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

I had this same issue last month! The password reset link that Katie shared worked for me, but if you're still having trouble with the security questions, you can also try calling EDD's technical support line at 1-833-978-2511. They can help reset your account security settings. Just be prepared to verify your identity with personal information like your SSN and claim details. Good luck!

I just went through this exact process about 4 months ago when my company did unexpected layoffs. I filed on my actual last day of work and everything processed smoothly without any complications. Since your HR team has already processed your final paycheck and it's hit your account, you're in a really good position to file accurately on 9/23. The EDD application will specifically ask for your "last day worked" regardless of when you actually submit the claim, so just make sure you enter 9/23 correctly in that field. Having your final pay stub accessible while completing the application is super helpful for accurately reporting your final week's earnings, including any vacation or PTO payouts. One practical tip that saved me stress later - take screenshots of each page as you complete the application, especially the employment dates and wage information sections. I ended up needing to reference some of those details during my first certification period, and having that record made everything much easier. Your benefit year calculation starts from the Sunday of the week you file anyway, so there's really no advantage to waiting until 9/24. Since you're being proactive about getting organized and you have all your documentation ready, I'd say go ahead and file on 9/23. The accuracy of your information matters way more than the exact timing of submission. You've got this!

I went through this same situation about 6 months ago and can share what worked for me. I filed on my actual last day of work and had no issues with my claim. Since your HR team already processed your final paycheck and it's in your account, you have all the accurate wage information you need to complete the application properly. The EDD system will ask you to specify your last day worked, and you just need to enter 9/23 accurately regardless of whether you submit on 9/23 or 9/24. Your benefit year starts on the Sunday of the week you file anyway, so the timing doesn't really matter for benefit calculations. My advice would be to have your final pay stub ready while filling out the application - the system asks specific questions about earnings for your final week, and having those details handy makes it much easier to be accurate. Also make sure to include any vacation payout or severance in that final week's earnings. Since you're being proactive about getting organized and you have all your documentation ready, I'd say go ahead and file on 9/23. The most important thing is accuracy with your employment dates and wage information, not the exact timing of when you submit. Good luck with your claim!

ok so i just tried to set up direct desposit and it says i need to verify my identity AGAIN?? i already did the id.me thing when i first applied! why do they make everything so complicated 🤬

This is such great news to hear! I'm still on the fence about switching from the Money Network card because I've gotten used to the routine, but hearing about 24-hour deposits is really tempting. My biggest worry is something going wrong during the transition period and missing a payment. Did you have to do anything special when you applied for direct deposit, or was it pretty straightforward through UI Online? Also wondering if your bank charged any fees for receiving the EDD deposits?

I'm new to SDI and was panicking about the same thing earlier today! Reading through all these responses has been so helpful. It sounds like the consensus is to stick to your normal certification schedule since this is UI maintenance, not SDI. I'm dealing with a temporary disability from a car accident and every payment matters right now too. The stress of not knowing if delays will happen is almost worse than the actual delays sometimes! Going to follow everyone's advice and certify on my regular day. Thanks for asking this question - I'm sure lots of us newcomers were wondering the same thing but didn't know where to ask.

Hey everyone! I'm also new to SDI (started about 3 weeks ago for a work injury) and this thread has been incredibly helpful. I was literally about to call EDD to ask about the maintenance but now I understand it's just UI system maintenance, not SDI. The distinction between the two systems makes total sense now that it's been explained. I really appreciate how supportive this community is - dealing with an injury is stressful enough without having to worry about payment delays on top of it. Going to stick to my normal certification schedule. Thanks for creating such a helpful discussion!

So glad you got this resolved! This thread is going to be super helpful for anyone else dealing with inactive EDD cards. It's crazy that they don't send any kind of heads up before placing these security holds - you'd think after spending so much on unemployment benefits, they'd want to make sure people can actually access their money when they need it. The 8am calling strategy seems to be the real MVP here. Thanks for updating us with the resolution!

This is such valuable information! I actually have an old EDD card from 2021 that I never used because I got back to work quickly. After reading this thread, I'm definitely going to check my UI Online account to see if my funds are still showing as paid. It's honestly ridiculous that EDD doesn't send any kind of notification before placing these security holds - like why wouldn't they want people to know their money is still available? Thanks Jackson for sharing your experience and following up with the resolution. The 8am calling strategy and making sure your address is updated seem like key takeaways here!