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If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
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An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
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Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
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I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Just got laid off from my software company last Friday and they cut off my email access immediately - naturally that's what I used for my EDD account back in 2020. I've been stressing about this all weekend thinking I'd have to start over completely. This thread is absolutely incredible - the amount of practical, real-world advice here is amazing! I had no idea there was a separate tech support line (1-833-978-2511) specifically for account recovery issues. I've been trying the main EDD number for three days straight with no luck. I'm going to try the Saturday morning strategy this weekend - calling right at 8:00 AM with all my old paperwork ready. I actually found some EDD correspondence from my 2020 claim in my tax files that has reference numbers on it, and I'm digging through my old text messages tonight to see if I have any confirmation codes saved. The tip about writing everything down beforehand is so smart - SSN, addresses, claim dates, etc. I can definitely see how you'd get flustered trying to remember everything when you finally get through after waiting. It's honestly ridiculous that losing work email creates this whole obstacle course, especially when companies immediately cutting access after layoffs is basically standard practice now. But seeing all these success stories gives me real confidence that this is actually solvable with the right approach. Thanks to everyone who shared what genuinely worked - this community knowledge beats any official website guidance by miles!
Oliver, you're absolutely right that this community has way better practical advice than any official source! I'm new here too and just went through the same work email lockout nightmare when I got laid off from my consulting firm two weeks ago. The fact that you found old EDD correspondence with reference numbers in your tax files is perfect - that's exactly the kind of documentation that seems to speed up the verification process based on everyone's experiences here. And definitely check those old texts! I was amazed at what I found when I scrolled back through my messages from 2020. Your Saturday 8 AM plan sounds solid. One additional tip I picked up from reading through this thread - some people mentioned having backup email addresses ready when you talk to the agent, since they'll want to update your contact info right away. Make sure it's a personal email that won't get shut down if you change jobs again! It really is insane how standard it's become for companies to immediately cut email access without considering all the government accounts people have tied to those addresses. But the success rate in this thread is really encouraging - seems like once you get through to the tech support line, the agents are understanding about this situation since it happens so frequently now. Good luck with your call this weekend! Definitely update us on how it goes - us newcomers need to stick together and share what works!
I'm in the exact same boat right now! Just got laid off from my marketing agency yesterday and they immediately shut down my work email - which of course is what I used to set up my EDD account back in 2020. I've been panicking all day thinking I'd have to start completely over. This thread is absolutely amazing though - I had no idea there was a dedicated tech support line for account recovery issues! I've been banging my head against the wall trying the main EDD number with zero success. The 1-833-978-2511 number is going straight into my contacts. All the timing strategies people have shared are pure gold - calling right at 8 AM on Saturday, having all your old paperwork organized, checking for old text messages with reference numbers. I'm going to spend tonight digging through my files and phone to gather everything before I try calling this weekend. It's honestly insane that something as predictable as companies cutting email access after layoffs creates this whole bureaucratic nightmare. But reading all these success stories gives me real hope that persistence actually pays off. Thank you to everyone who shared what genuinely worked - this community knowledge is way more valuable than anything I could find on the official EDD website!
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I'm also going through this transition right now! My SDI ends next Friday and I've been following this thread religiously - everyone's advice has been so helpful. I wanted to add something I learned from my case worker: if you've been on SDI for more than 90 days, EDD sometimes requires additional verification that you're actually able to work before approving UI benefits. She recommended I get a specific "return to work" letter from my doctor (not just medical clearance) that explicitly states I'm able and available for employment within my restrictions. Apparently this can help avoid delays in processing. Also, I've been using the California job portal (CalJOBS) to start building my work search documentation early. It automatically tracks your applications which makes the weekly certification process easier later. For anyone nervous about the work search requirements, starting there might help you feel more prepared. Sophia, I hope your application went smoothly! And to everyone else in similar situations - this thread has shown me how common this transition is and that people really do successfully navigate it. We've got this!
