I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now! Filed my claim about a month ago and just got my first payment yesterday - also only for 3 days instead of the full two weeks I certified for. Like you, I have a pending eligibility interview scheduled (mine's this Thursday). It's such a relief to see I'm not the only one dealing with this! I also set up direct deposit but I'm still waiting to see if the payment hits my bank account or if I need to wait for that card to arrive. The uncertainty is killing me when bills are due! Has anyone here had experience with how quickly they pay out the backpay after a successful eligibility interview? I'm really hoping it doesn't take another few weeks to get those missing days paid.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! The partial first payment is totally normal - it's usually because of the waiting week plus any pending issues on your claim. In my case, I had a similar eligibility interview and they paid out all the missing days within 24 hours of completing it successfully. For the direct deposit, even though you set it up, your first payment might still come on the card since they probably already processed it before your bank info was fully verified. But all my payments after that went straight to my checking account, so don't stress too much about it. One tip for your interview - have everything organized ahead of time (last paystub, separation paperwork, etc.) and just be honest about your situation. Since you mentioned you were laid off, it should be pretty straightforward. The whole process gets much smoother once you get past this initial hurdle!

That's awesome news @Anna Xian! Thanks for updating us - it's really helpful to know that mentioning the "Benefits Transition Unit" actually works. I'm bookmarking this thread for future reference. Hope you get your payments sorted quickly and can catch up on those bills!

This is such a relief to read! I'm actually going through the exact same situation right now - just finished PFL for bonding with my newborn and filed for UI last week. My weeks have been pending for 5 days and I was starting to panic. Definitely calling tomorrow and asking specifically for the Benefits Transition Unit. Thanks @Anna Xian for following up with the resolution and @Rajan Walker for that super helpful tip about the dedicated team!

I'm so sorry you're going through this Isabella! Your situation sounds incredibly frustrating but also very winnable on appeal. The advice from everyone here is excellent - definitely don't give up! One thing I wanted to add that I haven't seen mentioned yet: when you're preparing for your hearing, practice explaining your case out loud beforehand. I know it sounds silly, but when I had my EDD appeal hearing, I was so nervous that I started rambling and almost forgot to mention some key points. Also, regarding the security footage - even if your employer won't provide it, the fact that you can specifically reference what the cameras would show (you completing the audit on time, reporting the system issue immediately) can still be powerful evidence. The judge will note that you're being very specific about verifiable facts. Your case has all the elements of a successful appeal: - Technical failure beyond your control - You followed proper procedures by reporting the issue - The task wasn't in your official job description - You were performing supervisor duties without supervisor pay The initial EDD interviewer probably just checked boxes without really understanding the nuances of your situation. The appeals process is where you'll get a fair hearing from someone who actually reviews the details. Keep us updated on how it goes! This community is rooting for you, and your experience will definitely help others in similar situations. You've got this! 💪

I'm new to this community but currently going through my own EDD appeal process, so reading through everyone's advice here has been incredibly helpful! @Isabella Costa - your situation sounds almost identical to what happened to me. I was terminated for not completing a task that was actually outside my official job duties, and like you, I got denied initially. The frustration is real, but don't let it discourage you! Based on what I've learned from my own research and the excellent advice in this thread, you definitely have a strong case. The key points that stand out for your appeal: 1. **Job description mismatch** - This is HUGE. The fact that inventory audits were supervisor duties but you were required to do them as a regular associate shows they were holding you to standards outside your job classification. 2. **Technical failure beyond your control** - You completed the audit on time but couldn't upload due to a system freeze. That's not misconduct, that's a technical issue. 3. **Proper reporting** - You immediately told your shift lead about the problem, showing you followed appropriate procedures. I'd definitely recommend getting that job description in writing ASAP, along with any documentation showing the pay difference between your role and supervisors who were supposed to handle inventory audits. The appeals judges are much more fair than the initial EDD reviewers. From what I've learned, they actually take time to review the facts rather than just rubber-stamping denials. Keep fighting this - you've got solid grounds for an appeal and this community is here to support you! 💪

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'm dealing with a similar login issue right now! It's so frustrating when you can't access your account to certify. I've been getting bounced around between different departments too. Has anyone tried clearing their browser cache and cookies before logging in? Sometimes that helps with technical glitches. Also, I noticed someone mentioned the UN department - does anyone have more details on how to specifically request to speak with them when calling EDD? The regular tier 1 and tier 2 reps don't seem to know about account blocks like the one Katelyn had.

This is such an inspiring success story! Thank you for sharing all the practical tips - it really helps to see what actually works in these appeals. I'm currently waiting for my own appeal hearing (they say I didn't meet work search requirements during a week when I was actually interviewing for 3 different positions). Your point about organizing documentation chronologically is spot-on. I've been putting together a folder with all my job applications, interview confirmations, and follow-up emails sorted by week. It's tedious but I can see how it would help during the hearing to quickly reference specific dates. For your friend's hearing today - I'd add that she should have water nearby! My cousin had a phone hearing that lasted almost an hour and her voice got really dry halfway through. Also, if possible, use a landline or make sure her cell phone is fully charged and she's in an area with strong signal. Wishing her the best of luck! Stories like yours give the rest of us hope that the system can work when you're properly prepared.

This is so encouraging to read! I just got my appeal hearing notice yesterday and I've been stressed about it for weeks. Your documentation strategy is really smart - I'm going to start organizing everything chronologically like you did. Quick question: when you say you had "relevant EDD code sections ready," did you print them out or just bookmark them online? I'm trying to figure out the best way to have reference materials accessible during a phone hearing without rustling through a bunch of papers. Also sending positive vibes to your friend for her hearing today! With all this great advice from everyone, she should be well prepared. The tip about answering unknown numbers is especially good - I would have definitely missed the call thinking it was spam.