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NebulaNova

EDD account balance suddenly zero - what to do next?

Hey everyone, I just checked my unemployment account and my balance is showing zero. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm not sure if my benefits have run out or if there's some kind of error. Any advice on what I should do next?

Same boat here. My balance hit zero last week and I'm freaking out. Have you tried calling EDD? I've been trying for days but can't get through.

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Calling EDD is like winning the lottery these days 🙄 I've been trying for weeks!

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Pro tip: call right when they open. I got through after only 30 minutes on hold last time.

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Thanks for the tips! I'll try calling first thing tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed 🤞

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It could be that your benefit year has ended. Check when you first applied and see if it's been a full year. You might need to file a new claim.

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I found a way to actually get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video explaining it: https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

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Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?

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20 bucks? Thats kinda steep for just a phone call...

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I get the skepticism, but it seriously saved me hours of frustration. Worth every penny imo.

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Just tried it and got through in 2 hours! Normally I'd be on hold all day. Thanks for the tip!

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Have you checked if you qualify for any extensions? Sometimes they automatically apply, but other times you need to request them.

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I didn't even know about extensions! How do I find out if I qualify?

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Check the EDD website under 'Types of Claims'. There should be info on PEUC and Fed-Ed extensions. But you'll prob need to talk to someone to get it sorted.

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Ugh, the EDD system is such a mess rn. I've been dealing with this for months. Here's what I've learned: 1. Zero balance usually means your initial claim is exhausted 2. Check for any messages in your EDD inbox about extensions 3. If you've hit your benefit year end, you'll need to reapply 4. Keep certifying even with a zero balance! 5. Be persistent with calling - use auto-dialers or paid services if you can 6. Check r/unemployment for CA specific info, super helpful Hang in there, it's frustrating but you'll get it sorted!

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This is gold 💯 Thanks for breaking it down!

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Wait, we should keep certifying even with zero balance? I didn't know that!

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Yep! It keeps your claim active in case extensions kick in. Better safe than sorry!

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anyone else feel like were playing unemployment hunger games? may the odds be ever in your favor lol 🏹

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LOL too real 😂 EDD be like 'Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds of getting through be ever in your favor!

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This happened to me last month. Turns out there was a glitch in there system and my balance reset to zero by mistake. Keep trying to get ahold of someone!

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Check your UI Online account for any pending issues or flags on your claim. Sometimes the balance shows zero when there's a verification hold or eligibility review in progress. Also log into your account and look at your payment history - if your last payment was recent, it might just be a display error. I had this happen twice and both times it was either a system glitch or they needed me to verify some info. Don't panic yet!

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This is super helpful advice! I didn't think to check for pending issues. Just logged in and there's actually a verification request I missed. Thanks for the tip about checking payment history too - that's a smart way to tell if it's just a display glitch.

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I went through this exact same thing a few months ago and it was terrifying! Turned out my benefit year had expired and I needed to file a new claim. The key things that helped me: - Don't stop certifying even with zero balance - Check your claim start date - if it's been a year, you likely need to reapply - Look for any messages in your UI Online inbox about next steps - Try calling early morning (7:30-8am) for better chances of getting through - Document everything - screenshot your account, save confirmation numbers The whole process took about 3 weeks to sort out but I did eventually get all my back payments. Stay persistent and don't give up! The system is frustrating but it does work eventually.

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Thank you so much for sharing your experience! This gives me hope that it will get resolved. I'm definitely going to start documenting everything like you suggested. Quick question - when you say "don't stop certifying," do you mean continue to certify for benefits even though the balance shows zero? I'm worried about messing something up if I keep certifying when there's no money showing.

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This just happened to my friend too! She panicked thinking her benefits were cut off, but it turned out to be a system maintenance issue that lasted about 48 hours. Her balance came back after the weekend. That said, definitely follow the advice others have given here - check for any pending issues, look at your benefit year start date, and keep trying to get through to someone. In the meantime, take screenshots of your account showing the zero balance just in case you need proof later. Also, if you haven't already, try logging out completely and logging back in. Sometimes that refreshes the data. The EDD system can be glitchy but don't lose hope - most of these zero balance scares do get resolved! 🤞

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That's a really good point about taking screenshots! I wish I had thought to do that when mine went to zero. The logging out and back in trick actually worked for me once - such a simple fix but sometimes the system just needs that refresh. It's crazy how a simple glitch can cause so much panic when you're depending on these benefits. Thanks for sharing what happened with your friend, it's reassuring to know that sometimes it really is just a temporary system issue!

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