To all those having trouble reaching a human at the EDD. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

You can also try logging into your UI Online account if you have one set up - your customer account number should be displayed on your account homepage or in your profile section. If you don't have online access set up yet, you'll need to call EDD directly. The number is 1-800-300-5616, but be prepared for long wait times. Having your Social Security number and other identifying information ready will help speed up the process once you get through to someone.

Just wanted to add my experience - I activated my Money Network card about 6 weeks ago and the phone activation was definitely the way to go. Like others mentioned, they asked for last 4 of SSN, full birthdate, and I created a PIN on the spot. The whole thing took maybe 3-4 minutes max. One tip though - make sure you're in a quiet place when you call because the automated system can be sensitive and if it can't understand you clearly it will make you repeat everything. Also, write down your PIN somewhere safe immediately after creating it - I almost forgot mine the first time I went to use the card at an ATM! The card worked perfectly right after activation and I've had zero issues with it since.

I just went through the Money Network card activation process last week and it was pretty straightforward! I called the number on the back of the card and they asked for my last 4 SSN digits, full birthdate, and the card number/expiration date. Then I created a 4-digit PIN right on the call. The whole thing took about 3 minutes. One thing I didn't see mentioned yet - they also asked me to verify the zip code associated with my EDD account, so make sure you know what address you have on file with them. The automated system was pretty clear and easy to follow. I was able to use my card at an ATM the same day to check my balance and everything worked perfectly. Definitely stick with calling rather than using the website - I tried the online activation first and it kept timing out like others mentioned. The phone method is much more reliable!

UPDATE: I finally got through this morning! I followed the advice about trying at an odd time (called at 10:42am) and only waited about 15 minutes. Turns out I had a pending eligibility interview because my former employer contested my claim saying I quit (I was actually laid off). The rep scheduled me for a phone interview next Tuesday and said my payments should release after that if everything checks out. She also put notes in my account about the financial hardship so they might expedite it. Thank you all for the suggestions and support!

Wow, what a rollercoaster but so glad you got through! This is exactly why I always tell people to document EVERYTHING with employers - separation notices, emails, even text messages. Your case is a perfect example of how employers can throw a wrench into legitimate claims. The contested claim explains the sudden stop in payments too, since they probably flagged your account for review the moment your employer filed the protest. Hope your interview goes smoothly next Tuesday! Keep us posted on how it turns out.

Just to add some clarity on the formula EDD uses: 1. You report your gross earnings (before taxes) 2. EDD disregards 25% of those earnings 3. The remaining 75% is subtracted from your weekly benefit amount So with your $375 weekly benefit, if you earn $200 gross in a week: - 25% of $200 = $50 (disregarded) - 75% of $200 = $150 (deducted) - $375 - $150 = $225 (your partial UI payment) You'll still receive benefits as long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount + $25 (so $400 in your case).

I'm in a similar situation - just started a part-time retail job while collecting unemployment. One thing I learned the hard way is to keep detailed records of your work hours and earnings for each week. I use a simple notebook to track my shifts and gross pay, which makes certification much easier. Also, if your coffee shop hours ever change (like picking up extra shifts during busy periods), just remember that you need to report ALL earnings for the week you worked them, even if it pushes you over the benefit threshold for that particular week. The EDD system is pretty forgiving as long as you're honest and accurate with your reporting.

UPDATE: I got through today! Called the technical support line (2511) at exactly 10:15am, was on hold for about 45 minutes but finally spoke to someone who was actually really helpful. She fixed the issue with my certification where I had accidentally reported the wrong hours for my part-time job. My payments should resume within 48 hours! Thanks everyone for all your advice - especially the tip about trying the technical support line instead of the main number. Huge relief to finally get this resolved.

Wow, this is such a relief to read your update! I've been following your post because I'm in almost the exact same situation - stuck payments due to a certification error and couldn't get through on the main line. I tried calling the 2511 number this morning around 10:30am after seeing your success story and actually got through after about 30 minutes on hold! The agent was super helpful and walked me through correcting my mistake. It's crazy how much better the technical support line seems to work compared to the main number. Thanks for sharing what worked - you probably just saved a bunch of us weeks of frustration!