EDD marked my work search as 'disqualified' even though I did search - can I fix this?
I just submitted my bi-weekly certification yesterday, and I noticed both weeks show 'disqualified' under the work search requirement section. This makes no sense because I absolutely did search for jobs during those weeks! I applied to at least 5 positions each week and kept detailed records like the EDD website said to do. Is there any way to go back and fix this? Can I upload my work search proof somehow? I'm freaking out because I really need this payment to cover my rent next week. Will they withhold my entire payment because of this work search issue? Has anyone dealt with this before and managed to get it corrected?
18 comments
Gabriel Graham
Unfortunately, once your certification is submitted with 'disqualified' for work search, you can't edit it directly through UI Online. You'll need to contact EDD to explain the situation. The disqualification means they may withhold payment until this is resolved. If you have documentation of your job searches during that period, gather it now - you'll need it when you speak with them.
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Alicia Stern
•Oh no, that's what I was afraid of. Do you know how long this might delay my payment? My rent is due in 10 days!
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Drake
Don't panic just yet! I had this EXACT same problem back in January. The EDD website glitched when I was certifying - I clicked YES that I looked for work but somehow it registered as NO. When I finally got through to an EDD rep, they were able to fix it on their end and released my payment within 48 hours. The key is actually getting through to someone. I wasted 3 days trying to call before I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes when I'd been getting busy signals for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Seriously worth it when your rent is on the line.
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Sarah Jones
•i had similar issue but mine took like 2 weeks to resolve ughhh the system is so broken
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Sebastian Scott
WAIT A SECOND! Are you sure you answered all the work search questions correctly during certification? On the screen where it asks "Did you look for work?" you have to select YES, but that's not enough! There's another screen where you have to select which work search activities you performed. If you skipped that or clicked through too fast, the system will mark you as disqualified even if you said yes to searching for work. THIS HAPPENED TO ME and I almost lost my mind!!! The EDD system is DELIBERATELY CONFUSING!
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Alicia Stern
•Hmm, I'm pretty sure I filled out everything correctly, but now you've got me doubting myself. I definitely selected YES to looking for work, but maybe I missed something on the following screens? When I look at my certification history it just shows "disqualified" but doesn't explain why.
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Emily Sanjay
This is a common issue with the certification process. Here's what likely happened: You selected "Yes" to looking for work, but either missed completing the work search record section or there was a system error during submission. Here's what you need to do: 1. Call EDD immediately at 1-800-300-5616 2. Explain that you conducted work searches but your certification shows "disqualified" 3. Have your work search records ready (dates, company names, positions, application methods) 4. Request they manually update your certification In most cases, they can fix this over the phone and release your payment. If they require documentation, they'll tell you how to submit it. Don't wait - this won't resolve itself automatically.
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Alicia Stern
•Thank you for the clear instructions! I'll start calling first thing tomorrow morning. Do you know what the best time is to get through? I've heard horror stories about waiting on hold for hours.
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Jordan Walker
did u save all ur work search stuff? they might ask for proof when u call. i usally just take screenshots of all my applications just in case this happens lol
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Alicia Stern
•Yes, I have a spreadsheet where I track everything - company name, position, date applied, website/email, and any responses. I've been keeping it since I first filed my claim because I heard they might audit people. Glad I did now!
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Natalie Adams
this happened to my brother and they ended up giving him a penalty week where he had to do the work search but didnt get paid for it. something about it being his second offense. have you had problems with work search requirements before?
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Alicia Stern
•This is my first time having any issue with my claim. I've been on unemployment for about 3 months now and all my previous certifications went through fine with payment. That's why I'm so confused about what happened this time.
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Drake
Just following up - were you able to get through to EDD about this? For anyone else reading this with similar issues, I cannot stress enough how much time I saved using Claimyr to connect with EDD. When you're dealing with potential payment delays and rent due dates, spending hours/days on redial isn't an option.
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Alicia Stern
•I've been trying since 8AM and still can't get through - just endless busy signals or the "we're experiencing high call volume" message. I might try that Claimyr service you mentioned because I'm getting desperate. Did they actually get you through to a real person who could fix your claim?
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Drake
Yes! They connected me to a tier 2 specialist who had the authority to change my certification status. Just make sure you have all your work search details ready when you call. The rep will ask for specifics about where you applied and when.
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Sarah Jones
•i used claimyr too last month, it works but its stupid we have to use a service just to talk to edd when were already broke lol
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Emily Sanjay
Quick update on work search disqualifications: As of March 2025, EDD has updated their system to allow for some limited corrections to work search issues through your UI Online account. Look for the "Contact EDD" option, then select "Certification Questions" as the category, and "Work Search Issue" as the topic. You can submit details there, though calling is still faster for urgent payment needs.
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Alicia Stern
•Thank you! I actually just got through to EDD (finally!) and they fixed the issue. It was exactly what someone mentioned above - I had clicked "Yes" to searching for work, but apparently didn't complete all the required fields on the following screen. The payment should be processed in 24-48 hours. What a relief!
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