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Christian Burns

EDD payments stuck in pending after starting school - CTB transition not happening?

I've been on regular UI benefits for about 3 months and just started a vocational training program last week. I notified EDD during my certification that I started school (answered 'yes' to the training question) and submitted the training information. My weekly payments that were previously coming through fine now show 'pending' for the last 10 days. I thought I'd automatically transition to the California Training Benefits (CTB) program but nothing seems to be happening. Am I supposed to file some additional paperwork to switch over from regular UI to the training program? Getting worried since rent is due soon and I'm counting on those payments. Also, do I still need to be applying for jobs while enrolled in this training program? The school is 30 hours per week but I could work part-time on weekends if needed to maintain eligibility.

The CTB doesn't happen automatically - you need to submit Form DE 1449T (Training Benefits Program Notice) to officially request approval. That's likely why your payments are stuck in pending. You can download the form from the EDD website or sometimes your school counselor will have copies. Submit it ASAP with your training information. Until you're officially approved for CTB, you technically still need to meet the regular UI work search requirements, but once approved, you won't need to look for work while in the approved training program.

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Thank you! I had no idea I needed to file a separate form. My academic counselor never mentioned this. Do you know how long it typically takes for them to process the CTB application once I submit it? Will my pending payments be released automatically or do I need to contact them?

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when i started school last yr my payments got stuck 2. u def need that form the other person mentioned but like GOOD LUCK getting thru to edd! took me 6 weeks to get paid again lol

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I went through this exact situation in February. The DE 1449T form is essential, but submitting it alone often isn't enough to get quick action. Your payments might remain pending for weeks unless you speak directly with an EDD representative who can push your CTB application through the system and release your payments. I was calling for days using the regular number and couldn't get through. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD rep within 25 minutes after days of failing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The rep was able to process my CTB application while on the phone and release my pending payments immediately. Worth considering if you can't wait weeks for the regular process.

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Thank you for the tip! I'll definitely try this if my payments don't start moving soon after I submit the form. I had no idea the school transition could cause such a delay. Really appreciate the advice.

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This happened to my cousin too! EDD should really make this clearer on their website. The whole system is so confusing honestly.

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To clarify some information here: 1. The California Training Benefits (CTB) program requires submitting form DE 1449T as mentioned above, but there are two paths to approval: - Self-arranged training (requires more documentation) - Training through approved institutions (streamlined process) 2. While your claim is pending CTB approval, you should continue to certify for benefits every two weeks AND continue your work search requirements until officially notified of CTB approval. 3. Once approved for CTB, you'll be exempt from work search requirements for the duration of your approved training program. The approval letter will specify the exact dates. 4. Processing time varies significantly - it can take 2-6 weeks depending on current workload. Your pending payments should release once approved. 5. If your training program is at an EDD-approved school, be sure to mention this on your application as it can expedite the process.

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Thank you for the detailed explanation! My school is an EDD-approved vocational training center, so hopefully that helps. I'll continue certifying and doing job searches while waiting for approval.

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OMG the EXACT same thing happened to me last semester!!! My payments were stuck pending for FIVE WEEKS and I almost got evicted!!! The EDD system is a nightmare with the CTB transition. Nobody tells you about the seperate form until its too late. And even AFTER you submit the form they take FOREVER to process it. I ended up having to go to my local assembly member's office for help - they have EDD liaisons who can push your claim through faster. Might be worth looking into if the form doesn't get processed quickly.

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Assembly member offices are hit or miss tho. I tried mine and they had a 3 week waitlist just to talk to their EDD person. Better to call EDD directly if you can get through somehow.

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I started school during my unemployment last year too. Just wondering, what kind of program are you taking? I did medical coding and it was eligible for CTB but my friend tried to get approved for a real estate course and got denied.

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I'm in a 6-month IT certification program focusing on network security. From what I understand it's on the approved list, but now I'm worried they might deny it for some reason. Did your friend find out why they were denied?

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Oh i think IT programs are usually approved from what ive heard! My friend got denied because real estate wasn't considered an "in-demand" occupation in our county. Something about labor market statistics they use. Your field should be fine tho, tech is always in demand.

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Just a note - don't forget to keep certifying every two weeks even while your claim is pending and switching to CTB. I made the mistake of thinking I should wait until my CTB was approved before certifying again, and it created a huge mess. Keep certifying on schedule no matter what!

