I'm going through something similar right now - filed my claim 3 weeks ago and still stuck on "pending" payments. From reading everyone's experiences here, it seems like identity verification is the biggest culprit for delays. I actually just got an email yesterday asking me to complete ID.me verification, so that confirms what others have said about this being a common issue. The frustrating part is that they don't automatically tell you what's needed - you have to either call or wait for them to send the verification request. Definitely keep certifying though, because once it gets resolved you'll get all the back payments at once.

I'm dealing with the exact same situation right now! Filed my claim about 3 weeks ago and have been stuck on "claim filed" status with pending payments. After reading through all these comments, it's clear that identity verification is probably the issue for most of us. I haven't received any ID.me verification request yet, but based on what everyone's saying, I think I need to be more proactive about calling EDD instead of just waiting. The part about needing a separate letter with your Weekly Benefit Amount to know you're actually approved was really eye-opening - I thought the "filed" letter meant I was good to go! Going to try calling tomorrow using some of the strategies mentioned here. It's reassuring to know that once this gets sorted out, we should get all the back payments for the weeks we've been certifying.

I feel for you - being a parent trying to navigate this system is incredibly stressful. One resource that might help specifically with your kids is checking if your county has an Emergency Family Assistance program. Many Bay Area counties offer emergency help with utilities, groceries, and even temporary childcare assistance for job-seeking parents. Also, if your children are school-aged, make sure you're signed up for free school meals if you weren't already - that can save $200+ per month on food costs. The combination of all these smaller assistance programs can add up to meaningful relief while you're job hunting. Hang in there, and don't hesitate to ask family/friends for help during this rough patch - most people understand how brutal the current job market is, especially in tech.

I'm going through something similar right now - lost my marketing job in January and the EDD benefits are just devastating when you have real expenses. What's helped me a bit is signing up for gig work like Instacart or DoorDash during off-peak job hunting hours. It's not glamorous but every extra $100-200/week helps, and you can still collect partial unemployment as long as you report it. Also, if you're in tech product management, have you checked out the Bay Area job boards like AngelList or Built In SF? Sometimes smaller startups move faster than big companies and there's less competition. The whole situation is just brutal right now - you're definitely not alone in feeling overwhelmed by how inadequate these benefits are for actual living costs.

I had a very similar situation last year! Got fired for being late due to my car breaking down multiple times over 2 months. The difference between your case and some others mentioned here is that you have DOCUMENTATION - those texts to your supervisor are gold! Here's what worked for me: During my eligibility interview, I emphasized three key points: 1. The tardiness was due to circumstances beyond my control (mechanical failure) 2. I communicated proactively with my employer each time 3. I was actively trying to resolve the issue but couldn't afford repairs immediately EDD approved my claim after the interview. The interviewer specifically asked if I had proof of communication with my employer and proof of the car issues. Your repair estimates will be crucial evidence. One tip: If they do schedule an eligibility interview, don't just say "car problems" - be specific about the transmission failure and how it was unpredictable. They need to understand this wasn't you being irresponsible but dealing with an urgent mechanical issue while trying to keep working. You've got a strong case with your documentation. Stay positive and keep certifying while you wait for their decision!

I work for a legal aid organization and see cases like yours regularly. You actually have a stronger case than many people realize! The key factors working in your favor: 1. **Documentation** - Those texts to your supervisor are crucial evidence 2. **Frequency** - 4-5 times over 3 months isn't "excessive" by most standards 3. **Legitimate cause** - Transmission failure is mechanical, not behavioral 4. **Good faith effort** - You communicated each time and tried alternatives like carpooling California EDD uses a "misconduct" standard, which requires deliberate or willful disregard of employer interests. Mechanical breakdowns don't typically meet this threshold, especially with your documentation. My advice: During any eligibility interview, emphasize that this was an ongoing mechanical issue you were actively trying to resolve within your financial means. Bring your repair estimates and screenshot those texts. Don't let them frame it as "chronic tardiness" - frame it as "dealing with an urgent vehicle emergency while maintaining employment." If denied initially, absolutely appeal. I've seen many similar cases win on appeal when the full story gets properly presented. Keep certifying throughout the process - you'll get backpay if approved. Your situation is actually quite defensible legally. Stay confident!

Update: I called the number and was able to certify! For anyone who needs it in the future, you need your SSN and PIN, and you have to answer all the same questions as online. It took about 10 minutes to go through everything. Thanks everyone for your help!

Great to hear you got through @Layla Mendes! For future reference, I've found the phone system works best early morning (around 6-7 AM) or late evening (after 8 PM) when fewer people are calling. Also, if you ever need to check if your certification went through properly, you can call the same number and use option 2 to verify your last certification date - really helpful for peace of mind when you don't get that online confirmation.

Quick update question - have you checked if you qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Paid Family Leave while waiting for UI to resolve? Some people don't realize they might qualify for other benefits if they have health issues or caregiving responsibilities. It's separate from unemployment but could provide some temporary relief.

Congrats on finding the new job! Even though you'll be working soon, definitely don't give up on the appeal - those 6 months of back benefits could be substantial money that you're legally entitled to. I went through something similar and almost dropped my appeal when I found work, but I'm so glad I didn't because I eventually got over $8,000 in back pay. One thing to consider: if your new job starts before your hearing date, make sure to report the employment change properly when you certify. You'll need to stop certifying for new weeks once you're working full-time, but you can still pursue the appeal for the weeks you were legitimately unemployed. The administrative law judge will focus on whether you were entitled to benefits during the original claim period, not your current employment status. Also, having a job offer/employment letter might actually help your case - it shows you're actively seeking work and not trying to game the system, which reinforces that this really was just an honest mistake about the address.