Update: Had my interview yesterday and it went exactly as you all described! The interviewer was actually pretty nice. She just verified my work search activities (asked for details on 3 recent applications) and confirmed my previous employment ended due to downsizing. Took about 20 minutes total. My certification got processed normally afterward. Thanks everyone for calming my nerves about this!

Glad you came back to update us! This is super helpful for future folks who might be in the same situation. It's crazy how much anxiety these routine interviews can cause when you don't know what to expect. Your experience sounds pretty typical - most of these interviews really are just checking boxes to make sure everything's legit. Thanks for sharing your outcome, it'll definitely help other community members who find this thread later!

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this - EDD's timing requirements are absolutely ridiculous when they don't account for normal mail processing delays. You definitely have grounds for a successful appeal since you can prove you sent everything promptly via certified mail. Here's what I'd do in your exact situation: 1. File that appeal online through UI Online TODAY - don't wait another day since the 30-day deadline is strict 2. Try calling EDD at exactly 8:02 AM tomorrow (right when they open) - sometimes an agent can reverse these decisions immediately if they see your docs arrived 3. When you call, have your certified mail receipt and tracking number ready to give them 4. Keep certifying every two weeks while your appeal is pending! The fact that you only missed their deadline by ONE DAY due to mail processing, and you have certified mail proof showing you sent it with 2 days to spare, makes this a very winnable appeal. EDD giving you only 9 days to respond (including weekends) when they mailed it on 3/22 but you didn't receive until 3/28 is completely unreasonable. Stay strong - you did everything right and have the documentation to prove it. This kind of timing issue gets overturned all the time on appeal!

I've been through almost the exact same situation and won my appeal! EDD's timing requirements are completely unreasonable - they expect you to respond within days but take weeks or months to process anything on their end. Here's what saved me: I had all my certified mail documentation organized (receipt showing send date, tracking showing delivery date) and I emphasized in my appeal that I made a "good faith effort" to comply within their unrealistic timeframe. The Administrative Law Judge agreed that one day late due to normal mail processing was not grounds for disqualification when I had proof of timely mailing. A few critical things to remember: - File your appeal online through UI Online immediately (you have 30 days from 4/1/25) - Keep certifying every two weeks during the appeal process - Try calling EDD at 8:02 AM sharp - sometimes they can reverse it without going through the full appeal - In your appeal letter, be factual and include your certified mail receipt number and tracking info You absolutely did nothing wrong here. Sending certified mail on 3/29 for a 3/31 deadline was completely reasonable - the postal service delay was beyond your control. Stay strong and fight this!

my sister works for edd (not saying which office) and she says identity theft cases are taking around 90 days right now bcuz theres so many of them

The UI Online portal is pretty much useless for tracking identity theft cases. I check mine religiously and it never shows any updates - it just keeps showing the fraudulent claim sitting there, which is super frustrating to see every time I log in. Phone calls are really the only way to get actual status updates, but even then you have to get the right department. Regular customer service reps can only see basic info, but the fraud investigators have access to the real case notes. When you call, specifically ask to be transferred to the "identity theft investigation unit" or "fraud department" - don't just accept talking to whoever picks up first. Document every call with date, time, rep name, and what they told you. It's a pain but it's the only way to stay on top of your case.

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the EDD system can be incredibly frustrating when you're already stressed about finances. Based on what you've shared, here are a few things that might help: Your $2,300 from the February temp job could potentially qualify you for a new claim if it puts you over the minimum earnings threshold in your base period. The calculation is complex, but it's definitely worth having EDD review your case. A few immediate steps I'd suggest: 1. Apply for CalFresh (food stamps) and any local emergency assistance programs while you sort out the EDD situation 2. Contact your local Community Action Agency - they often have emergency rent assistance funds 3. If you have any medical documentation related to stress/anxiety from unemployment, consider looking into State Disability Insurance (SDI) as a temporary bridge For getting through to EDD, try calling right at 8:00 AM when the lines open - that's usually when you have the best chance of getting through. Have all your documentation ready including pay stubs from that temp job. Don't lose hope - I've seen people in similar situations get approved for new claims or find other assistance programs. The system is confusing but there are options out there. Keep advocating for yourself and don't be afraid to escalate if the first representative you speak with can't help.

I've been through this exact situation and wanted to share what worked for me. First, don't panic - there are still options even after exhaustion. Your February temp work might actually be more helpful than you think. When I was in a similar spot, I had earned about $2,800 from a short-term contract job after filing my original claim. EDD was able to establish a new claim based on those earnings, even though my benefit year hadn't ended yet. Here's what I learned: - The key is whether your temp earnings create a valid base period for a new claim - You need at least $1,300 in your highest earning quarter of the new base period - Your total base period earnings must be at least 1.25 times your highest quarter Call EDD and specifically ask them to review your case for a "subsequent valid claim" based on your February employment. Don't let them brush you off - this is a legitimate option that many representatives aren't familiar with. Also, while you're waiting, definitely apply for CalFresh and check with your county's General Relief program. Some counties have emergency assistance programs that can help with rent for people between benefit periods. The Training Extension program mentioned by others is solid too if you're interested in career training. I wish I had known about that option when I was going through this. Hang in there - the system is frustrating but there are paths forward!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - won my appeal 6 days ago and still waiting for UI Online to update. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helpful! I'm planning to give it the full 14 business days that @Mateo Rodriguez mentioned before calling the Appeals Division. In the meantime, I'm also going to look into contacting my assembly member's office like @Ethan Wilson suggested - that seems like it could really speed things up. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines and strategies, it's reassuring to know this delay is normal even though it's super stressful when you're broke and waiting!

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! Won my appeal in November and it took 12 business days for UI Online to finally update. What helped me was calling the regular EDD number (1-800-300-5616) first thing in the morning at exactly 8:00 AM - I had better luck getting through early. When I finally got connected, the agent was able to see that my appeal decision was in their system but hadn't been processed to update my online account yet. She manually triggered the update while I was on the phone and told me to check back in 24-48 hours. Sure enough, two days later all my back weeks showed up for certification and I was able to get caught up on payments. Don't lose hope - your money is coming, the system is just painfully slow at connecting the dots between departments!