Congrats on getting your payment! Just wanted to add for future reference - if anyone else is considering Cash App vs traditional banks for EDD direct deposit, I've found that Cash App actually works really well once you get past that initial setup anxiety. The 3 business day timeframe seems pretty standard. One tip: make sure your Cash App account is fully verified before setting up direct deposit with EDD. I had a friend who had delays because their account wasn't fully verified and Cash App was holding government deposits for additional review. But once everything is set up properly, it's been super reliable for me over the past 6 months.

Great to hear it worked out! For anyone else reading this thread, I want to emphasize what others have mentioned about the 3 business day rule. I've been getting EDD payments through Cash App for about 8 months now and it's been consistently 2-3 business days every time. The key things I learned: 1) Make sure your Cash App is fully verified with SSN and everything, 2) Double-check your routing/account numbers when you first set it up, and 3) Remember weekends don't count as business days. I actually prefer Cash App over the EDD debit card because I can instantly transfer to my main bank account or use it directly. The instant deposit feature on Cash App is also helpful if you need the money right away (though there's a small fee for that).

You've got it exactly right! Just want to add one small detail - when you certify for that transition week (March 12-17), make sure you answer "Yes" to the question about looking for work for the days BEFORE you started your job (March 12-13), but "No" for the days you worked (March 14-15). The system is pretty good at handling these transition weeks once you provide accurate information. Congrats again on landing the job after 4 months - that persistence paid off! Best of luck in your new role.

Congratulations on the new job! Just wanted to add that it's also a good idea to keep your job offer letter or employment contract handy in case EDD ever requests documentation about your start date. Sometimes they'll ask for proof during random eligibility reviews. Also, if your new employer has a waiting period before benefits kick in, you might be eligible for continued medical coverage through Covered California or COBRA - something to look into so you don't have a gap in health insurance. The transition from unemployment to employment can feel overwhelming with all the paperwork, but you're asking all the right questions. Wishing you success in your new position!

Just wanted to jump in and say how much this thread has helped me too! I'm currently on day 5 of waiting after my status changed to 'paid' and was definitely starting to get anxious. Reading everyone's consistent experiences with the 8-10 business day timeline has been such a relief. The breakdown of all the processing steps really makes sense - I was also expecting it to be much faster when I first saw 'paid' status. Understanding that there's state controller processing, check printing, and then regular mail delivery time helps set realistic expectations. I've absolutely joined the paranoid mail-checking club after reading about those plain white envelopes! Been opening everything that comes through, even the most obvious junk mail. It's wild that such an important payment comes in such a generic package, but better safe than sorry. One thing that's been really helpful is keeping track of business days vs calendar days - weekends and holidays definitely don't count toward that processing timeline, which I wasn't factoring in initially. Thanks to everyone who's shared their real experiences and timelines. This thread has become like a support group for all of us going through this stressful wait! I'll definitely update when mine arrives to add another data point for future folks dealing with the same anxiety.

I'm in the exact same situation right now! My claim was approved 6 days ago and the status shows 'paid', but I've been obsessively checking my mailbox twice a day with no luck yet. This thread has been such a godsend - I was starting to think something was wrong since I expected it to arrive much sooner. The detailed timeline breakdown everyone has shared (8-10 business days from 'paid' status) is so helpful. Like others mentioned, I was thinking 'paid' meant the money was basically already on its way, but understanding all the backend processing steps makes the wait time much more reasonable. I've definitely joined the paranoid mail-checking brigade after reading about those plain white envelopes! Been opening absolutely everything, even obvious spam. It's honestly crazy that such a critical payment arrives looking like junk mail, but at least now I know what to look for. Really appreciate everyone sharing their real experiences and following up with results. This community support makes dealing with EDD so much less stressful. I'll make sure to update here when mine finally arrives to keep the data chain going for others going through this same anxiety-inducing wait!

Great thread everyone! I'm actually an EDD caseworker and wanted to clarify a few things. Drew, your GED program at 6 hours/week is absolutely fine as long as you maintain availability for work. The key distinction is that part-time education (generally under 20 hours/week) allows you to continue regular UI benefits while full-time programs typically require CTB approval. One important tip: when you certify and answer YES to school/training, there's a follow-up question about whether the training affects your availability - make sure to answer NO since your schedule is flexible. Also, keep a simple log of when you're available for work each day (even if it's just "available 9am-5pm except Tues/Thurs 6-9pm classes"). This documentation can be invaluable if any questions arise later. Your GED is exactly the type of skills improvement EDD wants to see - it shows you're working toward better employment prospects. Just stay consistent with your work search efforts and honest on certifications!

Just want to echo what Emma said - having an actual EDD caseworker confirm this is gold! I went through a similar situation with my welding certification classes (8 hours/week) and everything worked out fine. The key really is that availability documentation. I kept a simple note in my phone showing my available hours each day and it gave me peace of mind. Drew, your GED is going to open so many doors - stick with it! And thanks Emma for the insider perspective, this kind of official guidance is exactly what this community needs.

Just wanted to add my recent experience for anyone else going through this! I submitted my SDI application 3 weeks ago at 36 weeks pregnant and just got my approval notice yesterday. A few things that helped me: 1. I used certified mail to send my application so I had tracking confirmation it was received 2. Created my SDI Online account immediately after mailing so I could monitor status 3. Made sure my doctor used black ink and printed clearly - apparently handwriting issues can cause delays 4. Double-checked that my doctor included ALL required dates (last day worked, expected delivery date, etc.) My first payment should arrive next week according to the notice. The whole process was actually smoother than I expected after reading so many horror stories online! Just be thorough with the paperwork and don't overthink it. Good luck to everyone navigating this system!

I just went through this process myself a few months ago and wanted to share some additional tips that helped me! One thing I don't see mentioned yet - make sure to keep copies of EVERYTHING you send to EDD. I had to resubmit my doctor's certification because they claimed they never received it (even though I had tracking showing it was delivered). Having copies saved me from having to go back to my OB's office. Also, if you're planning to take the full 4 weeks before your due date, make sure your doctor is aware of this timeline. Some doctors automatically put 2 weeks before delivery if you don't specifically discuss it with them. The 4 weeks before is your right under California law, but your doctor needs to certify that you're unable to work due to your pregnancy. One last thing - start thinking about your PFL application now too. You can apply for Paid Family Leave to bond with your baby after your SDI benefits end, but it's a separate application process. Getting familiar with both programs now will save you stress later when you're dealing with a newborn! The system definitely has its frustrations, but if you follow everyone's advice here about keeping it simple and making sure the forms are filled out correctly, it should go smoothly. Congratulations on your upcoming arrival!