I'm a substitute teacher who just successfully navigated this exact situation! You can absolutely claim unemployment benefits, and your case sounds very similar to mine. Here's what I learned through the process: **During the school year**: You can definitely claim for weeks with zero assignments - just report any gross income from days you do work when certifying. The system handles partial unemployment well. **For summer break**: That September form you signed likely just makes you "eligible" to be called, but doesn't guarantee actual work or income. This is a crucial distinction! If your district hasn't sent you a specific letter guaranteeing summer work or fall assignments, you have a strong case. **What helped me get approved**: - Applied the day after my last assignment ended - Contacted HR for a letter confirming my "substitute employee status with no guaranteed minimum hours" - Used specific language like "on-call work with no income guarantee" in my application - Kept simple records showing inconsistent work pattern **Your retail background is actually a huge advantage** - those 2 years of full-time work should easily cover the base period earnings requirement, so don't worry about that part! The process took about 3-4 weeks from application to first payment for me, and I was approved for the full summer break. Don't let anyone discourage you from applying - substitute teachers successfully claim benefits all the time when we genuinely lack work guarantees. Be completely transparent about your situation and emphasize that being on a sub list doesn't equal guaranteed income. Good luck!

I'm a substitute teacher who went through this exact process last year and wanted to share some additional insights! Your situation is so relatable - the uncertainty and inconsistent income is incredibly stressful. Here's what I learned that might help: **Most important tip**: Document EVERYTHING starting now. I kept a simple log showing "Available [date] - No calls received" for every day I checked in but didn't get assignments. This became crucial evidence during my claim review. **About that September form**: Unless it specifically guarantees you a minimum number of hours or days, it's likely just putting you on an "eligible to be called" list. That's very different from having actual work assurance! I was in the same boat and successfully argued that being "eligible" doesn't equal guaranteed income. **Timing strategy**: Apply immediately after your last possible assignment for the school year. Don't wait for a reasonable assurance letter - if they were sending one, it typically comes by mid-June. **What really helped my case**: I got a letter from payroll (not just HR) stating I was classified as a "temporary on-call employee with no minimum hour guarantee." The word "temporary" was key because it distinguished me from regular part-time employees. **Your retail background is perfect** - you'll easily meet base period earnings, so don't stress about that requirement. I ended up collecting benefits for 10 weeks last summer, which was a lifesaver. The key is being persistent and not taking an initial denial personally - many educational workers get approved on appeal. You've got this!

I'm also new to unemployment and just wanted to say thanks to everyone for explaining this so clearly! One thing I'm wondering about - does the waiting period week count toward the total number of weeks you can receive benefits? Like if I'm eligible for 26 weeks of unemployment, does that mean I actually only get 25 paid weeks because of the waiting period? Or do I still get the full 26 paid weeks, just shifted by one week like someone mentioned earlier?

Hey @Cassandra Moon! I just went through this same situation a few months ago when I got laid off from my tech job. The waiting period is definitely one of those things EDD doesn't explain well upfront. Just want to add a couple practical tips that helped me: First, even though you won't get paid for the waiting week, treat it like any other week - do your job searches, keep records, and be available for work. I made the mistake of thinking it didn't "count" and almost had issues later. Second, while you're waiting for benefits to start, check if you qualify for any local food banks or emergency assistance programs. Many cities have programs specifically for people between jobs that can help bridge the gap during that first unpaid week. The waiting period really is frustrating when you're trying to budget, but once you get through it the payments come pretty regularly (usually within 1-2 business days of certification if you have direct deposit). You've got this!

Hi Logan! I'm really sorry you're facing this challenge. As someone who has dealt with similar accessibility issues, I wanted to share a few additional options that might help: **Try BofA's dedicated disability services line** - They have a separate number (1-800-432-1000) specifically for customers needing accommodations. They may be able to arrange mobile verification or accept alternative documentation. **Contact your local Area Agency on Aging** - Even if you're not a senior, they often help people with disabilities navigate benefit issues and may have established relationships with BofA for these situations. **Ask about third-party verification** - Some banks will accept identity verification through trusted third parties like notaries who can come to your home, or even through certain medical facilities. **EDD ombudsman office** - California has an EDD ombudsman specifically for resolving complex cases. You can reach them at 1-800-300-5616. **Document your disability accommodation request** - When you call either BofA or EDD, specifically state "I am requesting a reasonable accommodation under the ADA due to my disability" and ask them to document this request in your file. Remember, both agencies are legally required to provide alternatives that don't create an undue burden on you. Don't let them make you feel like visiting in person is your only option - it's not! Keep advocating for yourself, and consider having a friend or family member help make calls if that would be easier. You've got this! 💪