Sofia, this is such valuable information about the "return to work" letter! I hadn't heard about that specific requirement for people who've been on SDI for over 90 days, but it makes sense that EDD would want extra verification. I'll definitely ask my doctor for that specific language when I get my final clearance documentation. The CalJOBS tip is also really helpful - having automated tracking for work search requirements sounds like it would make the weekly certification process much less stressful. Thanks for sharing what your case worker told you! It's reassuring to see how many people are successfully making this transition. Reading through everyone's experiences here has given me so much more confidence about the whole process. Good luck with your application next Friday - you seem really well-prepared!
I'm so grateful I found this thread! I've been really anxious about making this transition but reading everyone's detailed experiences has given me so much confidence. A few things that really stood out to me: 1. The tip about getting a specific "return to work" letter rather than just medical clearance - I would never have known to ask for that specific language 2. Starting the CalJOBS profile early to track work searches automatically 3. The reminder that construction experience translates to so many other roles - project coordination, safety, estimating, etc. I'm planning to apply online tomorrow morning right when my SDI officially ends, and I feel much better prepared now thanks to everyone's advice. I'll definitely keep you all updated on how the process goes. It's amazing how supportive this community is - thank you to everyone who took time to share your experiences and tips! For anyone else going through this transition, this thread is proof that it's totally manageable with the right preparation. We've got this! 💪
Yara, I'm so glad this thread has been helpful for you too! It's been incredible reading everyone's experiences and realizing how many people successfully navigate this transition. Your summary of the key tips is perfect - especially that point about getting the specific "return to work" letter language. I would have just asked for basic medical clearance and potentially caused delays. The CalJOBS early setup is brilliant too since work search requirements start immediately. Good luck with your application tomorrow! Please do keep us updated on how it goes. This whole thread has become such a valuable resource for anyone making the SDI to UI transition, and your experience will help the next person who finds themselves in this situation. You're absolutely right - we've got this! 💪
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Just wanted to add my experience for anyone still figuring this out - I've found that many Rite Aid locations have AllPoint ATMs too, which has been super convenient since they're often open later than other pharmacies. Also, if you're ever stuck on weekends, some Arco gas stations have MoneyPass ATMs that work fee-free with the Money Network card. One tip that saved me recently: if you need cash but all the nearby fee-free ATMs are out of service or empty, you can use your Money Network card to buy a small gift card at most grocery stores and then immediately return it for cash (just keep the receipt). Most stores will refund gift cards as cash if returned the same day. It's a bit of a workaround but better than paying those $5+ ATM fees when you're desperate! The learning curve with these new cards has definitely been steep, but this community has been amazing at sharing all these hidden tricks and options. Really wish EDD had provided better guidance from the start instead of leaving us all to figure it out ourselves!
That's such a clever workaround with the gift card return! I never would have thought of that but it's brilliant for emergency situations when all the fee-free ATMs are down. The Rite Aid tip is great too - there's one near me that's open until midnight which could be really helpful for late-night cash needs. I'm definitely going to scout out some Arco locations as backup options. It's honestly impressive how resourceful everyone has become with these Money Network cards! This whole thread should be turned into an official guide - way more useful than anything EDD provided. Thanks for sharing yet another creative solution to the ATM fee problem! 💡
Another useful option I discovered is that many Costco locations have fee-free ATMs in their main stores (not just the gas stations), and they usually have higher cash limits than the smaller convenience store ATMs. Also, if you're ever traveling, airport ATMs can be hit or miss but I've found that some participate in the AllPoint network - just look for the logos before using them to avoid those crazy travel fees. One thing that really helped me was setting up account alerts through the Money Network app so I get notifications when my balance changes or when deposits hit my account. This way I'm never caught off guard at an ATM thinking I have money when I don't. Also learned that some farmers markets and food trucks accept EBT/debit with cash back options if you're in more rural areas without many ATM options. The transition has definitely been frustrating but threads like this make it so much more manageable. Thanks everyone for sharing all your experiences and creative solutions! 🙌
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I'm going through the RESEA program right now too and had the exact same confusion! My counselor told me during our first meeting that I didn't need to enter work search details in UI Online since I'm already tracking everything through the RESEA portal. But then I started second-guessing myself after seeing all the warnings online about work search requirements. After reading through all these responses, especially the info about the March 2025 policy change, I feel so much more confident. It sounds like your counselor was actually giving you the correct updated guidance! I'm definitely going to follow everyone's advice and get written clarification from my counselor though - better safe than sorry. The stress is so real when you have kids depending on these benefits. I've been losing sleep over whether I'm doing this right! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this thread has been incredibly helpful for those of us navigating the current RESEA requirements.
