This is such a comprehensive thread! As someone who just went through this exact situation 2 months ago, I can confirm that reporting the orientation hours is absolutely the right call. I was terrified of making a mistake too, but being completely transparent with EDD ended up being the smoothest approach. One small detail I'd add - when your cousin reports the orientation earnings, he should use the gross amount he expects to receive, but if the actual paycheck ends up being different (maybe they rounded hours differently or there were unexpected deductions), he doesn't need to panic. EDD gets quarterly wage reports from employers, so any small discrepancies usually get reconciled automatically in the system. The hardest part for me was the psychological aspect - feeling like I was "cheating" by continuing to collect benefits while technically having a job offer. But my case worker explained that until you're actually working regular hours and earning enough to disqualify you from benefits, you're supposed to keep certifying. The system is designed to help people transition back to work gradually. Your cousin is lucky to have you helping him navigate this! Having someone to bounce questions off of makes such a difference when dealing with EDD's complexity.

This whole thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm actually in a very similar situation right now - just got hired for a part-time position but they're making me wait for my security clearance to come through before I can start regular shifts. I had a 4-hour paid training session last week and was so confused about how to handle certification. Reading through everyone's experiences, it's clear that being overly cautious with documentation and reporting is definitely the way to go. I'm going to start keeping a detailed log like some of you suggested, and I'll make sure to screenshot everything. The tip about getting written confirmation from HR about training/orientation details is brilliant - I'm going to email them tomorrow to get that documentation. One question for those who've been through this - did any of you have issues with the timing between when you reported work to EDD versus when your employer actually submitted their wage reports? I'm worried about potential mismatches if there are delays on either end. Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences! This is exactly the kind of practical advice that you can't find anywhere else.

I went through something similar a few years back, though not quite as long a period. Here's what I learned from my experience: EDD can backdate claims, but the longer the period, the harder it gets. For a full year, you'll really need to make a strong case. The good news is that a documented family medical emergency is one of the strongest "good cause" reasons they recognize. A few practical tips: - When you call, ask to speak with a "claims specialist" specifically about backdating - don't just talk to the general phone reps - Organize ALL your documentation beforehand: termination paperwork, medical records, ANY job search activity you can prove (emails, applications, even informal inquiries) - Be prepared to explain week by week how you were still able and available for work despite the family situation The reality is they probably won't approve the full 12 months, but even getting 6-8 months backdated would be significant money. Don't let the negative comments discourage you - it's definitely worth trying, especially with proper documentation. The worst they can say is no, and you're not losing anything by applying. One last thing - if they initially deny it, don't give up. The appeals process exists for exactly these kinds of situations.

I'm new to dealing with EDD but wanted to share what I learned from my research after reading through this thread. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that California has specific time limits even for "good cause" backdating - generally they won't go back more than 12 months from when you file the claim, regardless of the reason. Since you were laid off in March 2024 and we're now in March 2025, you're right at that 12-month limit. This actually works in your favor because you're not asking them to go beyond their maximum backdating period. Also, I found that EDD has a specific form (DE 1326) for requesting good cause determination that might be relevant to your situation. You might want to ask about this when you call. The family medical emergency documentation is definitely your strongest angle here. Make sure you have everything organized chronologically - hospital admission dates, your job search timeline, termination paperwork, etc. The more organized and complete your documentation package is, the better your chances of getting approved for at least a portion of that period. Good luck with your claim! Even if you only get approved for part of the time period, it could still make a significant difference financially.

Hey Oliver! I had my appeal hearing about 8 months ago and won my case. The ALJ will definitely call you at the scheduled time - make sure you're in a quiet place with good phone reception about 10 minutes early. My hearing lasted about 90 minutes because my employer brought their manager and tried to argue I was fired for cause when I was clearly laid off. Here's what really helped me: I organized all my evidence into folders on my computer so I could quickly pull up any document they referenced. Have your emails about the restructuring ready to go! Also, when the judge asks you to explain what happened, stick to the facts and timeline - don't get emotional even if your employer says frustrating things. The good news is that ALJs are way more reasonable than the initial EDD reviewers. They actually listen to your side of the story. Since you have documentation showing it was restructuring and not a voluntary quit, you should be in good shape. Just be confident and tell the truth!

I just wanted to add that you should also prepare for the possibility that your employer might bring up reasons why they think you quit voluntarily - like maybe they'll say you didn't show up for work after being told about the restructuring or something like that. Have your story straight about exactly what happened on your last day and who told you what. Also, don't worry too much about the legal language or sounding perfect - the ALJ just wants to understand what actually happened. I was so nervous during mine that I stumbled over words, but the judge was patient and asked follow-up questions to clarify. The most important thing is being honest and having those restructuring emails ready to reference. You're going to do great!

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

Have you tried logging into your UI Online account at edd.ca.gov? Sometimes the customer account number is displayed there in your account profile or on correspondence within the system. You can also try calling the EDD customer service line at 1-800-300-5616, though it may take several attempts to get through. If you have your Social Security number and other personal info ready, they should be able to provide your customer account number over the phone.

Just wanted to add that I went through something similar when I started my freelance writing business while still doing part-time retail work. The key thing that helped me was keeping detailed records of everything - hours worked on my business, all W-2 earnings, job search activities, etc. When I had my phone interview with EDD, the representative actually appreciated that I was so organized and transparent about my situation. She explained that as long as I was genuinely available for full-time work (not turning down job offers to focus on my business) and actively job searching, I could continue receiving partial benefits. One tip: when you report your self-employment hours, be realistic about time spent on actual business activities vs. just thinking about your business. EDD cares about active work hours, not passive planning time. Document everything in case you need to provide details later!

I'm actually going through this exact situation right now! I started a consulting business in January but haven't landed any clients yet, while also doing occasional temp work through agencies. After reading all these responses, I called EDD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned (took about 30 minutes to get through) and got some really helpful clarification. The rep told me that since I'm actively job searching and available for full-time W-2 work, I can still qualify for partial benefits. The key things she emphasized: - Report ALL self-employment hours during certification, even with $0 income - Be specific about actual work time vs just brainstorming - Continue meeting work search requirements (3 job contacts per week in my area) - Report any W-2 earnings accurately She also mentioned that EDD has a specific form (DE 1378) for self-employed individuals that might be helpful to fill out proactively. The whole conversation was recorded on their end, which gives me peace of mind that I'm following their guidance correctly. Definitely recommend getting official guidance rather than risking it - the penalties for misreporting can be really harsh!