California Unemployment

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Locked out of EDD account during pregnancy - fired for tardiness, need help filing claim

I'm completely stuck trying to file for unemployment after being let go from my customer service job last month. I worked there for almost 3 years with a great record until recently. The problem started when I developed hyperemesis gravidarum (severe morning sickness) in my second trimester that made me late several times despite leaving home extra early. My supervisor initially seemed understanding but eventually fired me citing 'excessive tardiness' despite my medical explanation. Now I'm trying to file for UI but can't access my EDD account from years ago! When I try to reset my password, it asks for the last benefit amount I received (from 2021 pandemic benefits) and I honestly have no idea what that exact figure was. I've tried calling EDD at least 15 times but can't get through to anyone who can help. Does anyone know if there are resources that can help me create a new application? Or ways to retrieve my old benefit amount? I really need this unemployment while I look for a new job that can accommodate my pregnancy needs. I'm worried about my eligibility due to the termination reason, but I believe my medical condition should qualify me. Any advice appreciated!

this is why i always screenshot EVERYTHING related to benefits and save all the papers they send. sorry ur going thru this while pregnant. have u asked any former coworkers if they had the same issue? maybe someone there knows a trick to get thru to edd?

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That's a really good idea about asking coworkers! I'm still in touch with a couple people there who were supportive. I'll reach out to them tomorrow to see if anyone has advice. And yes, I've definitely learned my lesson about keeping records!

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Just wanted to update with some important information: When you do get your account access sorted out and file your claim, make sure to properly document the pregnancy-related tardiness. In California, termination for issues related to pregnancy complications can be considered "good cause" rather than misconduct. During your eligibility interview (which they'll schedule after your claim is filed), explain that: 1. You had a documented medical condition (hyperemesis gravidarum) 2. The condition directly caused your tardiness 3. You informed your employer about the condition 4. Your performance was otherwise satisfactory (as evidenced by your coworkers still contacting you for help) This approach significantly increases your chances of approval, as pregnancy-related terminations are viewed differently under California unemployment regulations.

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This is exactly what I needed to know - thank you! I'll make sure to use those specific points during my interview. My doctor has been great about documenting everything so I have paperwork showing the diagnosis and how severe it's been. I really appreciate everyone's help with this!

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EDD sent me award letter with wrong info - can't register with my customer number

I'm having the weirdest issue with EDD right now and not sure if anyone else has dealt with this. I received my award letter yesterday (dated for tomorrow, which is already strange) that shows my quarterly earnings and has my customer account number on it. When I tried to register on UI Online with this number, the system said something was incorrect - either my name, DOB, SSN, or the customer number itself doesn't match their records. Has anyone experienced this? Do I need to file a whole new claim, or just fix whatever info is wrong with my current one? If I have to call them to sort this out, how long should I expect to wait? This is my first time on unemployment and I'm already confused by their process!

One important thing to remember is that EDD often displays years rather than birth dates in their records. So if you were born in 1985, make sure you're not trying to enter "1985" as the day/month when registering. I've seen this trip up a lot of people. Also, check if your name has any special characters or spaces that might be causing issues. Their system is very particular about these things.

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Update for anyone finding this thread later: The issue with registration after receiving an award letter is usually one of these five things: 1. Name format mismatch (middle name/initial issues) 2. Birth date format error 3. SSN transposition 4. Customer account number entered incorrectly 5. EDD system glitch that requires agent intervention In most cases, you can resolve this with a phone call to EDD. Yes, the wait times can be long, but it's faster than waiting for mail correspondence or filing a new claim (which would be incorrect in this situation).

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Thanks for summarizing! I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and got through to EDD yesterday. Turns out they had my first name and middle name switched in their system. The rep fixed it right away and I was able to register! Such a simple issue but impossible to fix without talking to someone.

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Called 56 times but EDD keeps hanging up after choosing claim option

I'm ready to cry. Two months since I lost my retail job, I finally got around to filing my unemployment claim three weeks ago. It got approved but I'm stuck in this bizarre situation where there's an 'interview needed' flag on my account but ZERO communication about when this interview is happening! My payments are all pending and rent is coming up fast. I've called the EDD number (1-800-300-5616) literally 56 times over the past week. Most times I get the "we're experiencing high call volume" message and get disconnected. The few times I actually get through the prompts and select "claim questions" the call just DISCONNECTS after I make that selection! I've tried calling at 8:01am, during lunch, right before closing - nothing works. The online portal just shows "pending - interview needed" but there's no date, time, or any information. Has anyone else dealt with this? Do I just keep calling or is there another way to get this resolved? I only have about $340 left in my bank account and I'm seriously stressing.