Hi Logan! I'm really sorry to hear about this difficult situation. As someone new to this community but familiar with disability rights, I wanted to add a few thoughts that might help: **First and most importantly** - you have legal rights here under the ADA, and both EDD and Bank of America are required to provide reasonable accommodations. Don't let anyone tell you that visiting the bank in person is your only option. **Try these specific approaches:** - When calling BofA at 1-866-692-9374, immediately ask to speak with their "ADA Compliance" or "Accessibility Services" department - For EDD, call 1-833-978-2511 and specifically request a "disability accommodation specialist" - Use the exact phrase: "I am requesting reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act due to my disability that prevents me from visiting a physical location" **Consider these alternatives:** - Mobile notary services that can come to your home for identity verification - Video verification through secure platforms (many banks now offer this) - Having BofA send verification documents directly to EDD rather than requiring your physical presence **Document everything** - Keep records of all calls, reference numbers, and names of representatives. If they deny accommodation, ask for the denial in writing with specific reasons. If you continue to face resistance, contact the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) - they handle ADA complaints and can often resolve issues quickly just by making an inquiry on your behalf. You shouldn't have to choose between your safety and accessing your benefits. Keep advocating for yourself - you've got this! 💪

Welcome to the partial unemployment club! I've been working part-time (18-24 hours/week) at a grocery store while on EDD for about 5 months now, and honestly it's been a lifesaver during my job search. Everyone here has given you excellent advice, but I wanted to add one thing that really helped me in the beginning - don't be surprised if your first few benefit payments seem lower than expected while you're adjusting to the new routine. It took me about 3-4 weeks to really understand the pattern of how my variable hours affected my weekly benefits. Also, keep in mind that working part-time while on EDD actually looks GOOD when you're applying for full-time positions. Employers see that you're actively working and staying current with your skills rather than just collecting benefits. I've had several interviewers specifically mention this as a positive during my job search. The retail experience you're getting now might even open up opportunities you hadn't considered before - I ended up getting interviews for supervisory retail positions that I wouldn't have qualified for without this part-time experience. Sometimes these transition periods lead to unexpected career paths! You're handling this exactly right by getting informed upfront. The peace of mind is worth so much more than stumbling through it confused. Good luck with your new job!

This thread has been incredibly educational! As someone who just started a similar part-time retail position while on EDD benefits, I was having the exact same fears about reporting my earnings correctly. Reading through everyone's experiences, I'm now confident that I need to: - Track my daily hours and gross earnings meticulously - Report everything accurately during my bi-weekly certifications - Remember that EDD weeks run Sunday through Saturday - Understand that some weeks I might get reduced benefits or none at all, but my claim stays active What really helped shift my perspective was realizing this isn't about "gaming the system" - partial unemployment is literally designed for exactly this situation. EDD expects people to work part-time while collecting benefits as they transition back to full employment. I'm setting up a simple tracking spreadsheet tonight and downloading the EDD mobile app. Thanks to everyone who shared their practical tips and reassuring experiences. This community is amazing for helping people navigate these transitions with confidence!

I'm scheduled for my first RESEA appointment next week and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I was also initially confused about whether it was mandatory - the letter language is a bit unclear. One thing I wanted to add for anyone else reading this: I called to confirm my appointment details yesterday and the rep mentioned they're now offering both in-person and virtual options for RESEA appointments. If you have transportation issues or scheduling conflicts, it might be worth asking about the virtual option when you call to reschedule. Also, for those struggling to get through on the phone - I had success calling the number on the RESEA letter itself rather than the main EDD line. The wait was only about 15 minutes compared to the hours I've spent trying to reach general EDD customer service in the past. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's really helped ease my anxiety about the whole process!

I just wanted to jump in and say how helpful this entire thread has been! I'm also dealing with unemployment for the first time in years and had no idea what RESEA was when I got my letter last week. Reading everyone's experiences has really put my mind at ease. One thing I learned from calling is that if you need to reschedule multiple times due to legitimate conflicts (like job interviews), they're generally understanding as long as you communicate proactively. The rep I spoke with said they'd rather have you attend when you can be fully present and engaged rather than rushing through it. Also, for anyone wondering about what to wear - I asked during my call and they said business casual is fine, nothing too formal needed. They want you to feel comfortable since it's meant to be a collaborative discussion about your job search. Hunter, hope your job interview went well and that your rescheduled RESEA appointment is helpful! This community is awesome for sharing real experiences and practical advice.