California Unemployment
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Working part-time (2 days/week) after full-time training - still need work search for EDD?
So I just started a new job at a retail store and my first week they had me doing full-time training (40 hours). But now they've only scheduled me for 2 days per week going forward (total of 16 hours). I'm still certifying for unemployment since this is way less than what I need to survive. My questions: 1. Do I still have to do the work search requirement even though I technically have a job? 2. How will EDD calculate my benefits? Will they just reduce my weekly benefit amount based on what I make those 2 days? 3. Should I report the full-time training week differently than my regular part-time weeks? I'm really confused about how this works and don't want to mess up my claim. Anyone deal with something similar?
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Money trapped in Bank of America account - have Money Network card but missing B of A debit card
I'm in a weird situation and feeling really stressed about it. I started receiving EDD benefits about 3 weeks ago, and the payments went into a Bank of America account associated with my claim. But I never received the B of A debit card to actually access that money! When I called Bank of America, they claimed they sent the card, but I've checked my mail religiously and nothing ever showed up. The confusing part is I just received a Money Network card this week. I thought EDD switched from B of A to Money Network entirely, but apparently I have funds stuck in both systems? I really need to access the money in the Bank of America account ASAP. My rent is due next week and I'm panicking. Does anyone know how to get money out of the B of A account without having the physical debit card? Or how to request a replacement? The EDD website is no help and I've been on hold with B of A for hours.
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wait im confused about something... isnt money network replacing b of a completely? why r u getting payments to both places? my payments all switched to money network last year and i never got anything to b of a after that
The transition happened in phases throughout 2024-25. If someone had pending payments or a backdate that was processed during the transition period, they could end up with funds in both systems. It depends on when each payment was actually processed by EDD, not when it was certified or approved. It's confusing because EDD didn't communicate the transition timeline clearly to claimants.
Just wanted to add one more thing - once you get your B of A card situation resolved, make sure you transfer ALL funds out of that account. The B of A EDD accounts will eventually be closed completely as EDD fully transitions to Money Network. Any funds left in B of A accounts after the transition completes could cause headaches to recover.
That's really good advice - I'll make sure to empty the account completely once I get access. Do you know if there's a deadline when the B of A accounts will be closed?
EDD hasn't announced a firm deadline, but based on their communications, they aim to complete the transition by mid-2025. I'd recommend emptying the account as soon as you can access it rather than waiting.
Can I get paid for COVID sick week when certifying for EDD with no doctor's note?
I'm totally freaking out about my upcoming EDD certification and could use some advice! I've been on UI for about 2 months now after getting laid off from my restaurant job. My certification is due tomorrow for the past two weeks, but here's my problem: I had a horrible case of COVID the first week (I'm immunocompromised) and couldn't even get out of bed for 6 days. By the second week, I developed severe chest inflammation and ended up in the emergency room. The ER gave me documentation for my hospital visit, but I never got tested for COVID while I was actually sick - I just used home tests which I've already thrown away. My question is: How do I certify for that first week when I was too sick to look for work but have zero medical documentation? Will EDD deny my benefits for that week if I'm honest about being too ill to search for jobs? I tried calling EDD about this situation but couldn't get through to anyone. Anyone been through something similar?
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wait im confused... so if ur sick do u say yes to question 2 or no? cuz question 2 asks if theres any reason OTHER THAN sickness that u couldnt work. so wouldnt u say no if sickness was the only reason??
You're absolutely right to ask for clarification! Question #2 asks if there was any reason OTHER THAN sickness that you couldn't work. So if being sick was your only reason for not being able to work, you would answer "No" to question #2. Then Question #3 specifically asks "Were you sick or injured?" - that's where you would answer "Yes" and indicate the number of days. I apologize for the confusion in my earlier response. The EDD certification questions can definitely be tricky to understand.
UPDATE: I just completed my certification and answered honestly about the days I was sick. I said NO to question 2 (since being sick was my only reason) and YES to question 3 about being sick/injured, and entered 6 days for the first week and 1 day for the second week. My status now shows "pending" so I guess I'll find out in a few days what happens. Thanks everyone for your help - I'll update again when I know more!
You did exactly the right thing. The "pending" status is normal after certifying - it usually takes 1-3 days to change to "paid" status. Since you were honest with your certification, you should receive at least partial payment for the first week and most of your regular amount for the second week. Keep us posted!
