This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm in a similar situation with my benefits expiring in about 6 weeks. I've been taking some free coding courses on freeCodeCamp and was worried I'd have to start over completely. After reading all these responses, I'm planning to visit my local AJCC office next week to explore the community college and Calbright options mentioned here. One additional resource I found that might help others - the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office has a program locator tool on their website where you can search for career education programs by field and location. I used it to find several data analytics and computer programming certificates in my area that are likely on the ETPL list. It's at cccco.edu if anyone wants to check it out. Also wanted to thank @Oliver Zimmermann for posting this question originally - your situation sounds almost identical to mine and this thread probably saved me from making the same Coursera mistake! Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and resources here.

As someone who just went through this process, I wanted to add that timing is absolutely critical! I made the mistake of waiting too long to start the paperwork and almost had a gap in my benefits. Here's what I wish I'd known earlier: 1. Start the process AT LEAST 6 weeks before your benefits expire if possible 2. Have backup options ready - I applied to 3 different programs just in case one fell through 3. Keep detailed records of all your communications with EDD, AJCC, and schools - you'll need to reference them later 4. Some AJCC offices are way more helpful than others - if yours isn't responsive, try calling a different location in your area Also, for anyone considering the community college route - many offer "short-term career training" programs that are 6 months or less and specifically designed for UI recipients. These are often fast-tracked for ETPL approval. I ended up in a 4-month cybersecurity program that got me both the benefits extension AND landed me a job before I even finished! Don't give up if the first person you talk to says "no" - keep pushing and asking to speak to supervisors. The system is confusing but it absolutely works if you're persistent!

Anyone else notice that the PFL website is always 'under maintenance' when you actually need to use it? 🙄

I'm dealing with the same situation right now - filed my PFL claim 5 weeks ago and it's still stuck in pending status. It's especially stressful when you're already dealing with a family crisis and then have to worry about finances on top of it. I've been trying the early morning calling strategy that others mentioned, but haven't had luck yet. Definitely going to try contacting my assembly member's office - that sounds like it could be really helpful. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips. It's frustrating that we have to jump through so many hoops just to get the benefits we're entitled to, but at least we're not alone in this mess! 🤞

This is extremely concerning and definitely not something that should happen after a routine backdate request! The "Jane Doe" with 1920 birth date is actually a default placeholder that EDD sometimes uses when there are system errors or security flags on accounts. The fact that this happened immediately after speaking with a rep suggests either a major system glitch or the rep accidentally triggered some kind of security protocol. I'd recommend calling EDD immediately and asking for the Claims Specialist supervisor - explain that your account was compromised after a backdate request and your personal information was changed without authorization. Make sure to mention the specific date/time you spoke with the rep yesterday so they can review that call. Also, ask them to put a security hold on your account until this is resolved to prevent any further unauthorized changes. This is definitely not normal and they need to fix it ASAP before it affects your benefits!

This happened to my cousin last year and it turned out to be a system error that occurred when the rep tried to process her backdate request. The "Jane Doe 01/01/1920" is apparently EDD's default when their system can't verify identity during certain processes. What worked for her was calling the technical support line (not the regular claims line) at 1-800-300-5616 and explaining that her account was corrupted after a backdate request. They were able to restore her original information within 24 hours once they understood it was a system glitch rather than fraud. Make sure you have your Social Security number and any previous correspondence ready when you call. The key is explaining that this happened immediately after a rep processed your backdate request - that should help them locate the error in their system logs. Don't panic, this is fixable but you need to get to the right department!

I'm completely new to this community and EDD, but this thread has been absolutely invaluable for someone in my exact situation! I was laid off in October 2024 but didn't file until just this week because I had no idea you could file immediately after job loss. Like so many others here, I was under the impression that unemployment was only for people who had completely exhausted all other options. My former employer's HR gave me zero guidance - just processed my final check and that was it. No mention of filing deadlines or benefit timing at all. I spent the last 5+ months aggressively job hunting, working with recruiters, attending networking events, and even picking up some freelance gigs, thinking I was being "responsible" by not immediately turning to government assistance. After reading through all your experiences, especially Lucas's detailed breakdown and the success stories from Rhett and others, I'm feeling much more hopeful about my chances. I'm planning to submit my backdate request online following the step-by-step process shared here, emphasizing the complete lack of employer guidance and including documentation of my extensive job search activities. Those missing 20+ weeks would literally be life-changing for my financial situation right now. I've been burning through savings and am getting close to having to make some really difficult decisions about housing and expenses. Thank you all for sharing your stories so openly - knowing I'm not alone in this situation and seeing that people with similar circumstances have had success gives me real hope. I'll definitely keep everyone updated on how my backdate request goes!

I'm completely new to this community and EDD system, but this thread has been such a lifeline! I was laid off in December 2024 but didn't file until just last week because I genuinely thought unemployment was a "last resort" that you only used after months of failed job searching. My employer's exit interview basically consisted of "here's your final paycheck, good luck" with zero mention of filing timing or deadlines. I spent the last 3+ months sending out applications daily, networking, and even doing some part-time delivery work to try to make ends meet - all while thinking I was being "responsible" by not immediately seeking government assistance. Reading everyone's experiences here has been both validating and frustrating to realize how widespread this misinformation is. Based on Lucas's detailed process and all the success stories shared here, I'm planning to submit my backdate request online this week. I have extensive documentation from my job search - application screenshots, recruiter email chains, and even receipts from the delivery work I did. The "lack of employer guidance" angle seems to align perfectly with my situation. Those missing 12+ weeks would honestly be the difference between keeping my apartment and having to move back home at 29. It's incredible how much bad advice is floating around about unemployment timing - I wish I'd found this community months ago! Thank you all for being so generous with sharing your experiences and practical advice. I'll definitely update everyone on how my backdate request progresses. This community is amazing for newcomers like me who are totally lost in the EDD maze!

Glad to hear you got your payment sorted out! Just wanted to add a few tips for anyone else dealing with Money Network card timing issues: If you're ever in a tight spot waiting for your EDD payment and need to access funds quickly, you can actually get cash back when making purchases at most grocery stores and pharmacies (usually up to $40-100 depending on the store). Also, if you have multiple weeks to certify, they'll all get deposited together once processing is complete, so don't panic if you see a larger amount than expected. The Money Network mobile app also sends push notifications when deposits hit your account, which is super helpful for tracking payments in real time!

Great to see this worked out! Just wanted to share my experience for anyone else reading - I've been on EDD for about 8 months now and the timing has gotten pretty predictable for me. I always certify Sunday night around 11pm and my Money Network card gets the deposit by Tuesday morning 99% of the time. The key things that helped me were: 1) Setting up text alerts through the Money Network app so I know immediately when funds hit, 2) Double-checking my certification before submitting (one small mistake can delay everything), and 3) Having a backup plan for tight timing situations. For rent payments, I've found that most landlords are understanding about a 1-2 day delay if you explain it's EDD processing time - just communicate early! Also pro tip: you can pay rent directly with the Money Network card at some property management companies, which saves you from having to transfer to your bank account first.