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I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - I was in the exact same position last fall when my benefits ran out. The uncertainty is absolutely terrifying, especially with rent costs being what they are. One resource I haven't seen mentioned yet is reaching out to your former employer's HR department. Some companies offer outplacement services or career transition assistance even after layoffs, and they might know about local resources or have connections that could help. It's worth a quick email or call. Also, while you're exploring all these other options, don't forget to check with your local food banks. Many have expanded their services and some even offer job search assistance or know about emergency financial aid programs in your area. The combination approach seems to work best from what I've seen - apply for CalFresh and any emergency assistance immediately, research the training benefits program as a medium-term solution, and keep networking aggressively for your next role. The waiting periods for everything are brutal, but having multiple applications in the pipeline helps reduce the anxiety. You mentioned you've applied to 40 jobs already - that's impressive dedication. Make sure you're tracking all of those details because if you do end up qualifying for a new claim later or get approved for training benefits, they'll want to see that job search activity. Hang in there - this is definitely one of the hardest parts of the whole unemployment experience, but you're not alone and there are still options to explore.
That's a really good point about reaching out to your former employer's HR! I never would have thought of that. I was laid off from a pretty large company so they might actually have some resources I don't know about. The food bank suggestion is practical too - I've been so focused on the financial benefits that I wasn't thinking about other ways to reduce expenses. Your point about tracking job search details is super important - I've been kind of sloppy with my record keeping and need to get more organized about that ASAP. Thanks for the encouragement and reminder that this is temporary, even though it definitely doesn't feel that way right now!
I've been following this thread closely since I'm in almost the exact same situation - my benefits end next week and I've been losing sleep over it. Thank you all for sharing such detailed and practical advice! One thing I wanted to add that helped me this week: if you're struggling to get through to EDD by phone, try calling right at 8 AM when they open. I called at exactly 8:00 AM on Tuesday and got through in about 45 minutes instead of the usual hours-long wait or busy signals. The rep I spoke with was actually really helpful and walked me through the difference between extensions (which don't exist anymore) and filing a new claim after your benefit year ends. Also, for anyone looking into the California Training Benefits program - I found a really helpful PDF on the EDD website that lists all the approved training providers by county. Search for "CTB approved training providers" and it should come up. It's way more comprehensive than I expected and includes online programs, community college courses, and even some bootcamps. The stress is real but reading everyone's success stories and actionable advice here has given me hope that there are still paths forward. We've got this!
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I'm currently going through the WIOA process myself after my EDD benefits ended two months ago. Here's what I've learned so far that might help: The intake process is definitely slow - took me about 3 weeks to get my first appointment, then another 2 weeks for the career assessment. But once you're in the system, things move faster. My counselor was actually really knowledgeable and helped me understand that my previous warehouse work experience could transition into logistics/supply chain management. One tip that's helped me: when you call to schedule your initial appointment, ask specifically about their current training program availability and wait lists. Some programs (like healthcare) have 3+ month waits, while others (like office administration or basic IT) might start within 4-6 weeks. Also, they do offer some emergency assistance for people who've exhausted UI benefits - I qualified for a small amount of gas money and help with phone bills while waiting to start training. It's not much, but every bit helps when you're in that gap period. The key seems to be treating it like a part-time job itself - staying on top of appointments, following up regularly, and being flexible about training options. My program starts next month (medical administrative assistant), so I can't speak to job placement success yet, but the process has been legitimate so far. Hang in there - it's frustrating but there does seem to be real help available if you can navigate the bureaucracy!
@Eli Butler This is super helpful timing - thank you for sharing your current experience! It s'reassuring to hear from someone who s'actively in the process right now rather than just looking back on it. The 3-week initial wait is better than what some others mentioned, and I really appreciate the tip about asking upfront about program availability and wait lists. That s'smart to get that information during the first call rather than finding out weeks later that your preferred training has a huge backlog. Medical administrative assistant sounds like a solid career path with good job prospects. Are they providing any job placement assistance or connections with local healthcare employers as part of the program? Also curious about the emergency assistance - is that something they automatically tell you about or did you have to ask specifically? With bills piling up during this gap period, even small amounts of help could make a difference. Really hoping your program goes well and you land something good afterward. Keep us posted on how the actual training goes - would love to hear about the job placement support once you get to that stage!
This thread has been incredibly helpful - thank you all for sharing your real experiences! I'm in a somewhat similar boat, having exhausted my UI benefits last month after working in hospitality for 8 years. The industry has been so unpredictable since COVID, and I'm ready for a career change into something more stable. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like success with WIOA really depends on three key factors: 1) finding a well-managed local office, 2) getting a good career counselor, and 3) being persistent with the process. The variation in experiences between counties is pretty eye-opening. @Alexander Zeus and @Eli Butler - your detailed accounts of the actual process are exactly what I needed to hear. It's encouraging that there are legitimate success stories, even if the bureaucracy is frustrating. The emergency assistance during the gap period that Eli mentioned could be a lifesaver. @Isabella Ferreira made a great point about documentation - I learned that lesson the hard way with EDD, so I'll definitely be keeping detailed records of everything. I'm planning to contact my local America's Job Center tomorrow morning. Based on what I've read here, I'll ask specifically about program wait lists, approved training options, and any supportive services during the transition period. Has anyone had experience with programs related to digital marketing or customer service? Those seem like they might be good fits for someone coming from hospitality management.
