UPDATE: I finally got through! Used the Claimyr service that someone mentioned above, and it worked exactly as described. Got connected to an EDD rep in about 25 minutes. Turns out there was a "stop payment alert" on my account because the system flagged a potential identity issue, even though I had completed ID.me verification! The rep was able to remove the flag and release my payments. She said without calling, this could have sat in the system for another 2-3 weeks waiting for manual review. All my waiting weeks switched to "paid" status within hours after the call. The money should hit my account in 24-48 hours. Such a relief! If you're stuck in pending like I was, definitely call. Don't just wait and hope it resolves itself.

I'm going through EXACTLY the same thing right now!!! Been calling and calling and calling - busy signals, disconnects, or the dreaded "we're experiencing high call volume" message. So frustrating!!!! Did anyone try the EDD Contact Center (different from the UI line)? It's 1-800-480-3287. I read somewhere that sometimes you can get help there too?? Desperate at this point... 😩

when my husban card expired we couldn't do transfers online at all we had to wait for new card. so frustrating!!! but my neighbor said she could do it fine so maybe it depends on how ur account is setup?? wish they would make it more clear

For anyone else reading this with an active EDD card that hasn't expired yet: go set up your Money Network account with a username and password NOW, not just using your card details. This will save you from being locked out when your card eventually expires. Also, consider setting up direct deposit to your bank account rather than keeping large amounts on the EDD card - it's much more convenient and avoids exactly this kind of situation.

My cousin had this exact problem with his community college job!! He appealed and won but it was because he could prove his hours weren't guaranteed to be the same. Took forever tho and we had to loan him money for rent while waiting :/

While you're waiting for the appeal process, check if your husband qualifies for any emergency assistance programs. Some options: - CalFresh (food assistance) - you may qualify even with income slightly above the normal limits due to having reduced income - Local rental assistance programs (many counties have emergency funds) - Utility payment assistance programs (LIHEAP or similar) - Credit union emergency loans (often have better terms than payday loans) Also, has your husband checked if the university offers any summer grants or hardship funds for staff? Some institutions have emergency funds for employees that most people don't know about.

I know this is slightly off-topic but has anyone else noticed that EDD seems to be doing a lot more eligibility interviews lately? I just got a notice for one even though I've been on claim for 4 months with no issues. Wonder if this is related to the payment method stuff somehow?

Since we're discussing EDD payment options, it's worth mentioning that returning to direct deposit might be a safer option than both paper checks and Money Network cards if your banking situation stabilizes. Direct deposit payments typically post within 1-2 business days after certification processes, making it the fastest method overall. You can update your payment preference at any time through your UI Online account. If you're concerned about security with direct deposit, consider opening a separate account specifically for EDD benefits that you transfer funds out of immediately. This provides both the speed of direct deposit and protection from potential account compromise.

For your interview, here's what to prepare: 1. Timeline of absences with reasons 2. Any documentation of emergencies (texts, emails, hospital paperwork if available) 3. Know your employer's attendance policy 4. Explain why you couldn't provide proper notice when required 5. Be ready to discuss any prior warnings Stay calm and factual during the interview. The EDD interviewer isn't looking to trick you - they're gathering information to determine if your separation from employment qualifies you for benefits. As for certifying, you should still do it if you can get your account issues resolved, but understand that you won't receive payments until after a favorable eligibility determination.

Actually, I recommend certifying regardless of whether your interview has happened yet. If your eligibility is approved, EDD will process payments for the weeks you've certified. If you wait to certify until after approval, you'll have to wait even longer for payments. So fix your account issue asap and certify for any weeks you can. For your account issues, when you call EDD, specifically mention that you need to have your previous UI Online account linked to your new claim. This is a common issue they deal with all the time.