For everyone still searching for an EDD San Jose phone number - I contacted three different local offices and they all said the same thing. Unemployment calls only go through 800-300-5616 or 833-978-8753, both identical lines.

I'm in the same boat here in San Jose! Been calling for weeks thinking there might be a local number. After reading all these responses, it's clear there's no separate EDD San Jose phone number. The timing tips are really helpful though - sounds like early Wednesday mornings around 8am and avoiding the lunch hour blackout are key. Might have to bite the bullet and try one of those callback services since I can't keep taking time off work to call during business hours. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

For your vacation payout question: Yes, you must report vacation pay when certifying. On the certification form, you'll select "Yes" when asked if you received any income, then select "Vacation Pay" as the type. Enter the gross amount (before taxes) and the dates it covers. For severance, you'll handle it similarly but select "Severance Pay" as the income type. Both can reduce your weekly benefit amount for the weeks they cover, but won't necessarily disqualify you completely. If you have trouble understanding how to report these correctly, I strongly recommend speaking with an EDD representative who can guide you through your specific situation.

I went through almost the exact same situation 6 months ago! Company laid me off but kept me on the books for "transition purposes" until my official end date 10 weeks later. I was so confused about when to file, but I'm glad I applied immediately after reading advice like what's here. The key thing is that EDD cares about when you stopped working and receiving regular wages, not what your employer calls your status. I had to do a phone interview because my employer initially disputed the claim (they said I was still employed), but once I explained I wasn't working or getting paid, it got approved quickly. One tip: keep that layoff email from HR as documentation. I had to reference mine during my interview to prove I wasn't working even though I was technically still "employed." Also, if you get any kind of severance or continued benefits, make sure you understand exactly what you're receiving and when so you can report it correctly. The whole process was way less scary than I thought it would be. Don't let the administrative games delay your application!

I'm telling you, it's a conspiracy to keep us poor and desperate. They make it so hard on purpose so people just give up. Stay strong and keep fighting!

I've been through this exact same situation! The waiting game is absolutely brutal. One thing that worked for me was creating a new email address specifically for unemployment correspondence and then updating my contact info through the online portal. Sometimes their system gets glitchy with certain email providers. Also, try checking if there's a "secure messages" section in your online account - sometimes they send notifications there instead of email. I know it's frustrating, but don't give up! The squeaky wheel gets the grease, so keep being persistent with calls and emails. You've got this! 💪

I'm in almost the exact same situation as Dylan and really appreciate all the detailed advice in this thread! Filed my claim in November 2023 and got hit with the same address verification denial even though everything on my driver's license matches perfectly. I'm at about 9 weeks since filing my appeal and the silence from EDD is deafening. A few things I've learned from my own research that might help others: If you moved recently like Dylan did, make sure you can explain the timeline clearly at your hearing. I created a simple timeline document showing when I moved, when I updated my address with DMV, when I registered to vote at the new address, etc. Also, I found out that some credit monitoring services (like Credit Karma) will show you a history of addresses associated with your credit report - this can be useful evidence if EDD is questioning whether you actually live where you say you do. One question for those who've been through hearings recently - do they still allow you to have a representative or advocate with you during the hearing, or do you have to represent yourself? I've heard mixed things about this and want to be prepared. The financial stress while waiting is brutal. Hang in there everyone - it sounds like most people with legitimate cases do eventually win their appeals.

Dylan, I feel for you - the EDD appeal process is absolutely brutal right now. I'm currently at week 13 waiting for my hearing date after filing an appeal for the same address verification issue back in November. Like others have mentioned, the wait times are all over the place but seem to average around 10-12 weeks. One thing that really helped me was going to my local Assembly member's office for constituent services - they were able to confirm my appeal was actually in the system and get me a rough timeline estimate when I couldn't get through on the phones. You can find your Assembly member on the CA legislature website and just call asking for help with EDD issues. Also, start preparing your documentation NOW even while you wait. I created a binder with sections for: lease/rental agreement, utility bills, bank statements, DMV records, voter registration, medical records, and even subscription service bills (Netflix, gym membership, etc.) - basically anything showing your name at that address over time. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case. The financial stress is real - I had to take on some gig work just to stay afloat while waiting. But from what I've seen in this community, people with legitimate address verification issues usually win their appeals if they come prepared. Hang in there!

Good choice switching to direct deposit! I went through the same thing a few months ago and it was definitely the right move. The Money Network cards seem to have delivery issues pretty regularly - mine took almost 6 weeks to arrive. One thing that helped me feel more confident about the switch was checking my Payment History page in UI Online obsessively for the first week after making the change. You can see exactly when each payment gets processed and which method it's going to. Really takes the guesswork out of it. Also, when your Money Network card does eventually show up (it probably will), make sure to activate it and check the balance even if you're getting direct deposits by then. Like others said, there might be payments on there from before you switched.

I'm in almost the exact same situation right now! Requested my Money Network card about a month ago and still nothing. Reading through all these responses is making me feel so much better about switching to direct deposit. One question though - for those who switched, did you get any kind of confirmation email or notification when the change went through? Or do you just have to keep checking UI Online to see when it takes effect? I'm probably going to make the switch tonight but want to know what to look for to confirm it worked. Also super grateful for the tip about checking any funds that might end up on the card when it eventually arrives - definitely would have overlooked that!