California Unemployment
CommunityGovernment Services
Can't reach California Unemployment? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Live agent or your money backRefund policy
Using Claimyr will:
- 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
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
EDD calculated my benefit amount overnight - seems way too low based on my high quarter earnings
I submitted my unemployment claim yesterday around 5pm and checked my UI Online account this morning - it's already showing my weekly benefit amount and benefit year! I'm shocked at how fast they processed it, but I'm also confused about the amount they calculated. The weekly benefit they're giving me seems WAY too low considering my highest quarter earnings from last year. I was making about $1,200/week at my tech job before the layoff, but my benefit amount is showing only $340/week? Does anyone know if the initial calculation is just automated and they'll review it more thoroughly later? Or is this amount likely final? I definitely want to appeal if this is wrong, but I'm wondering if I should wait a few days before calling. The whole process seems suspiciously fast - like maybe it's just a computer system auto-calculating without human review? Has anyone successfully gotten their benefit amount reconsidered? I kept good records of all my earnings if I need to dispute this.
Join the conversation
No work history for base period - EDD interview scheduled Monday - will I be denied?
I just applied for unemployment last week after being let go from my startup job (only worked there for 3 months). When filling out the application, I realized I didn't have any wages during the standard base period because I was taking care of my sick mother for most of 2024 and part of 2023. EDD scheduled an eligibility interview for Monday morning, and I'm really nervous. Does anyone know if I'll automatically be denied benefits since I don't have enough wages in the base period? I did work at a tech company for 5 years before taking time off for family care. Is there any way to use those older wages? What should I expect during this interview? I really need some income while I job hunt and I'm worried I made a mistake even applying.
Join the conversation
Just to add one more important detail - in the interview, they'll ask about your ability and availability to work. Make sure you clearly state that you are: 1. Physically able to work now 2. Available for full-time work 3. Actively looking for work 4. No longer needed as a caregiver Even if the base period wages issue is resolved somehow, they might still deny benefits if they think you have restrictions on your ability to work. They specifically look for reasons to disqualify people, so be very clear about your current availability.
THIS!!! They tried to disqualify me because I mentioned I could only work certain hours when my husband was home to take over caregiving. They said that meant I wasn't fully available for work. Be super careful how you phrase things.
EDD payment not on card day after certifying - has the timeline changed since 2021?
Just got laid off from my warehouse job last month and filed for unemployment. This is my first time dealing with EDD since the pandemic in 2021. I certified for benefits yesterday morning (around 9am) and was expecting the money to hit my old EDD card today like it used to back then, but nothing's showing up yet. Did they change how long it takes for payments to process now? Back in 2021 it was always next-day for me once I certified. I still have the same card from before - do they even use the same card system anymore? Starting to get nervous since rent is due next week and I'm counting on this payment. Any insight from recent claimants would be super helpful!
Join the conversation
dont worry about it too much. happened to all of us when they switched. system works its just slower now.
UPDATE: I called Money Network at the number you all provided and they confirmed my card was mailed yesterday! They said standard delivery is 7-10 days but I paid the $15 fee to expedite it, should be here in 3 business days now. Thanks everyone for your help! I had no idea about all these changes since 2021.
Glad you got it sorted out! When you receive the card, don't forget to set up your online account right away and consider switching to direct deposit for future payments. It's much more convenient and you'll get your money 1-2 days faster.
EDD denied my claim after boss's verbal abuse - appeal hearing timeline?
I left my retail management position back in January after my boss repeatedly screamed at me in front of customers. The final incident was when she called me incompetent and used profanity because I scheduled an employee for 36 hours instead of 32. I sent a formal resignation email that night explaining the hostile work environment. When I applied for unemployment, EDD denied my claim saying I quit without good cause. According to my former employer, I resigned after receiving a 'final written warning' and they claimed there were previous verbal warnings (completely fabricated). The district manager who supposedly issued these warnings is actually the owner's brother-in-law who sits 10 feet away and has witnessed all her outbursts without intervening. I filed an appeal in February and I'm STILL waiting for a hearing date in June. Has anyone been through the appeal process? What's the typical timeline for getting a hearing scheduled? I've since found another job (started in May), but I'm still pursuing this for the 3 months of backpay I believe I deserve. How strong is my case with this type of verbal abuse situation?
Join the conversation
Just wanted to mention that if you're struggling to get information about your appeal status, Claimyr (claimyr.com) has been a lifesaver for many people. It's a service that helps you actually get through to EDD on the phone instead of hitting busy signals all day. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km I used it to check on my appeal status when I hadn't heard anything for months. Got through to a rep who was able to tell me my hearing was actually scheduled but the notice had been sent to my old address. Would have missed it completely without being able to get through.
I used this service too after 3 weeks of trying to get through on my own. It's worth it just for the time saved from endlessly redialing. The EDD phone system is practically designed to prevent people from getting help.
did anyone else notice that the op said their boss's husband was the "general manager" but then later said the district manager was the owner's brother-in-law?? im confused about who's related to who lol
Sorry for the confusion! My boss was the owner (she owned the franchise location). Her husband was the "general manager" who issued the fake write-up. And her sister's husband was the district manager who oversaw multiple locations. Basically a family business where everyone was related and covered for each other. That's why going to HR wasn't really an option - HR reported directly to the owner (my abusive boss).
Can I get EDD unemployment benefits with severely reduced work hours?
My boss just cut my hours from 38 to only 12-15 per week at my retail job. I've been there for 2 years and this is killing me financially. Rent is $2,100 and I'm barely making $950/month now. Can I apply for unemployment to cover some of the difference while keeping my part-time hours? I heard something about "partial unemployment" but I'm not sure if that's a real thing or if I'd qualify. Do I need to be completely unemployed to get any benefits? Has anyone successfully gotten EDD payments while still working reduced hours?
Join the conversation
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm going to apply today. One last question - does anyone know how long it typically takes to get approved and start receiving benefits? I need to figure out how I'm going to cover rent next month.
It varies, but typically: - 1-2 weeks for initial processing - First certification period after that (2 weeks) - Payment within 1-3 days after certification is processed So about 3-4 weeks total from application to first payment if everything goes smoothly. Make sure you set up direct deposit in your UI Online account to get paid faster.
Liam O'Connor
And while you're waiting for them to fix it MAKE SURE you keep detailed records of EVERY conversation you have with EDD! I didn't do this and ended up having to restart my entire wage investigation because the rep I spoke with didn't properly note my account. Write down the date, time, rep name/ID number, and what they told you EVERY SINGLE TIME. Their system is designed to lose your information!!
0 coins
Amara Adeyemi
This is excellent advice. I'd also recommend following up any phone conversations with an email summary through your UI Online account messaging center. This creates a written record in their system that can be referenced if there are any disputes later. Always include the date and time of your call, the name of the representative you spoke with, and a brief summary of what was discussed and what actions were promised.
0 coins
Fatima Al-Mazrouei
my benfit amount was wrong 2 and i gave up fixing it cuz it was 2 much hassle tbh. ended up just accepting the lower amount cuz i cudnt deal with calling them 50 times
0 coins
Mei Chen
That's unfortunate, but I understand the frustration. For anyone reading this thread: don't give up on your correct benefit amount! The difference between a properly calculated benefit and an incorrect one could be thousands of dollars over your claim period. It's worth the effort even if it seems overwhelming.
0 coins