Just wanted to add that I experienced the exact same "offices closed" message today around 10:30am! I was panicking thinking I'd missed some holiday or closure announcement. After reading everyone's experiences here, I tried calling again at 2:15pm and actually got through to the queue (though I'm still on hold as I type this). It's such a relief to know this is just their terrible way of handling call overflow and not an actual closure. For anyone still trying - the afternoon timing seems to be key based on what people are sharing here. Keeping my fingers crossed that I can get my pending payments sorted out too!

I'm dealing with the exact same frustrating situation! Called this morning around 9:30am and got that misleading "offices closed" message multiple times. It's such a poorly designed system - why not just say "all representatives are busy" instead of making us think they're actually closed? Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful though. I'm definitely going to try the 1-3pm window that seems to be working for people. My claim has been stuck in pending for over two weeks now and I'm getting really anxious about it. @Simon White - so happy you finally got through and got your issue resolved! Gives me hope that persistence will eventually pay off. The quarterly review flag issue seems way too common - EDD really needs to fix whatever is causing these automatic flags to trigger incorrectly. Thanks to everyone sharing their timing strategies and workarounds. This community is honestly more helpful than EDD's own website!

Just wanted to add that when you do get your first payment, don't be surprised if it takes a few extra days to process initially. My first certification was approved on a Tuesday, but the funds didn't hit my card until Friday. After that, subsequent payments have been much faster - usually next day. Also, make sure you save the Money Network customer service number (it's on the back of your card) in case you ever need to report the card lost or stolen. Unlike regular bank cards, there can be delays getting replacements since it goes through EDD's system. Good luck with your job search!

Welcome to the unemployment world, Natalie! That's definitely the legitimate EDD card - I got the same black Brinks Mastercard when I filed earlier this year. The design change threw a lot of people off at first. Just a heads up from someone who's been through this process: once you activate the card and start receiving payments, consider setting up text alerts through the Money Network app so you'll know immediately when funds are deposited. Also, if you have a local credit union, check if they reimburse ATM fees - mine does, which helps offset those Money Network charges everyone mentioned. The job market is tough right now but hang in there - having that safety net makes the search less stressful. Best of luck with your certification this weekend!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share some encouragement and a few additional tips based on my successful experience with this exact situation about 18 months ago. First off, you're absolutely making the right decision prioritizing your mental health - I wish I had been as proactive as you're being. I waited until I had a complete breakdown at work before taking action, which made everything more complicated. Based on what you've described, you have several strong elements working in your favor: - Clear medical diagnoses from healthcare professionals - Documented attempts at accommodation that were rejected - Professional recommendation to resign for health reasons - Specific, measurable workplace stressors (60+ hour weeks) A few additional suggestions that helped my case: **Get your employee handbook/policy documents** - Many companies have policies about reasonable accommodations or employee wellness that they failed to follow. If your employer has written policies about supporting employee mental health but refused your requests, that contradiction can strengthen your case. **Document any witnesses** - If coworkers have witnessed your accommodation requests being denied or can speak to the toxic work environment, ask if they'd be willing to provide written statements. I had two colleagues write brief letters confirming the excessive workload and my manager's dismissive responses to my health concerns. **Prepare for the "why didn't you just take FMLA?" question** - EDD often asks this during interviews. Have a clear answer ready (like "I requested accommodations that would have allowed me to continue working, but FMLA would have been unpaid leave that didn't address the underlying workplace issues causing my health problems"). The process took about 4 months for me (initial denial, then successful appeal), but I received full back pay. Your case sounds even stronger than mine was, so stay confident and persistent. You've got this!

I'm new to this community but going through a very similar situation right now, so I wanted to share some additional perspective. I'm currently 3 weeks into my EDD claim after quitting due to panic disorder exacerbated by workplace stress. One thing I wish I had known earlier: start gathering your documentation while you're still experiencing symptoms at work, but ALSO get your doctors to provide updated assessments after you quit. The contrast between "patient experiencing severe anxiety symptoms while employed" vs "patient showing improvement after removing workplace stressors" creates a powerful before/after narrative that really strengthens the causation argument. I've been keeping a symptom tracker app on my phone (there are several free ones) that timestamps entries, which has been incredibly helpful for showing patterns. For example, I can show that my panic attacks consistently peaked on Sunday nights and Monday mornings, which clearly correlates with work-related stress. Also, don't underestimate the power of objective medical data if you have it. My doctor ordered some basic tests during my worst period (elevated cortisol, blood pressure spikes) and having those lab results showing physical stress responses really helped make my case more concrete than just self-reported symptoms. The financial stress while waiting for approval is absolutely real - I'm stretching my savings thin too. But reading everyone's success stories here gives me hope that persistence and proper documentation really do pay off. Your situation sounds like you have all the right elements for a strong case. Stay strong and prioritize your health - you're making the right choice!

Just to be 100% clear for you and anyone else reading this thread in the future: 1. Report work when you PERFORM it, not when you get paid 2. If you worked before your claim began, that work is not reportable on certifications 3. If you're ever unsure, contact EDD directly for guidance specific to your situation Following these guidelines will keep your claim in good standing.

I went through something very similar last year! Had a freelance project that I completed right before filing, but didn't get paid until after my claim was approved. I was so stressed about it, but after reading through EDD's guidelines multiple times and talking to a rep, I learned that Carmen is absolutely right - it's all about when you performed the work, not when the payment arrived. Since you did the work before your claim period began, you don't need to report it on your current certification. The key thing is that you already included this work history when you initially applied, so EDD has a record of it. You're handling this exactly right by asking questions instead of just guessing!

I've been dealing with EDD issues for months and here's what I've learned: First, make sure you're using the right browser - Chrome or Firefox work best. Clear all your cookies and cache, then try accessing the site in incognito/private mode. If you're still getting the error, it might be because you have an existing claim that needs to be closed or there's a flag on your account. The system is notorious for giving vague error messages when there are backend issues. Document everything - take screenshots of the error messages and keep notes of when you tried to file. This will help when you eventually get through to someone on the phone. Also, try filing during off-peak hours like early morning or late evening when the servers aren't overloaded. Good luck, and don't give up! The system is frustrating but you'll get through it eventually.

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! The error messages are so unhelpful - it's like they designed them to be as vague as possible. Here's what finally worked for me: Try using a completely different browser (if you're on Chrome, try Firefox or Safari), make sure JavaScript is enabled, and disable any ad blockers temporarily. Also, check if you have any pending identity verification - sometimes the system blocks new claims if there's an ID.me verification that wasn't completed. If none of that works, you might need to call the technical support line (not the regular claim line) - it's 1-833-978-2511. They can actually see what's causing the error on their end. Hang in there, the system is absolutely broken but you'll get through it!