Welcome to the community! I'm so glad you found this thread too - it's amazing how many of us are dealing with this exact same RESEA confusion right now. I was literally in the same boat just a few days ago, completely stressed about whether I was following the right guidance from my counselor. This discussion has been such a game-changer for understanding what's actually going on with the March 2025 policy changes. It's such a relief to know that our counselors are likely giving us the correct current information, even though it conflicts with what people experienced earlier in the program. The advice about getting written clarification is spot-on - I'm planning to email my counselor this week too. And you're so right about the stress when kids are depending on these benefits! I've been having the same sleepless nights worrying about making a mistake. It's really comforting to connect with others who understand that pressure. Thanks for sharing your experience - it helps to know we're all navigating this together. Definitely keep us posted on what your counselor says when you get that written clarification!
I'm currently in the RESEA program and experiencing this exact same confusion! My counselor also told me I don't need to document work search activities in UI Online because I'm already submitting them through the RESEA portal. But like everyone else here, I was getting really anxious seeing all the conflicting information online. Reading through this thread has been such a relief - especially learning about the March 2025 policy change that CosmicCadet mentioned. That finally explains why we're getting different guidance than people who went through RESEA earlier this year or last year! I'm definitely going to follow the advice here and email my counselor for written clarification about the specific requirements under the new policy. As a newcomer to unemployment benefits, I really appreciate all the practical tips about keeping your own documentation and saving everything in multiple places. The stress of potentially making a mistake when you need these benefits is so real. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - this community has been incredibly helpful for understanding what's actually going on with the current RESEA requirements!
Cynthia Love
I just went through this same situation a few weeks ago! The whole payment method thing is so confusing when you're new to unemployment. Since your payment is already processing, it will definitely go to the Money Network card first - there's no way to redirect a payment that's already been issued. The good news is that once you get the card (usually takes about a week), you can transfer the money to your bank account pretty easily through their app. I did the instant transfer for the small fee since I needed my rent money right away, and it was totally worth it. One thing I wish someone had told me - make sure you have a backup plan for rent if the card doesn't arrive by when you need it. Maybe talk to your landlord about a few days extension or see if a family member can help temporarily? The card delivery timing can be unpredictable, especially with mail delays. Also, keep checking your UI Online account - sometimes the system will show when the card has been mailed, which gives you a better idea of when to expect it. Good luck, and don't stress too much - you'll get your money, it's just a matter of waiting for that card to arrive!
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Atticus Domingo
•This is really helpful advice, thank you! I hadn't thought about talking to my landlord preemptively about a potential delay. That's actually a really smart suggestion since I'd rather give them a heads up than scramble at the last minute if the card doesn't arrive in time. I've been checking my UI Online account obsessively and it still just shows "paid" status, but I'll keep watching for any updates about the card being mailed. It's reassuring to hear from people who've actually gone through this recently - makes the waiting feel less scary when you know it's a normal part of the process!
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Malik Jackson
Hey there! I'm actually in almost the exact same situation right now - just got my first unemployment approval yesterday and was completely lost about the payment method thing. Reading through all these comments has been super helpful! I'm planning to set up direct deposit for future payments like you did, but it sounds like I should also prepare for that first payment to come via the Money Network card. The 7-14 day wait time is nerve-wracking when bills are due, but at least now I know what to expect. One question for everyone - has anyone had success calling EDD directly to ask about expediting the card delivery, or is that pretty much impossible to get through? I'm wondering if it's worth trying the phone lines or if services like Claimyr are really the only way to actually talk to someone these days. Thanks for posting this question Sienna, and thanks to everyone who shared their experiences! It's such a relief to know this confusion is normal and not just me being clueless about the system.
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