claim just 'expires' if the appeal takes too long? My benefits stopped when I got disqualified and I'm really struggling financially right now.
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This reminds me of when I got disqualified back in 2023 because my former employer claimed I quit when I was actually laid off. My appeal hearing was scheduled for 3 months out too but then I got lucky because they had a cancellation and offered me an earlier slot. So sometimes you might get it sooner. The whole thing was really stressful though. I had to borrow money from family the whole time I was waiting.
One more important tip: When you attend your hearing, whether it's phone or video, make sure you're in a quiet place with good reception/internet. I've heard stories of people missing crucial questions or having their testimony cut off due to connection issues. The judge may not be sympathetic if you can't participate properly due to technical problems on your end.
Good point - my hearing is going to be via phone. I'll make sure I'm somewhere quiet with good reception. Did you get any kind of practice run or tech check before your actual hearing?
No practice run, but they'll send you detailed instructions before the hearing date. They usually call you 5-10 minutes before the scheduled time to make sure you're there and the connection is good. Just be ready early and answer when they call.
Ava Hernandez
why dont u just stick it out til they fire u? then u get unemployment for sure. quitting is always risky
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Olivia Garcia
I've thought about that, but honestly I don't think my mental health can take it. I'm having panic attacks just thinking about going in each morning. Also, they might not fire me but just make life miserable until I quit - that could take months of suffering with no guarantee of termination.
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