I want to clarify something important: When you get your settlement, you'll need documentation showing exactly how it's allocated. Make sure your lawyer provides a breakdown letter that clearly shows what portion is for back wages versus other damages. When you certify for the week you receive the payment, answer "Yes" to the question about receiving income, and select "Other" as the type of income. In the details section, explain it's a legal settlement. Then immediately contact EDD with your documentation. The key is being transparent and proactive. As long as you report it properly and provide documentation, you should avoid penalties even if there's an overpayment that needs to be addressed.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - make sure you keep detailed records of everything! Save copies of your settlement agreement, any correspondence with EDD about it, and document all phone calls (date, time, rep name if possible). If there are any issues later, having a paper trail will help resolve them much faster. I learned this the hard way when EDD mixed up my case details and I had to prove what was actually discussed in previous calls. Also, don't stress too much about this - wrongful termination settlements are pretty common and EDD deals with them regularly. As long as you're upfront about it and provide the proper documentation, they'll work with you to sort it out correctly.

For anyone who might be reading this thread in the future, I wanted to share a quick tip that helped me when I was in a similar situation. If you're having trouble finding the "File a Claim" option on the main EDD website, sometimes it helps to clear your browser's cache and cookies first. I was getting redirected to weird pages and the navigation wasn't showing up properly until I did this. Also, if you're on mobile, the desktop version of the site tends to work better for filing new claims - the mobile version can be pretty buggy. Just switch to "Desktop Site" in your mobile browser settings before starting the application process. Hope this helps someone avoid the headaches I went through!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact same frustration a few months ago! The UI Online dashboard is SO misleading - it really does feel like there should be a "File New Claim" button right there on the main page. I spent literally hours clicking through every menu thinking I was missing something obvious. The fact that you have to go to a completely different part of the EDD website to start a new claim is just terrible user experience design. I'm glad you found the solution through this thread! One additional tip - after you file your new claim, it usually takes about 2-3 weeks to get your first certification notice, so don't panic if you don't hear anything immediately. The waiting is the worst part but it's normal processing time.

I just want to add that if you're dealing with a large apartment complex or management company, sometimes escalating to their corporate office can help. I had a similar issue where the local leasing office was being super rigid about documentation requirements, but when I called their corporate headquarters and explained that California's EDD system doesn't work like traditional paystubs, they sent down instructions to accept the UI Online payment history plus Money Network statements. Also, don't forget that many apartments will accept a guarantor or co-signer if you're having documentation issues. Sometimes it's faster to add a family member as a guarantor than to wait weeks for EDD to process verification requests. Just another backup option if you're running out of time on your application!

Hey everyone! I just wanted to jump in with another option that worked for me recently. If you have access to a printer, try going to UI Online and looking for the "Benefit Payment Details" section (it might be under a different menu depending on when you're reading this). Sometimes there's a "Print Summary" or "Generate Report" button that creates a more official-looking document than just screenshotting the payment history page. Also, I've had success explaining to landlords that EDD switched to the Money Network card system specifically to make payments faster and more secure, so there literally aren't traditional paper stubs anymore. Most reasonable property managers understand when you explain it's a modernized government system, not just some random payment method. If you're still stuck, try reaching out to your local state assembly member's office - they sometimes have staff who can help expedite EDD requests for constituents dealing with housing issues. It's a long shot but I've heard success stories! Good luck with your apartment application!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - having your hours slashed like that is really tough, but you're absolutely in the right place asking about this! I actually went through something very similar about a year ago when my hours got cut from 38 to 18 per week. The great news is that you definitely qualify for partial unemployment benefits. Going from 40 to 15 hours is a massive reduction (62.5%!), and California's partial UI program is designed exactly for situations like yours. A few things that really helped me: - Apply online ASAP - don't wait for your first short paycheck - When you apply, clearly state your hours were "reduced due to lack of work/business restructuring" - Set up direct deposit immediately once approved - it's so much faster than the debit card - Keep a simple log of your weekly hours and gross pay for certifications With your $25/hour rate, you should get a decent partial benefit. The math can be confusing, but basically they'll let you keep the first 25% of your reduced earnings, then subtract the rest from your weekly benefit amount. One heads up - my first payment took about 3 weeks to process, but after that it was pretty regular every two weeks. The system definitely has its frustrations, but it does work! You've been paying into this system through your taxes, so don't feel bad about using it when you need it. That's exactly what it's there for. Hang in there - this community has tons of great advice and you're going to get through this!

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this situation - having your hours cut from 40 to 15 per week is such a huge reduction and I can only imagine how stressful this must be for you financially. But I wanted to jump in and reassure you that you absolutely should apply for partial unemployment benefits! I went through something similar about 8 months ago when my employer cut my hours from 35 to 20 per week due to "budget constraints." The process was actually much more straightforward than I expected, and the partial benefits really helped me stay afloat while I searched for additional work. A few key things I learned: - Apply immediately online - don't wait until after your hours are actually reduced. You can apply as soon as you have the official effective date. - Be very clear when applying that your hours were "reduced due to lack of work" or business restructuring - Keep detailed records of your old vs. new schedule, and any written communication about the reduction - Set up direct deposit right away if approved - it's much faster than waiting for the EDD debit card With your hourly rate and the significant reduction you're facing, you should definitely qualify for meaningful partial benefits. The first payment might take a few weeks to process, but after that it should be pretty regular every two weeks. This is exactly what the partial unemployment system is designed for - you've been paying into it through your taxes, so don't hesitate to use it when you need it. Good luck with your application!

Claim Under" Review is totally normal at this stage -'that s exactly what mine showed for the first week or so! I remember checking mine obsessively (too like every few hours)lol . The system is just doing all the background verification of your wages, work history, and SDI claim details. One thing that helped my anxiety during the waiting period was keeping busy with job applications and networking. Not only does it help distract from the stress, but'you re building up that job search activity log for when they ask about it during the phone interview. Also, if you'haven t already, make sure you have your Social Security Statement (handy you can get it online at) ssa.gov since they sometimes ask about your wage history during the interview to verify the information.'You re doing everything right though - just hang in there! The financial relief is comingsoon.

Just wanted to jump in here as someone who made this same transition recently! I was on SDI for about 8 months in 2024 after a car accident, then successfully transitioned to UI when I was cleared to work. The process was smoother than I expected once I understood the key points everyone's mentioned here. One thing I'd add is to make sure you're prepared for the "able and available" questions during your phone interview. They'll ask very specific things like "Can you work full-time hours?" "Can you work any shift?" "Are there any physical restrictions?" Since you mentioned being medically cleared with no restrictions, you should be fine, but practice answering these confidently. Also, Emma, since you mentioned your financial situation is getting desperate - once you get approved, your first payment should come within 2-3 weeks after that phone interview (assuming no issues). It's not instant relief, but there is light at the end of the tunnel! Keep doing exactly what you're doing with the job search documentation and staying available for that call. You've got this! 💪