Need to cancel EDD claim filed yesterday - urgent help needed!
I think I made a big mistake and filed for unemployment yesterday when I shouldn't have. My employer just offered me reduced hours instead of laying me off, so I don't actually need to file for unemployment right now. Is there any way to cancel my claim entirely? Can I message EDD directly to stop the claim from being processed? I don't want to commit fraud or cause problems with my employer. I tried looking through the UI Online portal but can't find any option to withdraw my application. Please help!!
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when i worked at walmart someone acidentally filed for ui while they were still working full time lol. they just called edd n explained. nothing happened to them. dont panic just dont certify n ur fine
UPDATE: I was able to get through to EDD this morning! I used the Claimyr service someone recommended and got connected within 30 minutes. The representative was super helpful and made a note on my account that I didn't intend to proceed with the claim due to continued employment. She said my employer will still get the initial notice, but there won't be any impact on their rates since I won't be collecting benefits. She also suggested I let my HR department know what happened just as a courtesy. Such a relief to have this resolved!
Excellent! Glad you got it sorted out quickly. This is definitely the best approach - getting official documentation of your intent not to proceed with the claim. Smart move to inform your HR department too.
Exhausted all options trying to reach EDD agent - need alternative contact methods urgently
I'm at my wits end trying to help my daughter reach an actual human at EDD. For the past 3 weeks, she's been desperately trying to resolve an identity verification issue that's holding up her benefits ($2,750 worth now). She's tried: - Calling the main number from 8am-12pm daily (always get the 'too many callers' message) - Sending messages through UI Online (no response after 2 weeks) - Emailing through Contact EDD form (automated reply only) - Calling the technical support line (they can't help with claim issues) - Even tried calling right at 8:00am opening time (still couldn't get through) She's running out of savings and getting really anxious about making April rent. Her claim says "pending - verification needed" but the ID.me process shows completed on her account. Are there any alternative methods to actually speak with someone? Any special phone numbers or tricks that actually work in 2025? I'm trying to help her but we're both completely frustrated with this broken system.
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have u tried going to an actual edd office in person?? sometimes thats the only way
Most EDD offices don't handle UI claims in person anymore. They primarily handle employment services now, not unemployment claims. This hasn't been a viable option since before the pandemic.
UPDATE: We finally got through to EDD! After trying the ID verification direct line this morning with no luck, we decided to try the Claimyr service mentioned above. Took about 38 minutes, but they got us connected to an actual EDD representative. Turns out there was a mismatch between her legal name in the EDD system (which included her middle name) and her ID.me verification (which didn't). The rep fixed it on the spot and released all pending payments. Should be in her account within 48 hours. Thank you everyone for your suggestions! This community was incredibly helpful when we were at our wits' end.
Great to hear! Those name mismatches are frustratingly common but relatively easy to fix once you actually reach someone. Glad your daughter will be getting her payments soon.
thats awesome!! so glad u got it resolved! EDD is such a mess lol
Clarissa Flair
I'm also wondering about something similar... I started as an independent contractor last month but the hours are totally inconsistent. Sometimes I work 30 hours a week and other times just 5-10. I'm still certifying but have NO IDEA if I'm doing it right. Do I need to do work search in weeks where I get more hours?
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Val Rossi
For independent contractors, you should still report all earnings for each week and do work search activities in any week you're working less than full-time (under 32 hours). Your situation is a bit more complex because you need to report gross earnings, not just hours. Since your hours vary, you need to evaluate each certification week individually. In weeks you work 30+ hours, you're likely not eligible for benefits, but you should still certify and report everything accurately.
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Melissa Lin
btw dont forget u can count job interviews and even checking job listings as work search activities... u dont have 2 apply to jobs every single time
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Hugh Intensity
AuthorOh that's good to know! So even if I just spend time looking through job postings on Indeed or LinkedIn, that counts as a work search activity? What about networking or talking to friends about potential job openings?
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Effie Alexander
Yes, EDD considers these as valid work search activities: - Applying for jobs - Submitting resumes - Attending job interviews - Registering with placement facilities - Checking with former employers - Networking with friends/relatives about job leads - Searching for jobs online Just keep a record of what you do each week in case EDD asks for verification later.
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