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One more thing to add - make sure you keep documentation of all your school enrollment paperwork, class schedule, and any communications with EDD about your training. If there's a delay in processing your CTB application and you get an eligibility interview, you'll need this documentation to show you're legitimately in school and eligible for continued benefits. Also, check your UI Online inbox frequently - EDD often sends requests for additional information there rather than by mail, and they give tight deadlines to respond.

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That's great advice, thank you! I'll gather all my school documents tonight and keep them handy. I didn't realize EDD might request more information or schedule an interview. Hopefully submitting the form correctly the first time will prevent delays.

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I'm in a similar situation right now - started a nursing program two weeks ago and my payments went to pending immediately. I submitted the DE 1449T form last Friday but haven't heard anything back yet. The waiting is so stressful when you're depending on those payments! One thing I learned from my school's financial aid office is that they actually have a direct contact at EDD for students in their programs. Might be worth asking your school counselor if they have any EDD contacts or if they can help expedite your CTB application. Some schools are really good about advocating for their students with EDD. Also, just wanted to mention - I've been keeping a detailed log of all my certification dates, when I submitted forms, and any phone calls I make to EDD. My friend who went through this last year said having everything documented really helped when she finally got through to a representative. Hang in there! From what everyone is saying here, it sounds like it does get resolved eventually, just takes way longer than it should.

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That's a really smart idea about asking the school's financial aid office! I didn't even think to check if they have EDD contacts. My program coordinator mentioned they help students with various benefit issues, so I'll definitely reach out to them tomorrow. The documentation tip is gold too - I'm going to start keeping a detailed log right now. It's frustrating that we have to jump through so many hoops just to continue getting benefits while trying to improve our job prospects through training, but at least knowing what to expect helps reduce some of the stress. Thanks for sharing your experience and good luck with your nursing program! Hope both our CTB applications get processed quickly.

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I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! The pending payments are so nerve-wracking when you're counting on them. A few things that helped me get through the process faster: 1. When you submit the DE 1449T form, also include a copy of your school enrollment letter and class schedule - don't wait for them to request it later 2. If your school has a student services office, ask them for a "letter of good standing" that shows you're actively attending. EDD loves official documentation 3. Keep calling the EDD number early in the morning (around 8:02 AM) - that's when I had the best luck getting through The whole process took about 4 weeks for me, but once it was approved, all my pending payments were released in one lump sum. Your IT certification program should definitely qualify since tech skills are in high demand. One last tip - if you haven't already, set up text alerts in your UI Online account so you get notified immediately if EDD sends you any requests for additional information. Missing those deadlines can really slow things down. You've got this! The process is frustrating but it does work out in the end.

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This is incredibly helpful, thank you so much! I'm definitely going to include all that extra documentation when I submit my DE 1449T form. I hadn't thought about getting a letter of good standing from student services - that's a brilliant idea. The 8:02 AM calling tip is noted too. I've been trying to call randomly throughout the day with no luck, so having a specific time strategy makes sense. It's reassuring to hear that your pending payments all came through as a lump sum once approved. That gives me hope that I won't actually lose any money, just have to deal with the timing stress. I'm going to set up those text alerts right now - I definitely don't want to miss any requests for additional info that could delay things further. Thanks again for taking the time to share all these practical tips!

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I just went through this same nightmare 2 months ago when I started my medical assistant program! The pending payments thing is SO stressful - I totally feel for you. Here's what worked for me: First, definitely get that DE 1449T form submitted ASAP like everyone mentioned. But here's what nobody told me - when you submit it, also include a letter from your school's registrar confirming your enrollment status and that the program leads to employment in an in-demand field. This seemed to help speed up my approval. Second, your IT security certification should absolutely qualify since cybersecurity is huge right now. EDD loves programs that lead to "high-demand" jobs and tech definitely fits that. Third, about the job search requirement while you're waiting - yes, you still have to do it until you get official CTB approval. I kept a spreadsheet of my job applications just in case they asked, but once my CTB was approved I could stop. The whole process took me about 3.5 weeks from form submission to getting all my back payments released. It felt like forever but the relief when that lump sum finally hit my account was incredible! Hang in there - you're doing everything right by getting into training that'll improve your job prospects. The EDD bureaucracy is frustrating but it WILL get sorted out!

