Let me clarify some things about contacting EDD, since there's a bit of misinformation in this thread. The main UI claims line (1-800-300-5616) is staffed Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. If your issue is specifically about payments that switched from pending to disqualified, you likely need a tier 2 specialist. When you call, use these exact prompts to reach the right department: Press 1 for English, then 2 for claim questions, then 1 for existing claim. At this point, you need to explicitly say you need to speak with a tier 2 specialist about a disqualification issue. The first-level representatives can't help with disqualification statuses but can transfer you. Also, if your disqualification is related to an eligibility interview, ask if there's an interview scheduled. If so, prepare documentation showing your eligibility based on whatever issue they've flagged (either job separation or availability for work).

UPDATE: I tried calling this morning using the exact prompts that @profile1 suggested, and after 12 attempts I finally got through! The tier 2 specialist explained that my employer contested my claim saying I quit (which is NOT true - I was laid off). They've scheduled a phone interview for next week to resolve it. Thank you everyone for your suggestions! If the interview doesn't fix things, I'll try the assembly member route or Claimyr. Will post another update after my interview.

One important thing to add: when you submit your appeal documentation, include a cover letter explicitly stating that your case involves a clear-cut instance of constructive discharge due to reduced hours, and that you believe the evidence submitted is sufficient for a determination without a hearing. While this doesn't guarantee a paper review, it does flag your case as potentially resolvable without a hearing. The ALJ has full discretion on whether to schedule a hearing or not. Also, if your employer doesn't submit a response to your appeal (which happens frequently), that increases the likelihood of a favorable paper determination. Many employers don't bother to contest appeals once they're filed.

Based on what you've shared, you have a strong case. Reduction of hours to the point where you can't sustain yourself is recognized by EDD as good cause for leaving employment. The key will be documenting: 1. Your previous regular schedule 2. How the hours were reduced (by how much and over what period) 3. Any conversations with management about getting more hours 4. The financial impact of the reduction Even if you do end up with a hearing, remember that the ALJs are used to dealing with nervous people. They'll guide you through the process with questions. And unlike a regular court, these hearings are much more informal. The judge is mainly trying to establish facts, not trip you up with legal technicalities. Good luck with your appeal - it sounds like you have a legitimate case that should be approved once they review all the facts.

anybody know if the first payment includes retropay for the weeks you were waiting for the interview? i had to wait 5 weeks for my interview and im confused about if ill get all that money at once

UPDATE: You all were right! Just checked my UI Online account this morning and the status changed from "pending" to "paid" for my first two weeks. The payment isn't in my bank account yet, but at least I know it's coming. Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance!

LOL at how EDD reps just expect us to understand their weird code language! "Your claim starts the 14th" apparently means "Yes you're approved" but heaven forbid they just SAY THAT when you ask directly! 🤦‍♀️

Since you mentioned you worked in tech, just a heads-up to prepare for the possibility of an eligibility interview. They sometimes schedule these for people in tech/professional fields to verify you were laid off and didn't quit or get fired for misconduct. Make sure you have your termination letter or any documentation showing it was a layoff. Most likely everything will go smoothly since they've already approved your claim, but having documentation ready will help if they do contact you for an interview.

My cousin works at Warner Bros (not an actor) and he said they're already starting to schedule productions again, so from the studios' perspective the strike is definitely over. That might help your case with EDD since it shows the industry is returning to work. Just my 2 cents.

Just wanted to follow up - I checked with my actor friends and they said the key was answering "No" to the question "Are you currently on strike?" and "Yes" to "Are you able and available to accept work?" Then in the additional information section, they explained that the SAG-AFTRA strike has been called off by leadership but they haven't been called back to work yet. All of them got their claims approved within 3-5 days. Hope this helps!