Just wanted to add my voice to this incredibly helpful thread! I'm new to this community and found Aaron's post while desperately searching for answers after my EDD interview yesterday. Like so many others here, I got the standard "you'll receive a letter in the mail" response and immediately spiraled into worst-case-scenario thinking. Reading through everyone's experiences has been such a relief - it's amazing how this one thread captures the exact anxiety we all go through during this process! Aaron, huge congratulations on your approval! 🎉 Your willingness to come back and update everyone really shows what makes this community special. For anyone else currently in the waiting phase: based on all the experiences shared here, it seems like the key is to remember that EVERYONE gets the same neutral response regardless of outcome, keep certifying while you wait, and check your UI Online account regularly. The waiting is brutal, but these stories give me so much hope that honest cases like layoffs due to downsizing typically work out. I'll definitely update when my letter arrives - this community deserves more success stories to help calm future nerves! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences. 🙏

Just want to echo what everyone else is saying - this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm also new to this community and found it while searching for EDD interview experiences. Had my phone call yesterday morning and got the same "you'll receive a letter" response that everyone describes. Initially panicked thinking it meant bad news, but reading through all these real experiences has been so reassuring. Aaron, congratulations on your approval! 🎉 It's so great that you came back to update everyone - that kind of follow-through really makes this community valuable. Your timeline (letter in about 4 days, UI Online updating around the same time) gives me a concrete expectation of what to look for. For anyone else currently waiting: the consensus here seems to be that the neutral phone response is 100% standard procedure, not a reflection of the actual decision. The fact that so many people with legitimate layoff situations have gotten approved after the same experience is really encouraging. I'm also dealing with a company downsizing situation, so seeing these success stories gives me hope that honest, qualifying cases do get approved when you explain everything clearly. Will definitely update when my letter arrives to keep this chain of helpful experiences going! Thanks to everyone who shared their stories. 🙏

Hey OP, hang in there! I know its tough, but try not to stress too much. Sometimes these things take time. In the meantime, make sure you have all your ducks in a row - gather any medical documentation, pay stubs, etc. That way, if they do need anything from you, youre prepared.

This exact same thing happened to me back in July! My claim completely disappeared from the website after showing "pending" for a few days. I was freaking out, but it turned out the system was just updating. It showed back up about 3 days later with a status change. In the meantime, I'd suggest taking screenshots of any confirmation emails or reference numbers you got when you first filed - that way you have proof you submitted everything on time. Also, check your SDI account vs your regular UI account - sometimes claims show up in different places than you'd expect. Don't lose hope! The EDD system is frustrating but your claim is probably still in there somewhere. Keep us posted on what happens!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who recently went through the CTB application process successfully. Reading through all these responses, I can see you're getting great advice about multiple options, which is smart given your situation. One thing I'd add about the California Training Benefits program - when you call EDD to verify eligibility, also ask about the "Trade Adjustment Assistance" (TAA) program if your job loss was related to foreign trade/competition. It's a lesser-known program that can provide additional weeks of benefits plus training funding. Also, regarding your defamation case - document every single instance where potential employers ask about your previous job or seem hesitant after you explain the situation. This could be valuable evidence of economic damages in your court case. Keep a log with dates, company names, and specific responses you receive. For immediate help while pursuing longer-term solutions, check if your county has a "211" helpline (dial 2-1-1). They maintain databases of local emergency assistance programs, including utility help, rental assistance, and food resources. It's often faster than trying to research programs individually. You're handling an incredibly difficult situation with remarkable composure. The fact that you're exploring multiple options simultaneously shows real resilience. Keep pushing forward - having that court date in February gives you a timeline to work toward, and all these safety net programs can help bridge the gap until then.

I've been following this thread closely as someone who has navigated similar EDD challenges, and I wanted to add a few additional resources that might help in your situation. First, regarding your November earnings of $2,200 - that's actually right on the borderline for qualifying for a new claim. California requires $1,300 in your highest quarter to establish a new claim, so depending on how those wages were distributed, you might just qualify. When you call EDD, ask them to break down exactly which quarters those wages fell into. Second, I haven't seen anyone mention the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs yet. These are federally funded programs administered through your local workforce development board that can provide both training funding AND income support during training. Unlike CTB, WIOA programs sometimes have more flexible eligibility requirements and can stack with other benefits. Also, given that you're dealing with defamation issues, you might want to reach out to your state representatives' offices. They often have constituent services staff who can help navigate bureaucratic issues and sometimes expedite applications for emergency assistance programs. They can't solve legal problems, but they can help ensure you're getting access to all available safety net programs while your case is pending. The fact that you're being so proactive and exploring multiple options simultaneously shows incredible resilience. You've got a solid action plan developing here thanks to everyone's input. Keep us posted on how the CTB application goes!

update us on what happens! im having similar issues with my claim and need all the help i can get

Just wanted to add something important about temp/substitute positions in schools - make sure when you file your claim that you specify you were working as a temporary employee, not a regular school employee. This matters because there are special rules for school employees that might affect your eligibility timing. Regular school employees often can't collect unemployment during scheduled breaks or between school years, but temp workers like TAs and substitutes are usually exempt from these restrictions. The EDD rep you talk to needs to know this distinction. Also, since you mentioned this was a 4-month position, keep any documentation you have about the temporary nature of your employment (emails, job posting, contract if you had one). This will help establish that you weren't a regular school employee subject to the between-terms restrictions. Good luck with your callback! The fact that you were dismissed with "zero notice" for going "in a different direction" definitely sounds like a layoff situation, not misconduct, so you should be fine on that front.

I'm dealing with the exact same issue! Been locked out since Wednesday and it's driving me crazy. I tried everything you mentioned - different browsers, clearing cache, mobile app, nothing works. What's worse is I can't even get through on the phone to ask what's wrong. I'm going to try that Claimyr service that @Daryl Bright mentioned above since it sounds like several people have had success with it. Also going to attempt logging in super early tomorrow morning like @Harmony Love suggested. This is so stressful when you're depending on these payments! 😤

I'm going through the exact same thing! Started having issues Tuesday and still can't get in. What's really frustrating is I had to miss work yesterday to try calling EDD all day but could never get through. I'm supposed to certify this weekend and I'm terrified I'm going to miss the deadline. I've been unemployed for 3 months now and these payments are literally keeping me afloat. Going to try the Claimyr service and early morning login suggestions from this thread - thanks everyone for sharing your experiences! It's somewhat comforting to know it's not just me dealing with this nightmare. Keeping my fingers crossed the Twitter update @Sienna Gomez mentioned means they'll actually fix it soon 🤞