This whole EDD system is DESIGNED to be broken!!! They WANT us to give up so they don't have to pay!!! I had an "interview needed" flag for TWO MONTHS and called 100+ times. Complete garbage system run by incompetent bureaucrats. The only thing that finally worked was filing a complaint with my state senator's office. Suddenly they could magically fix everything in 48 hours after I did that. The whole system is corrupt.

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preach!! 👏👏 its all about making it so hard that people just give up!

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I'm definitely feeling that frustration! It's like they're counting on people not having the time or energy to keep fighting through the system. I'll try the Assembly member suggestion first, but might escalate to my senator if that doesn't work.

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Sometimes the UI Online messaging system has glitches. Have you tried logging out completely, clearing your browser cache and cookies, then logging back in? Fixed a similar issue for me where I couldn't see my interview appointment.

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I haven't tried that yet! Going to do that right now. At this point I'm willing to try anything. Thanks for the suggestion!

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EDD sent me a message about a 'patent' after interview - am I approved for benefits?

Hey everyone, just had my EDD eligibility interview yesterday and the interviewer told me I'd know about my claim status by Tuesday at the latest. This morning I received an email notification saying I had a new message in my UI Online account. When I checked, it mentioned something about being 'issued a patent' which makes absolutely no sense to me. Does this mean my claim was approved? Or is this some weird EDD terminology I don't understand? I'm completely lost about what happens next. If I am approved, should I be expecting a check in the mail or a debit card? Do I need to do something else first? This is my first time filing for unemployment and the whole process is so confusing. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

One more important thing - once you get your Money Network card, set up account alerts right away. There's been a lot of fraud with these cards. Log into the Money Network website after activating and set up text/email alerts for any transactions. Also, consider transferring your funds to your personal bank account rather than keeping large amounts on the card.

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That's really good advice, thank you! I'll definitely set up those alerts and transfers when I get the card.

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I just finished dealing with EDD last month after my job at the hospital ended. Just want to say it gets easier! The first payment is always the most confusing part. Make sure you answer the certification questions correctly every two weeks - especially the "did you look for work" question. You have to say yes and be able to list at least 3 job search activities per week if they ask for details later.

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Thanks for the encouragement! I've been keeping a detailed job search log so I should be covered for the work search requirements.

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EDD misclassified husband's claim as interstate - now stuck in appeal limbo with no income

My husband was laid off unexpectedly through a reduction in force last month (June 2025). We immediately filed for unemployment but that's when our nightmare began. An EDD specialist incorrectly classified his claim as 'interstate' even though we've lived and worked in California for years. When my husband called and spoke with the rep, the guy ADMITTED he made a mistake but then dropped this bomb: 'I can't fix this in the system, you'll have to file an appeal.' We filed the appeal right away but were just told we'd get a hearing 'eventually' with zero timeline. Meanwhile, our savings are disappearing fast. I'm working full-time but it's not enough to cover everything without his income. He's actively job hunting but his industry (software engineering) has longer hiring cycles with multiple interview rounds. It's been 5 weeks with ZERO benefits because of THEIR mistake. I'm desperate enough that I'm looking for a second job despite already working 45+ hours weekly. Has anyone successfully expedited an EDD appeal? Or does anyone have suggestions for decent-paying temporary work for someone with a background in education administration? I have 15+ years experience and a master's degree, but need something flexible enough to keep my primary job. This whole situation is making me physically ill with stress.

I don't have advice for speeding up EDD (good luck with that!) but for temp work - have you tried substitute teaching? With your master's degree you'd qualify in most districts. Pay is usually $150-200/day and you can pick and choose which days you work around your main job. The platform

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That's a great suggestion! I actually did some substitute teaching years ago before moving into administration. I forgot about Swing Education - will definitely check that out. The flexibility would work well with my current schedule. Thank you!

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