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So glad you got your payment in time for rent! This is really helpful for others to see the actual timeline. I'm dealing with a similar situation - certified yesterday and still showing pending. Your timeline gives me hope that I should see the status change to paid by tonight or tomorrow morning. The stress of waiting for that first payment is unreal when you're counting every dollar!
I totally understand that stress! When you're broke and waiting for that first payment, every hour feels like forever. Based on what everyone shared here, it sounds like you're right on track - if you certified yesterday and it's still pending, you'll probably see it flip to "paid" status sometime today or tomorrow morning. Then it should hit your card within 24 hours after that. Fingers crossed for you that it moves quickly! The waiting really is the worst part.
Really appreciate you sharing your complete timeline and updates throughout the process! This is exactly the kind of real-world info that helps so much when you're in that anxious waiting period. Your 2.5 day timeline from certification to money on card seems pretty typical for first payments. It's such a relief when that status finally flips to "paid" and you know the money is actually coming. Hope this thread helps other people going through the same stress of waiting for their first EDD payment!
So glad to see this got resolved! This is exactly why I joined this community - to help fellow veterans navigate these bureaucratic nightmares. I went through something similar with my Air Force retirement when I filed for UI after my tech job got eliminated. For future reference, veterans should always emphasize the "base period" distinction when dealing with EDD. The key phrase to use is "non-base period pension income" - that's the magic language that gets their attention. I keep a copy of my DD-214 and retirement orders handy whenever I deal with any government benefits. It's frustrating that EDD staff aren't properly trained on military retirement vs regular pension rules. Hopefully your success story will help other vets who face this same issue!
Thanks for sharing that key phrase - "non-base period pension income"! I'm saving that for future reference. It's really helpful to know the exact terminology that gets their attention. I agree that EDD staff need better training on military benefits. The agent I spoke with mentioned she'd seen this mistake "many times" with veterans, which makes me wonder how many people just gave up without appealing or getting help like I did here. Hopefully this thread will show up in search results for other vets facing the same issue!
This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm currently dealing with a similar situation - retired from the Marines 5 years ago and just got laid off from my civilian job. EDD initially approved my claim but then suddenly stopped payments saying there was an "income verification issue" with my retirement pay. Based on what I'm reading here, it sounds like they might be incorrectly treating my military retirement as base period income even though my service ended way before my base period. I'm going to call tomorrow and use that key phrase "non-base period pension income" that @Mateo Rodriguez mentioned. Quick question for those who've been through this - when you called, did you need any specific documentation beyond your DD-214? I want to make sure I have everything ready before I try to get through to someone.
Hey Vincent! Just wanted to chime in as someone who recently completed an 8-week penalty period in December. You're absolutely right to be confused - the EDD website is terrible at explaining what happens next. Good news: NO additional waiting period! That's only for brand new claims. You'll certify on your regular schedule and should get paid for both weeks as long as you meet all the usual requirements (job search, availability, etc.). However, I'd recommend double-checking a few things before your next certification: 1) Make sure your contact info is current in case they need to reach you, 2) Have your work search documentation ready - they tend to audit post-penalty certifications more closely, and 3) Check that your benefit year hasn't expired during the penalty period. The payments should come through in the normal timeframe (2-3 business days after certification shows "Paid"). After 10 weeks of no income, I know every day feels crucial. You've made it through the hardest part though! 🙏
Thank you so much Sofia! This is exactly the kind of detailed info I was hoping for. Really appreciate you mentioning the audit thing - I've been keeping spreadsheets of all my job applications but wasn't sure if they'd actually check them. My benefit year is still good for another few months, so I should be okay there. It's such a relief to hear from multiple people that there's no extra waiting period. After 10 weeks of living on savings and stress, I'm ready to get back to some normalcy! 🙏
Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else going through this nightmare! I finished a 15-week penalty period last summer (yeah, 15 weeks - longest penalty possible for false statement). The key thing everyone's saying is correct - no additional waiting period after penalties end. You just pick up where you left off with regular certifications. BUT here's what nobody mentioned yet: make sure to log into your EDD account a few days before your next certification date to check if there are any notices or requirements. Sometimes they'll post additional forms or questionnaires that need to be completed before you can certify again. I almost missed my certification deadline because I didn't see a "return to work" questionnaire they posted. Also, pro tip: if you haven't already, screenshot or print your penalty completion notice from your account. I had to reference mine later when there was confusion about my payment status. The EDD system sometimes glitches and shows old penalty info even after it's completed. You've survived the worst part - 10 weeks of financial stress is no joke! Just stay on top of all the requirements and you should be getting paid again soon. 💪
Thanks Zoe! That's a great tip about checking for additional forms before certification. I would have definitely missed that since I've been avoiding logging in during the penalty period (too depressing to look at zero payments). The screenshot idea is smart too - I've learned not to trust the EDD system to keep accurate records of anything! 15 weeks sounds absolutely brutal, I can't imagine how you got through that. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here, it's way more helpful than anything on the official EDD site.
Approved training programs typically include vocational training, certificate programs, and some college programs. Web development could definitely qualify! The key is that it needs to be training that improves your employability and is approved by EDD. You'll need to submit a Training Benefits application (DE 2269) and have your training provider complete part of the form. I'd recommend contacting EDD directly to discuss your specific situation - they can tell you exactly what programs in your area would qualify and how to start the process.
I went through this exact situation last year and it's really tough. Since you're looking at a 4-month gap, I'd suggest applying for everything you can right now: CalFresh, your county's General Assistance program, and maybe even contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local emergency assistance resources. They connected me to a food bank and utility assistance program that helped bridge the gap. Also, don't forget about gig work like DoorDash or Uber if you have a car - it's not ideal but it's something while you figure out the training extension option others mentioned. The key is to document everything you're doing to find work because EDD will want proof you stayed job-ready during the gap period. Hang in there - August will come faster than you think!
This is really comprehensive advice, thank you! I hadn't thought about calling 211 - that sounds like a great resource to tap into. I do have a car so gig work might be a good backup plan while I pursue the training extension option. You're right about documenting everything - I've been applying to jobs but not really keeping organized records. I'm going to start a spreadsheet today to track all my applications and interviews. Thanks for the encouragement too, I really needed to hear that!
Isabella Oliveira
Just wanted to follow up and see if you've had any luck getting your payments processed? Did you end up calling EDD? Sometimes after the interview, they're waiting for employer verification which can cause delays but they don't always tell you that's what they're waiting for.
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Oliver Weber
•I finally got through yesterday! You were right - there was an employer response issue. My former employer disputed my reason for separation (claimed I quit when I was actually laid off). The rep put me on hold, called my employer, sorted it out, and released all my pending payments! They should be in my account within 24-48 hours. Such a relief! Thanks for all the advice everyone.
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Raul Neal
So glad to hear you got it resolved! This is exactly why I always tell people not to wait too long after an interview if payments stay pending. Employer disputes are super common and can hold up everything, but EDD rarely proactively tells you that's what's happening. Your story will definitely help others in similar situations - calling really does make a difference even though it's a pain to get through. Congrats on getting your payments released!
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Diego Vargas
•That's such great news! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - had my interview two weeks ago and still showing pending. Your experience gives me hope that calling will actually help resolve it. Did the rep tell you how long employer disputes usually take to investigate? I'm wondering if I should call now or wait a bit longer since it sounds like these employer verification issues are pretty common.
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