@Carmen Ortiz Your hospitality management background is actually pretty valuable for transitioning into digital marketing or customer service! I haven t'gone through WIOA myself yet, but I ve'been researching programs in my area and have seen both of those fields mentioned as in-demand training options. From what I ve'gathered reading through this thread and doing my own research, customer service roles especially (remote ones seem) to be on most counties approved' lists since there s'such high demand. Digital marketing might be a bit more hit-or-miss depending on your location, but the skills from hospitality - understanding customer needs, managing multiple priorities, problem-solving under pressure - translate really well to both fields. One thing I d'suggest when you call tomorrow is asking about any stackable "credentials -" some programs let you start with basic customer service training and then add on digital marketing skills later. That way you could get into the workforce faster and continue building skills. The documentation tip from @Isabella Ferreira is so important - I learned that lesson with other government programs too. Having everything organized from day one will save you so much headache later. Good luck with your call tomorrow! Definitely keep us posted on what options they present for your background. Your experience could help others in similar hospitality situations.
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Wow, what a rollercoaster! I'm so relieved to hear you got everything sorted out. I'm actually dealing with a similar lockout issue right now - my account got flagged after I moved and tried to update my address. Been stuck for 2 weeks unable to certify. I'm definitely going to try both the technical support line (1-833-978-2511) and the Claimyr service. Quick question though - when you called the tech support line, did they ask for any specific verification documents or just the usual SSN/personal info? I want to make sure I have everything ready before I call. This thread has been incredibly helpful!
@Freya Larsen I went through the exact same thing when I moved last year! Address changes definitely trigger their security system. Just wanted to add that you should also have your original claim confirmation number handy if you still have it - they sometimes ask for that during verification. Also, if you re'using Claimyr, make sure your phone has good reception because they ll'call you back pretty quickly once they get through. I was in the middle of something and almost missed their callback! Really hope one of these methods works for you. This thread shows there are actually several ways to solve this problem, which is reassuring.
@Freya Larsen I m'jumping in because I just went through this nightmare myself! Address updates are such a pain with EDD s'security system. One thing that really helped me was writing down all my info before calling - not just current address but the EXACT way I originally entered it in the system including (any abbreviations like St "vs" Street ".")Sometimes their system is picky about formatting. Also, if you have any mail from EDD from before the address change, bring that with you when you call - they might ask for a confirmation number from an old notice. The tech support line worked for me on the third try, but I also had Claimyr running as backup. Don t'give up - there are definitely ways to fix this!
I'm new to this community but going through the exact same nightmare right now! My UI Online account got locked 3 weeks ago after what I think was a failed login attempt, and I've been stuck in certification limbo ever since. Reading through this thread gives me so much hope - I had no idea there was a separate technical support line (1-833-978-2511) or services like Claimyr that could help. I've been banging my head against the wall calling the main EDD number dozens of times with no luck. @CosmicCommander your success story is exactly what I needed to hear today! I'm definitely going to try both the tech support line and contact my assembly member tomorrow. Quick question for anyone who's been through this - should I be worried about my claim getting closed if I've missed 3 certification periods? I'm terrified they're going to cancel everything and make me reapply. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is a lifesaver!
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I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now and it's beyond frustrating! Been waiting 10 weeks and counting. One thing I discovered that helped a bit was uploading documents through the EDD portal AND also faxing them directly to their identity verification department (fax: 916-319-5400). Sometimes one method gets processed faster than the other. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're checking your UI Online account daily - sometimes they'll request additional documents and if you miss the deadline they restart the whole process 😤 The waiting game is brutal but from what I've seen in this thread and other forums, people ARE eventually getting their backpay once everything gets sorted out. Keeping my fingers crossed for all of us stuck in this mess!
