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I'm going through almost the exact same thing right now! Filed on March 22nd after being let go for "performance reasons" and my eligibility interview isn't until April 8th. Like you, I can't certify for ANY weeks and it's driving me crazy. One thing that's helped me stay sane during this waiting period is setting up a daily routine of job searching and keeping detailed records of applications. Not only does it help with the anxiety of not having income coming in, but I know they'll ask about job search efforts during the interview. Also wanted to mention - if you're in a really tight spot financially, check if your utility companies have hardship programs. PG&E and other utilities often have emergency assistance for people waiting on unemployment benefits. It's not much but every little bit helps when you're stretching every dollar. The whole system really does seem designed to make people give up, but reading through all these responses gives me hope that it actually works out for people with legitimate claims like ours. Hang in there - we've got this! 🤞
Oh wow, we're basically in the exact same boat! It's both reassuring and frustrating to know I'm not the only one dealing with this timing. Your interview is just 3 days after mine, so hopefully we'll both have good news to share soon. That's a really good point about keeping detailed job search records. I've been applying to places but not really tracking it systematically - I should probably start a spreadsheet with dates, company names, and positions. Do you know if they ask for specific details during the interview, or just general information about your search efforts? Thanks for the utility company tip too! I hadn't thought about that but you're right that every bit of assistance helps right now. I'll check what programs are available in my area. It really does feel like we're in this together - same timeline, same frustrating situation, but at least we know we're not alone. Definitely keep me posted on how your interview goes on the 8th! 🤞
I'm really sorry you're going through this - the waiting and uncertainty is absolutely brutal when you need income to survive. I went through something similar last year and wanted to share a few things that might help: First, regarding your question about the waiting period - yes, your one-week waiting period doesn't start until after you're approved and can actually certify. So you won't lose those weeks you're waiting, but the clock hasn't started ticking yet either. For your interview prep, I'd recommend having a simple, factual statement ready about your termination. Something like "I was let go on [date] because my manager said my performance wasn't meeting expectations. There was no misconduct involved." Keep it short and matter-of-fact. Also, if you haven't already, consider reaching out to local community organizations or churches - many have emergency assistance funds specifically for people in situations like this. Even $100-200 can make a huge difference when you're waiting for benefits to kick in. The system is frustrating and seems designed to wear people down, but hang in there. From everything you've described, this sounds like a straightforward case that should be approved once you get through the interview process. You're doing all the right things by preparing thoroughly and staying on top of it.
I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! Made my first certification two weeks ago and accidentally entered my monthly earnings instead of weekly (I know, rookie mistake). Got the same "excess income" disqualification and when I called EDD, the rep basically laughed and said "you should have been more careful." It's so frustrating because the interface isn't exactly intuitive for first-time users! I'm definitely going to file that DE 1000M appeal form based on all the great advice here. Has anyone had success getting back-dated to the original certification date, or do you lose those weeks permanently even if the appeal is successful? Really hoping this community's advice works because I can't afford to lose those benefit weeks over a data entry mistake.
Hey Miguel, I feel your pain! The EDD interface really is terrible for new users - they should have clearer labels or at least confirmation screens for first-time certifiers. From what I've read in other threads, if your appeal is successful, they typically do restore benefits back to the original certification date. You don't lose those weeks permanently! The key is getting that appeal submitted within the 30-day window with solid documentation. Definitely gather all your pay stubs showing your actual weekly/monthly earnings and maybe even ask your employer for a wage verification letter. We're all rooting for you - keep us posted on how it goes!
This exact thing happened to me 8 months ago! I was so panicked when I got that disqualification notice, but I want to give you hope - I successfully got it overturned through the appeal process. Here's what worked for me: I filed the DE 1000M within a week of getting the notice (don't wait the full 30 days), included a simple one-page letter explaining it was my first certification and I confused bi-weekly vs weekly reporting, attached copies of all my paystubs for those weeks, and even got a letter from my HR department confirming my actual weekly wages. The whole appeal took about 6 weeks to process, but they completely reversed the disqualification and released all my back payments. The key is being very clear that this was an unintentional first-time mistake with solid documentation to back up your actual earnings. Don't give up - the system does have a way to fix honest errors like this!
Thank you so much Isabel! Your story gives me exactly the hope I needed to hear. I love that you didn't wait the full 30 days - I'm definitely going to file my appeal this week. Getting that HR letter is a great idea too - I hadn't thought of that but it would definitely add more credibility to my case. It's such a relief to know that the back payments get released when the appeal is successful. Six weeks feels like forever when you're stressed about money, but knowing there's light at the end of the tunnel makes it bearable. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience!
