I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! I was disqualified for 5 weeks earlier this year due to "insufficient work search" when I was actually searching but didn't document it properly while dealing with my dad's hospitalization. Like you, I'm back to receiving benefits but those weeks just disappeared. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the DE 1000M form or that you could appeal specific weeks without affecting your current claim status. I'm definitely going to follow the advice here about gathering medical documentation and creating a timeline of events. One question for the group - has anyone had success appealing when the issue was work search documentation rather than availability? I was definitely looking for work during those weeks, I just wasn't keeping detailed records because I was so focused on my dad's medical crisis. I have some email confirmations from job applications, but not the comprehensive logs EDD apparently wanted. Thank you so much for posting this @Yara - sometimes it really helps to know you're not alone in dealing with EDD's confusing processes!

I want to emphasize something really important that might get lost in all the detailed advice here - **you absolutely have the right to appeal those disqualified weeks**, and the EDD rep who told you to "be grateful" was completely out of line. I've been through the appeals process twice (once for availability issues, once for work search), and both times I was initially told by phone reps that there was "nothing that could be done." That's simply not true. The appeals process exists specifically for situations like yours where life circumstances create temporary issues with unemployment requirements. A few key points to remember as you move forward: 1. **File the DE 1000M immediately** - even being several months late, medical family emergencies are textbook examples of "good cause" for late filing 2. **Don't let them intimidate you** - you're not asking for charity, you're asking for benefits you may have been rightfully entitled to 3. **Document everything** - but don't stress if you don't have perfect records. Judges understand that people in crisis situations don't always maintain perfect paperwork The fact that you're currently receiving benefits actually strengthens your appeal case because it shows your underlying eligibility was never truly in question. Those 6 weeks were likely disqualified due to a temporary availability issue during a legitimate family medical emergency. Keep us updated on how your appeal goes - this community is rooting for you!

To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

The interview is typically about verifying your eligibility for unemployment benefits. They may ask about your work separation (why you left your job), availability to work, job search efforts, or any discrepancies in your claim information. Since you mentioned having an out-of-state address while claiming California benefits, that could be what they want to clarify. Make sure you have documentation ready about your work history and reason for being out of state. Good luck with your interview!

I just went through this exact same thing last month and it was terrifying! Woke up to check my balance before paying bills and everything was completely gone - $0 balance, no history, nothing. Turns out it was a system-wide issue that lasted about 2 days. What really helped me was calling Money Network directly (the number on the back of your card) - they can see your actual account status even when the website is broken. The rep told me it's usually their website servers having issues, not the actual payment system. Your money is still there, just not displaying properly. Also learned that you can check your EDD payment status on UI Online under Payment Activity even when Money Network is down - that gave me peace of mind that the payment was actually issued. These system outages seem to happen every few months unfortunately, but at least now I know not to panic when it happens again!

I'm dealing with this same issue right now and it's so stressful! Just got my second EDD payment this week and went to check my balance this morning - completely blank, showing $0. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helpful though. I tried the mobile app suggestion and it's working fine there, so definitely seems like just a website glitch. For anyone else going through this, I also found that you can text "BAL" to the number they give you when you first get your card and it'll send your balance via text message. That worked for me too when the website was down. It's crazy that these outages happen so regularly but at least there are workarounds. Thanks everyone for sharing your tips and making this less scary for newcomers like me!

Hey there! I just went through this same situation about 3 months ago - missed my EDD interview because I had COVID and was basically delirious with fever (completely spaced on the appointment). The whole process was way less terrifying than I built it up to be in my head. A few things that really helped me prepare: - I called the Appeals Office directly (not the main EDD number) about a week before my hearing to confirm the time and phone number they'd be calling from - I practiced explaining my situation out loud beforehand so I wouldn't stumble over my words - I made sure I had all my job search documentation organized just in case they asked The actual hearing was super straightforward - the judge asked why I missed the interview, confirmed I was looking for work and available to work, and asked a couple questions about my last job. The whole thing took maybe 20 minutes. Got my approval letter about 2 weeks later and all my back payments hit my account within a few days after that. Since you're being upfront about an honest mistake with the dates, I think you'll be totally fine. The judges deal with people who try to game the system all the time, so genuine human error is refreshing for them to hear! You've got this - just stay calm and be honest during the hearing!

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago! I missed my EDD phone interview because I wrote down the wrong day in my calendar (wrote Tuesday instead of Thursday - felt so stupid). The stress and anxiety you're feeling right now is totally normal, but I promise it's not as bad as it seems. Here's what worked for me: - Filed my appeal immediately (sounds like you're already on this!) - Kept certifying every two weeks religiously - When the hearing date came, I just explained honestly that I made a calendar error and apologized - The judge was actually pretty understanding - apparently simple scheduling mistakes are super common The hearing itself was maybe 25 minutes over the phone. The judge asked why I missed the interview, confirmed I was actively job searching, and asked about my availability for work. No trick questions or trying to trip me up - just straightforward stuff. I got my decision about 10 days after the hearing (approved!) and all my back pay showed up within a week. The whole process from appeal to resolution took about 7 weeks total. The key is being completely honest about the mistake and showing that you're taking it seriously by staying on top of your certifications and job search. Calendar mix-ups happen to everyone - you're going to be fine!

I'm currently dealing with this exact situation and feeling really anxious about it. Reading everyone's responses here is so reassuring - I had no idea that being honest about not knowing the eligibility requirements was actually the best approach. I was self-employed doing freelance work and genuinely thought unemployment was only for people who got fired or laid off from regular jobs. It wasn't until my cousin mentioned PUA to me that I even realized I might qualify. I've been putting off calling EDD because I was worried they'd think I was trying to take advantage of the system, but now I see that a lot of people were in this same confusing situation during the pandemic. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - it really helps to know I'm not alone in this!

I was in this exact situation and was terrified about making the call! I waited almost 10 months to file because I had no idea that freelancers and independent contractors could qualify for unemployment benefits. When I finally spoke with an EDD representative, I just told them the truth - that I genuinely believed unemployment was only for traditional employees who got laid off or fired, and I didn't learn about PUA and the expanded eligibility until a friend mentioned it to me. The rep was actually really patient and understanding about it. She said they've processed thousands of claims from people who were in the same boat, especially during the early months of the pandemic when information about the new programs wasn't widely known. My advice is to be straightforward about not knowing you qualified rather than trying to come up with any other explanation. They really do understand that there was massive confusion about who could apply for what benefits during that time.