Should I certify for EDD benefits while my eligibility is still pending?

YES! Certify right away! The system automatically generates certification notifications even while your claim is still being processed. If you don't certify on time, you'll have to deal with late certifications which is a whole other headache. I was in the exact same boat last November and got worried like you, but my claim was approved a week later and I got paid for those weeks I certified during the pending period. Just make sure you answer everything truthfully!

yea u should always certify even if ur not sure about eligibility yet. i waited once and it was a NIGHTMARE to backdate everything

This is actually a common confusion point with EDD. Their system is set up to automatically prompt certifications on a biweekly schedule regardless of where your claim stands in the approval process. Here's what you should know: 1. Certifying while your claim is pending is not only okay, it's recommended 2. If your claim is eventually approved, those weeks will already be certified and payment will process faster 3. If your claim is denied, those certifications simply won't result in payment 4. Missing certifications can lead to conditional payments or having to go through the more complex retroactive certification process One important note: your claim status showing as 'pending' for 3+ weeks might indicate there's an eligibility interview needed or identity verification issue. Have you checked if there are any action items in your UI Online account?

I went through this exact situation in January. Definitely certify! But also be aware that the 3-week wait without any determination is longer than normal. In my case, it turned out there was an issue with my identity verification that wasn't showing up in my UI Online account. I tried calling EDD for days but couldn't get through - always got the "we're experiencing high call volume" message. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD rep told me there was an ID verification flag on my account that needed to be cleared, and they took care of it right then. My claim was processed within 2 days after that call. Sometimes you need to talk to an actual human to find out what's going on.

I had a claim last year where it took nearly 5 weeks to get a determination, but I kept certifying every two weeks as prompted. When they finally approved my claim, I got all the back payments at once (like $2340 total). So defintely keep certifying. But I also agree with others that 3+ weeks with no word could mean there's something holding up your claim. Look for mail from EDD too - sometimes they send physical letters about issues even if nothing shows online. Things that commonly delay claims: - ID verification issues - Employer contesting the claim - Missing wages or multiple employers in base period - Need for phone interview I'd say give it another week, then try getting through to a rep if you still don't hear anything.

This SAME THING happened to me!! The EDD system is SO BROKEN!!! I waited 6 WEEKS with NO WORD and finally got through to someone who told me my claim was just sitting there and nobody had looked at it yet!!! They're TERRIBLE and DON'T CARE that people have bills to pay!! But yeah certify anyway cause otherwise you'll have to do backdated certifications which is a NIGHTMARE!!!!!

Just to add another important point: when you certify, be extremely careful about reporting any work and income accurately. If you worked at all during those weeks, report it. Mistakes here are the most common reason for overpayment notices down the road, which can be a real headache to resolve. Also, make sure you can document your work search activities for each week you certify. The current requirement is to perform and record at least 3 work search activities per week (like applying for jobs, attending interviews, networking, etc.). Keep good records of these in case EDD requests them later.

one time my cousin didnt certify cause he was waiting to hear back and then he had to call and get them to reset something so he could do backdated weeks... total pain... just do the certify thing when they say even if waiting

did u check ur spam folder? sometimes edd emails go there

Just wanted to follow up and see if you certified and if there's been any update on your claim status? It's been about a week since your original post.