Just joined this community after being let go from my job last week and stumbled across this thread - wow, what a roller coaster! @Chloe Green congratulations on your approval, this gives me so much hope as someone just starting this process. I was terminated from my customer service job for what they called "protocol violations" but it was really just confusion during a system changeover where I processed some returns incorrectly. Reading through everyone's experiences here about the employer response timelines and progressive discipline issues is so eye-opening. My employer also rushed their process - I got a verbal warning on Monday and was terminated by Friday with barely any documentation. The fact that this community exists and people share real outcomes (not just horror stories) is incredible. Thank you for updating us with your success and showing that the system can work when employers don't follow proper procedures. Definitely bookmarking this thread for reference during my own journey! 🤞
Welcome to the community @Lydia Bailey! Your situation with the "protocol violations" during a system changeover sounds incredibly unfair - being terminated for confusion during a major system change when you're trying to do your job correctly is exactly the kind of thing that shouldn't disqualify you from benefits. The fact that they rushed from verbal warning to termination in just 4 days with minimal documentation is a huge red flag and could definitely work in your favor, just like it did for @Chloe Green. System changeovers are confusing for everyone and honest mistakes during that transition period should be expected and corrected, not punished. Make sure you document everything you can remember about the timeline, the lack of training during the changeover, and how quickly they moved to terminate you. This community has been such a lifeline for understanding the process - I'm new here too but already learned so much from everyone's real experiences. The waiting is stressful but knowing that rushed employer processes often backfire gives me hope for cases like yours! Keep us posted on how your interview goes! 🤞
Just joined this community today after getting terminated from my warehouse job for "safety violations" - but really it was just two minor incidents with equipment during my second week when I was still learning the ropes. Reading through @Chloe Green's entire journey from stress to approval is giving me so much hope right now! My employer did the exact same thing - rushed from "coaching" to suspension to termination in less than 10 days with barely any documentation or chance to improve. I filed my claim yesterday and already feeling anxious about the upcoming interview. Seeing how the lack of proper progressive discipline worked in Chloe's favor makes me feel more confident about my case. The advice here about continuing to certify no matter what and not obsessing over UI Online is noted! This community seems like such an amazing resource compared to trying to navigate the confusing government websites alone. Thank you everyone for sharing real experiences and outcomes - it means everything to newcomers like me who are just starting this stressful journey! 🙏
This is such a comprehensive thread - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences! I'm bookmarking this for future reference. One thing I'd add from my own experience is that if you're really anxious about the timing, you can also check with your bank to see if they have a specific cutoff time for processing ACH deposits. My credit union processes them twice a day (morning and afternoon) so knowing those times helped me set realistic expectations. Also, some banks will give you a reference number for pending government deposits if you call and ask specifically about EDD payments. The customer service reps are usually pretty familiar with unemployment deposit questions since they get asked about it so frequently. Really appreciate how supportive this community is - going through unemployment is stressful enough without having to worry about payment timing on top of everything else!
This is exactly the kind of detailed info that would have saved me so much stress when I first switched! The tip about checking with your bank for ACH processing times is brilliant - I never thought to ask about that. It makes total sense that credit unions would handle deposits differently than big banks. The reference number idea is also really smart, especially since it gives you something concrete to track instead of just wondering if the payment got lost somewhere in the system. You're absolutely right that unemployment is stressful enough without adding payment timing anxiety on top of it. This thread really shows how helpful it is when people take the time to share what they've learned. Hopefully it'll pop up in search results for future folks going through this same situation!
I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Just set up direct deposit last Friday and my payment status changed to "paid" this morning, but nothing in my account yet. Reading through everyone's experiences here is such a relief - I was starting to panic that I messed up my routing number or something. It sounds like 2-4 business days is completely normal for the first direct deposit, especially since mine is with Chase and they seem to be pretty standard with processing times. I'm definitely going to set up those mobile alerts that someone mentioned and check out that "Payment Activity" section in UI Online for more detailed info. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines and tips - this thread is incredibly helpful for newcomers like me who don't know what to expect! Will update once mine comes through.
You're definitely in good company here! I just went through my first direct deposit switch about 6 weeks ago and had the exact same anxiety. Chase is pretty reliable with ACH transfers in my experience - usually 2-3 business days for the first one, then much faster after that. Since your payment just showed "paid" this morning, I'd expect to see it in your account by Wednesday or Thursday at the latest. The mobile alerts are seriously a lifesaver - saves you from constantly checking your balance! And yes, definitely check that Payment Activity section, it shows way more detail than the main status page. You're smart to read through all these experiences first instead of panicking like I did. Keep us posted when it comes through!
Evelyn Xu
This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with a similar employer address issue right now - my claim has been pending for 2 weeks because EDD has my previous employer's old office address from before they relocated. I've been calling daily with no luck getting through, but seeing Dylan's success story gives me hope. I'm definitely going to try calling right at 8am tomorrow and mention specifically that it's for "employer address correction for a flagged claim" like Miguel suggested. It's so frustrating that this can't be fixed online, but at least now I know what to expect for timing once I do get through. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!
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Sophia Bennett
•Good luck with your call tomorrow morning, Evelyn! The 8am strategy really does seem to work better. One thing I'd add - when you do get through, ask the rep to confirm they've updated the address in all relevant systems, not just the main claims system. Sometimes the address gets updated in one place but not others, which can cause delays later on. Also make sure to get a confirmation number or case reference for the change if they provide one. Rooting for you to get this resolved quickly!
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Khalid Howes
Just wanted to chime in as someone who works in HR and deals with EDD employer verifications regularly. When EDD sends verification requests to the wrong address, it creates a backlog on both ends - we employers never receive the forms to respond, and claimants get stuck in limbo. If you know your employer's current correct address, you might also try reaching out to your former employer's HR department directly to let them know EDD might be trying to contact them at an old address. Sometimes they can proactively call EDD to provide the correct information, which can speed up the process. Obviously this only works if you're on decent terms with your former employer, but it's worth considering as an additional avenue while you're trying to get through to EDD yourself.
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Maya Diaz
•That's a really smart suggestion! I never thought about contacting my former employer directly. My old company has a pretty responsive HR team, so I might give them a heads up while I keep trying to reach EDD. It makes sense that they'd want to help resolve this quickly too since they probably get annoyed by mail going to their old office. Thanks for the insider perspective on how this affects things from the employer side - it's helpful to understand the full picture of why these address issues cause such delays.
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