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UPDATE: I finally got through today! Used a combination of the tips from this thread - called at 8:01am exactly, used the 1-2-4 prompt sequence, and was on hold for about 45 minutes but finally spoke to someone. The rep confirmed it was indeed a name change issue causing the verification problem. For anyone else with this problem, persistence is key! Thank you everyone for your help!
That's such great news that you finally got through! Your post was so relatable - I'm dealing with a similar situation right now where I've been trying to file for disability benefits and keep hitting the same phone system walls. The 1-2-4 prompt tip is gold, I'm definitely going to try that tomorrow morning. It's crazy how these government phone systems seem designed to frustrate people into giving up. Thanks for sharing your success story and what actually worked - gives the rest of us hope that persistence really does pay off eventually!
Update: I went ahead and filed my new claim today! The system accepted it with no problems. It says my new benefit year starts tomorrow (March 16th) just like you all said. Now fingers crossed the processing doesn't take too long. Thanks everyone for your help!
Smart move filing today! I went through this same process about 6 months ago and the key thing that helped me was keeping detailed records of everything - screenshots of when I filed, confirmation numbers, etc. The EDD system can be glitchy sometimes and having those receipts saved me when there was a question about my filing date later. Also, if you don't hear anything within the first week, don't panic - mine took almost 3 weeks but once it was approved, I got all the back payments at once.
So glad you got it filed! I'm actually dealing with this same situation right now - my benefit year ends in two weeks and I've been stressing about the timing. This whole thread has been incredibly helpful. Quick question though - when you filed today, did the system ask you to verify your identity again or upload any documents? I'm trying to get everything ready ahead of time so there aren't any delays once I submit mine.
I appreciate all the responses! I called EDD using the service someone suggested above and actually got through to a rep. The agent confirmed everything you all said - my benefits are limited to the claim balance amount (26 weeks max), and there are no extensions currently available. She suggested I contact my local America's Job Center for help with job search resources and possibly training opportunities. Definitely not the news I was hoping for, but at least I know where I stand now and can plan accordingly.
Glad you got through to someone! The America's Job Centers (formerly called One-Stop Career Centers) can actually be really helpful. They offer free resume help, job fairs, and sometimes even training programs that can be covered while you're still on unemployment. Definitely worth checking out before your benefits end.
I'm in a similar situation - just checked my balance and I have about $1,800 left which should last me maybe another month. This thread has been really eye-opening because I also thought I had a full year of benefits. I've been taking my time with the job search thinking I had plenty of runway, but now I realize I need to get serious ASAP. Has anyone had luck with temp agencies? I'm wondering if that might be a faster way to get some income flowing while I continue looking for something permanent.
Yes! Temp agencies can definitely be a good bridge while you're looking for permanent work. I used Robert Half and Adecco when I was in a similar situation last year. The pay isn't always amazing, but it's income and you can still collect partial unemployment if the temp work doesn't equal your full weekly benefit amount. Plus, some temp positions do turn into permanent offers if they like you. I'd recommend registering with multiple agencies since they all have different client bases. Just make sure to report any temp earnings when you certify for benefits!
One important thing to remember: if you're receiving partial UI benefits from working part-time, make sure you're still doing your work search activities and certifying correctly. Many people make mistakes here and end up with conditional payments or worse, overpayment notices. Those work search requirements are still in effect (3 activities per week) even if you're working part-time hours. Just because you're working doesn't mean you can skip reporting your work search efforts during certification.
I'm in a similar situation - my benefits are about to run out next week and I'm terrified. The job market is brutal right now. One thing that might help is looking into community colleges that offer workforce development programs. Some have partnerships with employers and offer job placement assistance after completion. Also, don't forget about filing for CalFresh if you haven't already - at least that's one less expense to worry about while you're job hunting. The application process is pretty straightforward online and can help stretch whatever savings you have left. Hang in there!
Thanks for the suggestion about community college programs! I actually hadn't thought about that. Do you know if those workforce development programs are free or low-cost? My savings are pretty much gone at this point so I can't afford expensive training. And yes, I should definitely apply for CalFresh - I keep putting it off because I'm embarrassed but you're right that it would help with groceries. Really appreciate the encouragement, it helps to know I'm not alone in this struggle.
Noland Curtis
UPDATE: My payment status just changed from pending to paid about an hour ago! It's not in my account yet but at least it's moving forward. Thanks everyone for your help and sharing your experiences - it really helped keep me from panicking too much!
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Diez Ellis
lucky!! mine is still pending :( guess ill try calling tomorrow
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Ellie Perry
•Don't lose hope! Since @Noland Curtis just got his cleared, yours might be in the same batch and could update soon too. But yeah, if it s'still pending by tomorrow morning definitely give them a call. The fact that his moved is a good sign that they re'processing the backlog.
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Jamal Harris
•Hang in there! I went through something similar a few months ago and it took an extra day after others in the same situation got theirs cleared. Sometimes they process these holds in batches but not everyone gets released at exactly the same time. Definitely call if it's still stuck tomorrow, but there's still a good chance it'll update overnight or first thing in the morning.
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