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This is such great advice about including the registrar letter! I never would have thought of that but it makes total sense that EDD would want official confirmation that the program leads to in-demand employment. I'm feeling much more confident about my IT security program qualifying after hearing from everyone here that tech programs usually get approved. The 3.5 week timeline gives me a realistic expectation too - I was hoping it would be faster but at least I know what to prepare for. I'll definitely keep up with the job search requirements and documentation until I get that official approval letter. It's so reassuring to connect with people who've been through this exact situation! The EDD website really doesn't prepare you for how complicated the transition to CTB can be. Thanks for sharing your experience and the encouragement - it helps a lot during this stressful waiting period!

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I went through this exact situation last year and it's definitely stressful! Just wanted to add a few more tips that helped me get through the CTB transition: 1. When you call EDD, have your Social Security number, claim ID, and the exact dates you started school ready - they'll ask for all of this right away and being prepared speeds up the call. 2. If you're having trouble getting through by phone, try calling your local EDD office directly instead of the main number. Sometimes they have shorter wait times and can still help with CTB applications. 3. Keep screenshots of your UI Online account showing the pending payments with dates. If there are any discrepancies later, this documentation can be really helpful. Your IT certification program sounds like it should definitely qualify - I was in a similar tech program and got approved without any issues. The cybersecurity field is exactly what EDD considers "in-demand" so you should be good there. One last thing - don't stress too much if it takes a few weeks. I know it's hard when rent is due, but everyone I know who went through this process eventually got all their back payments released once the CTB was approved. The system is slow but it does work! Good luck with your program - investing in your skills while on unemployment is such a smart move!

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These are such practical tips, thank you! I definitely need to get organized with all my documentation before I call. The screenshot tip is really smart - I hadn't thought about keeping visual records of the pending payments in case there are issues later. I'm going to try calling my local EDD office too if the main number doesn't work. I didn't even realize that was an option! It makes sense that they might have shorter wait times. It's really encouraging to hear from so many people who've successfully navigated this process, even though it took time. I feel much better prepared now with all this advice. The whole situation has been pretty overwhelming but knowing what to expect helps a lot. Thanks for the encouragement about investing in skills during unemployment too - sometimes I second-guess whether starting school was the right move when it creates all these complications, but you're right that it's a smart long-term decision!

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I'm going through something very similar right now! Started a coding bootcamp 2 weeks ago and my payments immediately switched to pending status. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the DE 1449T form requirement! One thing I wanted to add that might help others - my bootcamp's career services coordinator mentioned that EDD sometimes processes CTB applications faster if you submit the form online through UI Online rather than mailing it. She said the online submissions seem to get into the system quicker, though I'm not sure if that's officially confirmed anywhere. Also, for anyone else dealing with this - I called my local workforce development office (not EDD directly) and they were actually really knowledgeable about the CTB process. They couldn't process my application but they walked me through exactly what documentation to include and even helped me understand which job classification my program falls under for EDD purposes. The financial stress while waiting for these payments to clear is real though. I'm lucky my family can help with rent this month but I know not everyone has that safety net. It's frustrating that EDD doesn't make this transition process clearer upfront - seems like a lot of people get caught off guard by the pending status when they start school. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here. It's giving me hope that this will get resolved soon!

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That's a great tip about submitting the DE 1449T form online through UI Online! I was planning to mail it but if online submissions get processed faster, that definitely makes more sense. I'm going to check if that option is available when I log into my account tonight. The workforce development office idea is brilliant too - I never thought to contact them but having someone walk you through the documentation requirements sounds incredibly helpful. I'll look up my local office and give them a call tomorrow. You're absolutely right that EDD should make this process way clearer upfront. It's crazy that so many of us are discovering these requirements after our payments are already stuck in pending. At least we're all helping each other figure it out! I hope your coding bootcamp CTB application gets approved quickly. It sounds like tech programs generally have good success rates based on what everyone's been sharing here. Thanks for adding those extra resources - every bit of information helps when dealing with this confusing system!

