my sister went thru exactly this!!! she had a main retail job that cut all her hours and then quit a 8hr/week second job because the schedule kept changing and she couldnt plan anything. she got approved because she had GOOD CAUSE for quitting. tell your friend to use those exact words - "good cause" - in her application and interview!!!! that's the magic phrase EDD looks for!!

One more thing to note: the EDD will be most interested in the job that constitutes the majority of your friend's base period earnings (the seasonal job). If that job ended through no fault of her own (layoff, contract end, etc.), and the part-time job represented only a small fraction of her total earnings, the part-time job is less likely to affect her overall eligibility - especially with a solid good cause explanation for quitting. During the eligibility interview, she should emphasize that she's actively seeking suitable full-time work similar to her previous seasonal position, which demonstrates she's not trying to avoid working - she just couldn't continue with an arrangement that was costing her money.

This happened to me last month too, but it was because I answered one of the certification questions wrong. I said I was "too sick to work" on one day (had a terrible cold) and that triggered some kind of review flag. Maybe double check your certification answers if this keeps happening?

I've been on unemployment three times in the past five years and I've learned you should ALWAYS keep at least one month of expenses saved if possible, even while on UI. The payment system is just too unpredictable, especially around holidays, end of quarters, and system updates. Last December they had a two-week delay for thousands of people right before Christmas! If you can't get through on the phone, try the Contact EDD function in UI Online or visit an in-person office if there's one near you.

Dealing with the EDD is SO frustrating. Last time I certified it took 12 days to get paid! They said something about 'quarterly wage review' whatever that means. The system is designed to make us suffer I swear.

UPDATE: Funds hit my Money Network card this morning! For anyone dealing with a similar situation, here's my timeline: - Sunday: Certified for benefits - Days 1-5: Status remained pending - Day 6: Called EDD using Claimyr (actually got through!) - Day 6 (1 hour after call): Status changed to PAID - Day 7: Money available on card The agent said the delay was due to my claim being reopened after a long period of inactivity. They had to verify my identity again even though I'd already done it previously. Once that was cleared, everything processed quickly. Thanks everyone for your help!

Just want to add - if your employer contests your claim (which often happens with these hour reduction situations), don't panic! You'll get a notice for a phone interview. Be prepared with all your documentation showing the pattern of reduction. Speak clearly about how many hours you originally worked vs. now. Don't say anything negative about the employer - stick strictly to the facts about hours. The determination usually favors the employee if you can show a clear pattern of reduction without misconduct on your part.

hey just checking in - did u apply yet? hoping things work out for u!

The ID.me verification was actually pretty smooth for me, just make sure you have your driver's license or passport ready and a decent camera for the selfie verification. It took about 10 minutes total.\n\nFor job search activities, I report at least 3 activities per week. Be specific - company name, position, date, how you applied, any contact info you have. Mix it up between actual applications, updating your LinkedIn, attending networking events, etc. I keep a simple spreadsheet with columns for all this info so certification is easy.\n\nOne tip: set a reminder for your certification days! They're always the same 2 weeks apart, and if you miss the window it can delay your payment.

This is super helpful - thank you! I'll start a spreadsheet today to track everything. And good tip about the certification reminders, I definitely don't want to miss those.