Just wanted to add my experience with the new PIN system - I actually found it pretty straightforward once I figured out the timing. What really helped me was calling around 2:30 PM on Thursdays. Seems like most people don't think to call in the afternoon, so the wait times are way shorter. Also, make sure you have your PIN memorized or written down clearly because the automated system is pretty sensitive - if you mess up the PIN entry, it kicks you out and you have to start over. One more tip: if you're calling about SDI specifically, make sure you're using the SDI line (1-800-480-3287) and not the regular UI line. Saved me hours of frustration when I realized I was calling the wrong department. The new system isn't perfect but it's definitely more organized than the old one. Good luck everyone! 🍀

Just wanted to share my recent experience with the new PIN system since I finally got through yesterday! After reading all these tips, I tried calling on a Wednesday at 1:45 PM and got connected in about 15 minutes - way better than my previous attempts. The PIN system definitely takes some getting used to, but here's what I learned: make sure you enter it slowly and clearly because the system is pretty picky. Also, have your Social Security number ready right after the PIN because they ask for it immediately. One thing I noticed is that if you hear a brief pause after entering your PIN, don't hang up - that's normal and it means the system is processing. Overall, while the new system adds an extra step, it does seem to streamline things once you're actually connected to an agent. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice in this thread! 🙌

Just wanted to add my voice to this incredible thread! I'm relatively new to dealing with EDD and was having similar timeout issues last week. What worked for me was a combination of several tips mentioned here: I used incognito mode in Firefox, turned off my WiFi and used cellular data, and most importantly - I filled out all my work search information on a notepad file first so I could copy/paste quickly without thinking. The whole process took less than 10 minutes and went smoothly. It's amazing how this community has created the most comprehensive EDD troubleshooting guide I've seen anywhere! Sean, your frustrating experience ended up helping so many people. To all the newcomers reading this - save this thread! These solutions are pure gold when dealing with EDD's terrible website. Thank you to everyone who shared their hard-earned knowledge, especially Luca for the cellular data breakthrough and Mateo for the technical explanations. This is what mutual aid looks like in action!

Wow, I'm so grateful I found this thread! I just joined this community after having my own EDD certification nightmare last night, and reading through Sean's journey from panic to success has been incredibly reassuring. The cellular data solution is absolutely genius - I would never have thought to try that! I'm also amazed by how everyone jumped in with different troubleshooting approaches. This is like having access to a crowd-sourced EDD tech support team that actually knows what they're talking about (unlike EDD's official help). I'm definitely bookmarking this entire conversation as my emergency certification toolkit. The combination of technical solutions (Edge browser, incognito mode, cellular data) and practical prep tips (having work search info ready, taking screenshots for documentation) is exactly what newcomers like me need to navigate EDD's broken system. Thank you to everyone who shared their hard-won knowledge - you've turned Sean's frustrating experience into a masterclass that will help countless others avoid the same panic!

I'm going through this exact same anxiety right now! Had my eligibility interview 4 days ago and have been frantically checking both my UI Online account and mailbox multiple times per day. Reading everyone's experiences here is actually really helpful - sounds like I need to stop obsessing over the online portal and focus on watching for mail. The part about EDD potentially backdating letters is terrifying though. I'm going to make absolutely sure my address is correct in my account and maybe even put in a mail hold at the post office so nothing gets missed or returned. Has anyone here had experience with what happens if you miss the appeal deadline because of mail issues? I'm wondering if there's any recourse if the letter gets lost or delayed. This whole process is so stressful - the uncertainty is almost worse than just getting bad news!

I'm dealing with this exact situation right now too! Had my eligibility interview 5 days ago and the uncertainty is driving me crazy. Based on everyone's responses here, it's clear that mail is the ONLY reliable way to find out about denials - the online system is basically useless for this. What's really helpful from reading all these experiences is understanding the timeline (7-14 business days seems to be the norm) and that the letters are often dated a few days before you actually receive them. I'm definitely going to double-check my mailing address in my account right now and maybe even contact my local post office to make sure there are no delivery issues. The tip about calling EDD after about a week to ask if "a letter has been mailed" is genius - at least then you know to watch extra carefully even if they can't tell you the actual decision. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it's making this waiting period a little more bearable knowing what to expect!

As someone who just went through this transition from Marine Corps active duty to reserves about 6 months ago, I can definitely relate to your concerns! The anxiety about getting it wrong is real - I spent weeks worrying about it before my first certification. Here's what worked for me: I kept a simple spreadsheet tracking my drill dates and when I actually received payment. This made certification much easier because I could quickly reference exactly when money hit my account. Also, don't forget that drill pay usually comes in two parts - your base pay and any special pays - and they might arrive on different dates. One more tip: if you're doing online job applications while collecting benefits, keep screenshots of those too. EDD sometimes asks for proof that you're actively seeking work, and having that documentation ready can save you headaches later. The transition period is tough enough without stressing about benefits. You're asking all the right questions upfront, which puts you way ahead of where I was. Thank you for your service, and best of luck with both the reserves and finding civilian employment!

Hey Keisha! Former Army National Guard here - went through a similar transition a couple years back. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is to make sure you understand the difference between your "battle assembly" weekends (regular drill) and any additional duty days you might pick up. Sometimes units offer extra training opportunities or make-up drills that pay differently and might affect your benefits timeline. Also, when you do start working with civilians who don't understand military schedules, be prepared to explain why you're unavailable one weekend per month. I had a few interviews where employers seemed confused about reserve commitments. Having your drill schedule upfront can actually work in your favor - shows you're organized and committed. The EDD reporting is definitely the trickiest part, but you're smart to get it right from the start. Keep all your military documents organized in one place - LES statements, orders, training certificates, everything. EDD audits can happen months later and having that paper trail ready makes all the difference. Hang in there - the transition gets easier once you find your rhythm with both civilian work and reserve duties. Thank you for your service!

Just wanted to add my experience - I activated my Money Network card about 6 weeks ago and the phone activation was definitely the way to go. Like others mentioned, they asked for last 4 of SSN, full birthdate, and I created a PIN on the spot. The whole thing took maybe 3-4 minutes max. One tip though - make sure you're in a quiet place when you call because the automated system can be sensitive and if it can't understand you clearly it will make you repeat everything. Also, write down your PIN somewhere safe immediately after creating it - I almost forgot mine the first time I went to use the card at an ATM! The card worked perfectly right after activation and I've had zero issues with it since.

I just went through the Money Network card activation process last week and it was pretty straightforward! I called the number on the back of the card and they asked for my last 4 SSN digits, full birthdate, and the card number/expiration date. Then I created a 4-digit PIN right on the call. The whole thing took about 3 minutes. One thing I didn't see mentioned yet - they also asked me to verify the zip code associated with my EDD account, so make sure you know what address you have on file with them. The automated system was pretty clear and easy to follow. I was able to use my card at an ATM the same day to check my balance and everything worked perfectly. Definitely stick with calling rather than using the website - I tried the online activation first and it kept timing out like others mentioned. The phone method is much more reliable!