One more thing to be aware of - once you're approved, it takes about 3 weeks to receive your EDD debit card (Money Network) if this is your first time on unemployment. After that, payments are much faster as they just load the card. Just wanted to mention this so you can plan accordingly for that initial waiting period.

I just went through the application process last month - make sure you check your UI Online account DAILY after applying. Sometimes they need additional information but only notify you through the portal, not by email or text. Missing those requests can delay your claim by weeks.

dont waste ur time with the website just call them directly using the claimyr thing others mentioned. the website will make u think ur eligible when ur not or vice versa. edd's computer system is from the stone age seriously

Update: I took everyone's advice and filed a new claim. I also used the Claimyr service to get through to EDD (thanks for that recommendation!). The agent reviewed my work history and explained that I do qualify for a new claim since I had wages in 2023 that weren't part of my previous claim's base period. My weekly benefit amount will be lower than my previous claim because my highest quarter earnings were less, but I'm approved for the full 26 weeks. Just wanted to thank everyone who helped me understand this confusing process!

After you won your appeal, did they tell you if you'd have to serve any penalty weeks? I also won my appeal recently but even after that I had to serve 5 penalty weeks because of how I originally answered a question on my application. Just wondering if that might be causing additional delay for you.

I've been through 3 appeals with EDD (lucky me!) and each time the timeline was different. First one took 4 weeks from hearing to payment, second one was about 6 weeks, and the third one somehow processed in just 10 days. It seems to really depend on which office is handling your appeal and their current workload. The most important thing is that you won - the money will come eventually, even if it takes longer than it should.

Based on my experience and what others have shared, here's what I think is happening: Your claim has been processed and entered into the system, which is why you're seeing the certification date. This is generally a good sign, but it doesn't guarantee you won't face any issues later. Since you filed before your benefit year ended, they've likely set up your new claim to begin immediately after your old one expires. The system is basically telling you "come back after 7/23 because that's when your first certification period for the new claim will be available." If you want absolute certainty, calling EDD is your best option, though it can be incredibly frustrating. When I had a similar situation, it took me 57 calls over 3 days before I finally got through to a representative. The peace of mind was worth it though.

UPDATE: I just wanted to follow up and let everyone know what happened. I was able to certify on 7/23 as scheduled! The payments did go to pending for about 4 days, but then switched to paid without me having to do anything. No interview was required after all. Thanks everyone for your help and advice - it really helped calm my anxiety during the waiting period!

ok but has anyone else noticed the EDD site is slow AF this week?? been down since tuesday for me too

The EDD system is designed to be frustrating on purpose! They're hoping people will give up and not collect benefits. I had THREE eligibility interviews for the same issue and each interviewer told me something completely different. When the website is down, it's not an accident - they're blocking people from checking status updates while they process backlogged claims. The fact that your former employer doesn't respond is actually lucky for you - that's how I got approved. If the company doesn't contest it, EDD usually sides with the claimant. KEEP TRYING TO LOG IN and document EVERYTHING.