I'm currently going through this identity verification process too! Just got my letter last week and I've been reading through everyone's experiences here - this is so helpful. It sounds like the consensus is that doing both the mail verification AND the online ID.me process is the best approach to speed things up. I'm planning to start with the ID.me verification this weekend since it seems like that's giving people faster results. Really relieved to hear from multiple people that they do backpay for the missed days - that was my biggest worry since I can't afford to lose any payments right now. Has anyone had issues with the ID.me verification not working properly, or does it usually go smoothly? I want to make sure I'm prepared before I start the process. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it makes this whole situation feel way less overwhelming!

I just completed my identity verification last week and wanted to share my experience! I received the letter about 10 days ago and was really stressed about the whole process. After reading through all these helpful comments, I decided to do both the mail verification AND the online ID.me route to be safe. The ID.me verification was actually much easier than I expected - took about 20 minutes and I used my driver's license plus a recent credit card statement for address verification. Got approved within 24 hours online! I also sent the physical documents by mail just as backup. My payments just resumed yesterday (about 6 days after ID.me approval) and I did receive backpay for all the missed days during the verification period. One thing I noticed is that my EDD portal showed "Identity Verification Pending" until the day before payments resumed, then it just disappeared from my account overview. For anyone still going through this - definitely try the online route first, but keep copies of everything you submit. The peace of mind is worth it!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I've learned so much. To summarize what I understand now: 1. I should qualify based on my earnings ($16,500 over 7 months is above minimum) 2. My "reduction in workforce" termination should be considered no-fault 3. I need to check exactly which quarters count in my base period 4. I should prepare for my eligibility interview by having my termination details ready 5. There's a one-week waiting period before benefits start 6. I need to keep detailed records of my job search (at least 3 per week) I'll update this thread after my eligibility interview next week! Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly.

Good luck with your interview, Zara! You seem well-prepared now. Just wanted to add one more thing - during your eligibility interview, be honest and straightforward about everything. Don't try to overthink your answers or volunteer extra information they don't ask for. They're mainly verifying the basic facts: when you worked, how much you earned, and why your employment ended. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you have your last pay stub and any termination paperwork from Target handy during the call. Sometimes they ask for specific dates or wage amounts and it's good to have the exact numbers ready. You've got this! The fact that you're being proactive about understanding the process puts you ahead of a lot of people. Keep us posted on how it goes!

one other thing - when u do apply make sure u say ur job ended due to "lack of work" if thats wat happened. don't say u were fired or laid off or anything else. the wording matters ALOT for getting approved quick

Just went through this exact situation a few months ago! You're making the right call waiting until February. One thing I wish someone had told me - when you do apply, make sure you have your separation letter and any other employment documents easily accessible because EDD might ask for them during the application process or later. Also, if your company uses a third-party service to verify employment (like The Work Number), it can sometimes take a few days for them to update your employment end date, so don't panic if there's a small delay in processing. The paid notice leave thing is more common than you'd think, especially in corporate layoffs, so EDD agents are familiar with it.

ppl i work with just cash out the whole thing at atm soon as money hits lol. no app needed!

Update on my earlier comment - I just saw that Money Network released an app update yesterday that supposedly fixes the login issues! Maybe try updating the app if you haven't already?

Here's what the EDD Handbook (DE 1275B) actually says about temporary layoffs: "If you are temporarily unemployed due to lack of work and have a definite date to return to work, you may be exempt from full work search requirements." But you need to make sure this is documented on your claim. I'd suggest either: 1) Register for CalJOBS anyway (easiest solution), 2) Call EDD to confirm your temporary status is properly recorded, or 3) Submit a question through your UI Online account about your specific situation. Option 1 is probably simplest.

I went through this exact same situation last month with a temporary layoff from my manufacturing job. Got the CalJOBS notice even though I had a confirmed return date. I ended up registering just to be safe - took about 20 minutes and gave me peace of mind. The way I see it, even if there's an exemption for temporary layoffs, the automated system clearly doesn't recognize it when sending these notices. Better to spend a few minutes registering than risk any complications with your benefits, especially since you're only claiming for 3 weeks anyway.