To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

For the phone interview, they'll typically call you at the number on file during the scheduled time. Make sure to keep that number updated and available. From what I've seen in this community, some reps are scheduling interviews unnecessarily for PUA claims - you might want to call back and ask to speak with a Tier 2 specialist who can clarify if an interview is actually required for your situation. Don't let one rude rep discourage you from getting the help you deserve!

I'm really hoping this works out for you! I've been following this thread because I'm in a similar situation with penalty weeks, though not as severe as yours. One thing I wanted to add that might help others reading this - when you're putting together your hardship documentation, make sure to include a timeline showing how your financial situation deteriorated specifically because of the penalty weeks. For example, show your account balance before the penalty period started versus now, and connect the dots between losing those unemployment payments and your current crisis. The Appeals Board needs to see that the penalty weeks are the direct cause of your extreme hardship, not just general financial struggles you might have had anyway. Also, if you have any medical conditions or disabilities that make job searching more difficult, document those too. Even if it's just anxiety or depression from the stress of potential eviction, a letter from a doctor can strengthen your case. Really rooting for you - please keep us updated on the outcome!

Just wanted to jump in here as someone who works in social services - while you're waiting for the EDD hardship decision, definitely explore other emergency assistance options! Many counties have emergency rental assistance programs that can help prevent eviction while you're dealing with unemployment issues. In California, you can also apply for CalFresh food benefits and potentially cash aid through CalWORKs if you qualify. These programs can help free up what little money you do have for rent. The application process for these is much faster than EDD appeals - usually 1-2 weeks. Also check if your county has a "homelessness prevention" program. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and several other counties have specific funds to help people avoid eviction when they're between jobs. Some of these programs work directly with EDD cases. Don't forget about utility assistance programs too - if you can get help with electric/gas bills, that's more money you can put toward rent. Most utility companies have hardship programs, and organizations like The Salvation Army often help with utility bills in emergencies. The key is to apply for everything simultaneously rather than waiting. Even if your EDD hardship appeal gets approved, it might not be in time to prevent eviction. Having multiple safety nets gives you the best chance of getting through this tough period.

This is exactly the kind of specific information I was hoping for! Thank you. It helps to know the actual statistics rather than just guessing. I'll try to be patient for the next 8 business days or so.

I went through something very similar last year! My manager also used the exact same language - "temporary layoff" and "eligible for rehire" but couldn't give me any actual reason. It's definitely frustrating when you're left in limbo like that. The good news is that I got approved after about 9 days following my phone interview. What really helped my case was that during the interview, I emphasized that I had asked my manager multiple times for clarification on why I was being let go and she couldn't provide any specific reason. I also mentioned that I had been a good employee with no disciplinary issues. One thing I'd suggest - if you haven't already, try to get something in writing from your employer about the "temporary" nature of the layoff. Even a simple email asking for clarification about when you might be called back could be helpful if your employer tries to contest your claim later. You don't need much, just something that shows their vague communication. Keep certifying every two weeks and hang in there! The waiting is the worst part, but it sounds like you have a solid case.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the stress of potentially losing housing while dealing with EDD bureaucracy is absolutely awful. As someone who works in legal aid, I want to add a few urgent steps to the excellent advice already given: 1. File your appeal IMMEDIATELY - you typically only have 30 days from the denial date 2. When you call EDD, ask specifically about "continuing claim" status while your appeal is pending 3. Contact your local legal aid office - many have specialized unemployment attorneys who can help with appeals at no cost For immediate housing help, also try contacting your city/county's homeless prevention services directly (not just 211). Many have emergency funds specifically for people facing eviction. Some churches and community organizations also have emergency assistance funds. The "reasonable assurance" rule is absolutely designed to deny benefits to educators unfairly. Document everything - your varying work history, lack of guaranteed hours, and especially that email you mentioned that explicitly states no work guarantee. You have a strong case based on what you've described. Hang in there - this system is broken but you can fight it successfully!

I went through something very similar as a substitute teacher last year and it's absolutely infuriating how they treat us! The "reasonable assurance" denial is their go-to way to screw over subs even though we have ZERO guaranteed work. Here's what saved me: I immediately filed an appeal and kept detailed records of every interaction with EDD. Most importantly, I emphasized in my appeal that substitute work is inherently unpredictable - some days you get called, some you don't, and there's absolutely no promise of consistent income or hours. I also mentioned specific periods during the regular school year when I went days without being called, which proved my point about the unreliable nature of sub work. My appeal took about 6 weeks but I won and got full backpay. Don't let them bully you - you deserve those benefits! Also definitely look into emergency rental assistance through your county while you wait. The system is broken but you can beat it with persistence and good documentation.

I went through this exact same nightmare last month! What finally worked for me was calling the 1-800-300-5616 number repeatedly using redial until I got through (took about 200+ attempts over 3 days). When I finally got a human, they were able to look up my account number using my SSN and date of birth. Another trick - try calling right at 8am when they open, that's when you have the best shot. Also keep any old benefit payment stubs or mail from EDD as backup - your account number is usually printed on those documents. Don't give up, it's incredibly frustrating but you'll get there!

Another option that worked for me - try using the EDD's "Ask EDD" feature on their website. I know it sounds basic, but I submitted a request explaining I lost my account number and needed help recovering it. They actually responded within a week with instructions on how to verify my identity and get my account number back. It's not as fast as calling, but it's way less stressful than sitting on hold for hours. Also, if you have any old tax documents (like your 1099-G from previous years), your account number might be on there too. Worth checking!