Thanks for the fax tip Javier! I had no idea there was a direct fax line for identity verification - that's super helpful. I've only been uploading through the portal so I'm definitely going to try faxing my documents too. 10 weeks is insane though, I really hope yours gets resolved soon! This whole process makes me wonder how many people just give up entirely because it's so complicated and time-consuming. At least we're all in this together and can share tips like this 🤞
Just want to add my experience to hopefully help others going through this nightmare! I was stuck in identity verification hell for about 3 months last year. What finally worked for me was a combination of several strategies mentioned here: 1. Used the ID.me route (much faster than traditional verification) 2. Called right at 8am on weekdays and specifically asked for Tier 2 3. Kept detailed notes of every interaction 4. Sent documents via BOTH online portal AND fax The breakthrough came when I got a Tier 2 rep who actually cared and walked me through exactly what was missing from my file. Turns out they had marked my utility bill as "unclear" but never told me - I had to upload a different one. Once everything was verified, I got ALL my backpay in one lump sum covering 14 weeks. It was a huge relief! The key is persistence and using multiple channels. Don't rely on just one method. Also pro tip: screenshot EVERYTHING in your UI Online account. Dates, confirmation numbers, document upload receipts - all of it. You'll need this info later and the system sometimes "loses" things. Stay strong everyone, it's frustrating but you will get through this! 💪
This is exactly the kind of detailed breakdown I needed to see! Thank you so much for sharing your experience Yuki. I'm definitely going to try the ID.me route - seems like multiple people have had success with it being faster. The tip about screenshotting everything is gold too, I've already had issues with the system "losing" my document uploads. 14 weeks of backpay must have been such a relief! Gives me hope that all this waiting and frustration will eventually pay off. Really appreciate you taking the time to write out all these steps! 🙏
Anita George
I'm also a substitute teacher dealing with this exact same issue right now! Just found this community after getting my "reasonable assurance" denial letter and I'm so relieved to see I'm not alone in this fight. My district sent the typical generic email asking if subs want to remain on the list next year, with language like "work assignments depend on daily staffing needs" - how is that reasonable assurance?? During the regular school year, I'd sometimes go 2-3 weeks without a single call, then suddenly work 4 days straight. Zero predictability or guarantee. Reading through all these success stories gives me so much hope. I'm definitely appealing and using the strategies shared here: documenting my irregular pay history, highlighting the conditional language in district communications, and including that P-B-218 precedent case reference. One thing I'm adding to my appeal is a screenshot from our district's online substitute system showing how jobs are posted day-of or night-before when teachers call in sick. It really demonstrates the unpredictable, on-demand nature of substitute work versus having an actual employment contract. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and creating such a supportive space. For any other subs reading this who are feeling defeated by their denial - don't give up! The evidence is clearly on our side that day-to-day substitute work doesn't constitute reasonable assurance under the law.
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Malik Thomas
•Welcome Anita! Your situation is so similar to what many of us are experiencing - it's frustrating but also validating to know this is such a widespread issue with EDD's initial processing system. That screenshot idea from your district's online substitute system is brilliant! Visual evidence showing how jobs are posted last-minute really drives home the unpredictable nature of our work. I wish I had thought of that for my own appeal documentation. Your district's language about work depending on "daily staffing needs" is another perfect example of conditional employment that contradicts reasonable assurance. It's amazing how all these districts use similar language that actually supports our appeals, yet EDD's automated system treats us like contracted employees with guaranteed positions. The fact that you sometimes went 2-3 weeks without calls during the regular school year is exactly the kind of evidence that wins these appeals. Make sure to emphasize those gaps in your timeline - it really shows there's no reliable income stream or work guarantee. Keep us posted on how your appeal goes! This community has been such a lifeline for understanding our rights and fighting these unfair denials. You've got all the right documentation and strategy - I'm confident you'll be successful!
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Ezra Bates
I'm a substitute teacher who just went through this exact same situation and successfully won my appeal! Got the same "reasonable assurance" denial initially, which was so frustrating since being on a sub list is clearly not a job guarantee. Here's what worked for me in addition to all the great advice already shared: 1. I created a simple calendar showing all the days I was available during the school year but didn't get called - this visual really helped the appeals judge understand how unpredictable sub work is 2. I included a copy of my district's substitute handbook that explicitly states sub positions are "temporary, part-time, and without benefits or guarantee of continued employment" 3. During my phone hearing, I emphasized that I have to actively look for work every single day by checking the system or waiting for calls - this isn't passive employment like a contracted position The whole process took about 7 weeks but I received full backpay once the decision came through. Don't let EDD's initial denial discourage you - their automated system just flags all school employees the same way. As day-to-day subs, we have completely different employment arrangements than contracted teachers. Make sure to file your appeal quickly and keep certifying for benefits during the process. The precedent is clearly on our side! You've got this!
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Sofia Gomez
•This is exactly the kind of detailed success story I needed to hear! I'm just starting my appeal process and the calendar idea showing available days without calls is genius - I never thought about visualizing it that way but it really would demonstrate the unpredictable nature of substitute work. The point about having to actively look for work every day is so important too. Unlike contracted employees who just show up to their assigned position, we're essentially freelancers who have to hunt for assignments daily with zero guarantee. That's a huge distinction I'll definitely emphasize in my phone hearing. 7 weeks feels like forever when you're waiting for income, but knowing there's full backpay at the end makes it worth fighting through. Did you have any issues with the certification process during your appeal, or was it pretty straightforward to keep filing weekly? Thanks for sharing your successful strategy - it gives me so much confidence that this is winnable with the right documentation and approach!
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