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I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! Just started a data analytics program last week and my payments went to pending immediately. I had no clue about the DE 1449T form until reading all these comments - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences! Quick question for those who've been through this - did any of you have issues with EDD questioning whether your training program is "suitable" for your background? I'm worried they might deny my CTB application because my previous work experience was in retail management, not tech. The program counselor assured me it would qualify since data analytics is in high demand, but now I'm second-guessing myself after reading about the real estate course denial someone mentioned. Also, for anyone still waiting - I found out you can check the status of your CTB application by calling the main EDD number and asking specifically about "training benefits program status" rather than just general claim status. The rep I spoke with yesterday was able to tell me my form was received and is "under review" which at least gives me some peace of mind that it's in the system. The financial stress is definitely real while waiting for this to get sorted out. Thankfully my school has a small emergency fund program for students dealing with benefit delays, so that might be worth checking if your program offers something similar. Hang in there everyone - sounds like it works out eventually even if the process is frustratingly slow!

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I wouldn't worry too much about the career change aspect! EDD generally focuses more on whether the training program leads to employment in a high-demand field rather than your previous work history. Data analytics is definitely considered in-demand right now, so you should be fine. The retail management denial someone mentioned earlier was likely because real estate wasn't considered high-demand in their specific area, not because of a career change issue. Plus, lots of people use unemployment as an opportunity to pivot into new careers - that's exactly what these training programs are designed for! Your program counselor is right to be confident about approval.

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This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in almost the exact same situation - started a cybersecurity bootcamp 2 weeks ago and my payments immediately went to pending. I had no idea about the DE 1449T form until reading all these responses. One thing I wanted to add for anyone else going through this - my program coordinator mentioned that EDD sometimes requests proof that you're maintaining satisfactory academic progress, so it's worth keeping track of your grades/attendance from day one. She said having that documentation ready can prevent delays if they ask for it later. Also, I called EDD this morning using the 8:02 AM tip someone mentioned and actually got through after about 45 minutes on hold! The rep confirmed that cybersecurity programs are definitely on their approved list and that my application should process within 3-4 weeks once they receive the DE 1449T form. For those worried about the financial gap - I found out my local food bank has a special program for people dealing with benefit delays. It's not much but helps with groceries while waiting. Some community organizations also have emergency rent assistance if you're really struggling. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here. It's so reassuring to know this is a common issue that does get resolved, even though the waiting is stressful!

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This is such valuable information, thank you! The tip about keeping track of grades and attendance from the beginning is really smart - I wouldn't have thought about EDD potentially requesting academic progress documentation later. I'm going to start a folder with all my school records right away. It's so encouraging that you actually got through to EDD using the 8:02 AM strategy! And getting confirmation that cybersecurity programs are on the approved list gives me even more confidence about my IT security program. The 3-4 week timeline matches what others have shared, so at least I know what to expect. Thanks for mentioning the community resources too. I hadn't thought to check with local food banks or organizations about emergency assistance programs for benefit delays. That's really helpful to know those options exist if things get tight while waiting. This whole thread has been a lifesaver honestly. Going from panic about my pending payments to having a clear action plan thanks to everyone's shared experiences. The EDD process is frustrating but it's so much less scary when you know what to expect and have practical steps to take!

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I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago when I started a healthcare administration program! The stress of seeing those payments switch to pending is absolutely horrible when you're depending on that money. Here's what I learned that might help speed up your process: 1. Definitely submit that DE 1449T form ASAP like everyone mentioned, but also call EDD the same day you submit it to confirm they received it. Sometimes forms get lost in their system and calling creates a paper trail. 2. Your IT security program should have no problems getting approved - tech certifications are exactly what EDD loves to see since there's such high demand for cybersecurity professionals right now. 3. One thing I didn't see mentioned yet - if you have any military background or are receiving other benefits (like SNAP), mention this when you submit your CTB application. EDD sometimes fast-tracks applications for veterans or people in financial hardship situations. 4. Keep certifying every two weeks and continue your work search until you get the official approval letter. I made the mistake of assuming I could stop job searching once I submitted the form and it caused issues later. The whole process took me about 5 weeks from start to finish, but when my CTB got approved, all my pending payments came through as one big deposit. It was such a relief! Your situation sounds very similar to mine so I'm confident it'll work out. The waiting is awful but you're doing everything right by getting into a program that'll improve your job prospects long-term.

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