i heard theres a new program for restaurant workers who lost jobs bc of minimum wage increases but my cousin applied and never got approved so maybe its not real

Just wanted to add that while the COVID programs are definitely gone, there are still some other resources that might help supplement your unemployment benefits. Look into CalFresh (food stamps) and your local food banks - many don't have strict income requirements right now. Also check if your county has emergency rental assistance programs. I know LA County and some others still have funds available for people who recently became unemployed. It won't replace those pandemic benefit amounts, but every little bit helps when you're trying to cover $2,100 rent on regular UI. Hang in there!

I'm currently in this exact situation and this thread has been a lifesaver! Just wanted to add my perspective as someone who's about to certify for the first time since starting classes. I'm a veteran using GI Bill benefits at community college (all evening classes) while on UI after being laid off in February. The school certification question has been keeping me up at night, but reading everyone's experiences here has really helped me understand what to expect. Based on all the advice shared, here's my game plan: - Mark "Yes" for school attendance (being honest is clearly the only way) - Use the notes section to explain my evening-only schedule and full daytime availability - Have my job search spreadsheet ready in case they call for an interview - Be prepared to potentially go on pending status but know it's temporary if I'm eligible What really stands out from all these stories is how much preparation and documentation matter. It seems like the people who had smooth experiences were the ones who had everything organized and communicated clearly upfront. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - especially the veterans who went through this with VA benefits. It's reassuring to know that our education benefits don't count as reportable income and that using them while on UI is totally legitimate as long as we remain available for work. I'll report back after my certification to let everyone know how it goes!

I just went through this process successfully last week and wanted to share my experience to help ease some anxiety! I'm also a veteran using GI Bill benefits while on UI after being laid off in January. I marked "Yes" for school attendance and used the notes section to explain that all my classes are online or after 6 PM, and that I remain fully available for full-time employment during standard business hours. I also mentioned my active job search efforts. My payments did go on pending status for about 10 days, which was stressful, but I got a call from EDD much faster than expected. The interview was really straightforward - they just wanted to confirm my class schedule didn't conflict with work hours and that I was genuinely seeking employment. I had my job search log ready (dates, companies, positions applied for) which seemed to help. The EDD rep specifically confirmed that VA education benefits don't count as reportable wages on weekly certifications since they're educational assistance, not employment income. They also noted that taking classes to improve job skills actually looks positive for continued eligibility. All my pending payments were released within 2 business days after the interview. The whole process was much less scary than I'd built it up to be in my head. My advice: be completely honest, have your documentation ready, and don't panic if you go pending temporarily. The system does work when you're legitimately available for work. Good luck everyone!

any update?? did ur $ come thru yet??

I'm so glad this worked out for you! This is actually a really helpful thread for anyone else experiencing similar delays. I've been on EDD for about 6 months now and had two random payment delays like this - both times the money eventually came through within 3-4 days just like yours did. It's frustrating that EDD doesn't communicate these system hiccups better, but at least we know now that "paid" status means the money is definitely coming, even if it takes longer than usual. Thanks for updating us with the resolution!

for future reference, any1 filing for unemployment should know that severance does affect when u can start getting benefits. EDD considers severance as wages for the period it covers, so they won't pay benefits until after that period ends. thats why its super important to report it right.

Congrats on getting it resolved! This is a great example of why it's worth being persistent with calling EDD early in the morning. For anyone else reading this thread who might face similar issues, documenting everything (like keeping screenshots of your original application and any error messages) can really help when you do get through to a representative. They can see your good faith effort to correct mistakes right away. Also, don't be afraid to ask the rep for a confirmation number or case number when they make corrections to your account - it's helpful to have that reference if any issues come up later during the certification process.

Reading through all these responses, I'm amazed at how many people are dealing with the exact same email mismatch issue - it really shows how widespread this problem is with EDD's system! I'm planning to try the 833-978-2511 number tomorrow morning at 8:01 AM sharp and specifically request a "contact information audit" like Sadie suggested. If that doesn't work, the in-person office visit that Abby mentioned sounds like a solid backup plan. I also really appreciate Mateusius's advice about documenting everything - I'm starting a call log today so I don't lose track of what different reps tell me. It's ridiculous that we need all these strategies just to get basic account info corrected, but this thread has given me hope that there are actually ways to get through the system. Thanks everyone for sharing what actually works instead of just complaining (though the complaints are totally justified too!). Will definitely update once I make some progress.

This is such a comprehensive thread with so many helpful strategies! I'm dealing with the exact same email mismatch issue and have been banging my head against the wall for weeks. The specific phone number (833-978-2511) and the "contact information audit" terminology are game changers - I never would have known to ask for that specifically. I'm definitely going to try the 8:01 AM approach tomorrow morning with my SSN and claim number ready. The documentation advice is brilliant too - I can't believe I haven't been keeping a call log this whole time. It's absolutely ridiculous that we need to become experts in navigating government bureaucracy just to get basic account information corrected, but I'm so grateful everyone is sharing actual solutions that work. The in-person office visit option also sounds promising as a backup plan. Will definitely report back once I make some progress. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share detailed, actionable advice instead of just venting (though the venting is totally justified too!).