One more tip that saved me a lot of headaches - when you fax documents to EDD, always include a cover page with the current date, your full name, SSN (last 4 digits), claim number, and a brief description of what you're sending. I also add "URGENT - DEADLINE SENSITIVE" at the top if it's time-critical. This helps their processing team route your documents to the right department faster. Also, if you're sending multiple documents, number each page (like "Page 1 of 8") so they know if any pages are missing. I learned this after they claimed they only received 3 out of 5 pages of my employment verification documents. Now I always get confirmation receipts and follow up within a week to make sure everything was received completely.

Just went through this exact situation last week! The (916) 255-1277 number that @Simon White mentioned is correct for general documents. I had to fax my work search logs when the upload kept timing out. One thing I'd add - call EDD at (833) 978-2511 about 3-4 business days after faxing to confirm they received your documents. I know their phone system is terrible, but it's worth the wait to make sure your stuff didn't get lost in their system. When I called, they were able to tell me exactly which documents they had on file and which ones were still processing. Also, if you're really pressed for time, some UPS stores and FedEx locations offer same-day fax services with delivery confirmation. Costs a bit more but gives you peace of mind that it actually went through. Good luck!

I'm in a similar boat! Got my "payment issued" text 11 days ago and still no card. This thread is so helpful - I had no idea about the Money Network vs EDD separation or that the card comes in a plain envelope from Ohio. I've been checking my mailbox obsessively thinking I missed something! Quick question for those who've been through this - when the card finally arrives, how long does activation take? Can you access the money right away or is there another waiting period? My rent is due soon and I'm getting anxious about the timing. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences, it's really reassuring to know this delay is normal even though EDD doesn't explain it well at all.

Just went through this same exact situation 3 weeks ago! The waiting is so stressful when you don't know what's normal. Here's what I learned from my experience: The "payment issued" text is basically EDD saying "we've approved your payment and sent the info to Money Network" but the actual card still has to be manufactured and mailed out. Think of it like ordering something online - you get a "shipped" notification but the package still takes time to arrive. A couple things that helped me during the wait: - Download the Money Network app ahead of time so you're ready to activate when it arrives - The card envelope says "Important Account Information" on the outside, not "Money Network" - Make sure someone's home to receive mail - some postal workers require signature The good news is once you have the card, future payments are much faster. I now get my money within 1-2 days of certifying instead of waiting weeks. Also definitely set up direct deposit through the app once you activate - it's way more convenient than dealing with the card for every payment. You're right in the normal timeframe, so try not to stress too much! It should be there any day now.

I had this same issue last year when I started my new job! EDD doesn't automatically send closure confirmation letters, but there are a few ways to get the documentation your HR needs. The fastest method I found was calling EDD early in the morning (around 8am) and specifically asking for a "verification of benefit termination letter" - they can usually email it to you the same day if you reach an agent. If you can't get through by phone, try the UI Online "Ask EDD" feature under Contact EDD and request a "Proof of Benefits Termination" document. As a backup, you can also print your claim history showing your last payment date plus your final certification where you indicated you returned to work - some HR departments will accept this combination as proof you're no longer collecting benefits. Congrats on the new job and good luck getting the paperwork sorted out!

Another option that worked for me - if you're really in a time crunch, you can also call the EDD Employer Services line (not the regular claimant line). They're sometimes less busy and can help with employment verification requests. The number is different from the main EDD line and I found the wait times were much shorter. When you get through, explain that you need documentation for your new employer showing your benefits have ended. They were able to process my request same-day and faxed the verification letter directly to my HR department. Worth trying if the regular customer service line is backed up!

I'm on week 6 of my UI claim (corporate training and professional development events) and this thread has been absolutely eye-opening! Like everyone else here, I had zero understanding of the benefit year vs 26-week distinction - that's incredibly important information that could have led to costly mistakes down the road. The corporate training events space has been really tough since companies are cutting L&D budgets and moving most training online with minimal coordination needs. I've been clinging to hope that in-person corporate training would bounce back quickly, but reading all these experiences is helping me face the reality that I need to plan for a longer transition. The suggestions about pivoting to employee engagement, internal communications, and program management roles are brilliant and something I never would have considered on my own. My background in designing learning experiences, managing facilitators, and coordinating multi-day programs could definitely translate to internal HR or organizational development roles. I'm going to start my CalFresh application this week and contact my local AJCC office based on everyone's consistent advice about getting these resources lined up early rather than scrambling later. One thing I'll add for others in corporate training events: I've seen some companies hiring "Learning & Development Coordinators" and "Professional Development Program Managers" - these are essentially event planning roles but focused on internal employee education. The skills around curriculum coordination, vendor management, and participant experience translate perfectly. This community has been incredible - thank you all for sharing such honest, practical advice. It's providing way better guidance than anything I've gotten from official sources!

I'm on week 4 of my UI claim (tech company events and product launches) and wow, this thread has been a complete game-changer for understanding what I'm actually facing! Like literally everyone else here, I had absolutely no idea about the benefit year vs 26-week distinction - that's such crucial information that should be clearly explained upfront but somehow gets lost in all the EDD bureaucracy. The tech events space has been brutal - companies are either doing everything virtual now or cutting event budgets entirely. I've been holding onto hope that product launch events would come back strong, but reading everyone's real experiences here is helping me accept that I need to start planning for a much longer job search. All the pivot suggestions throughout this thread are incredible - I never would have thought about how my skills in stakeholder management, vendor coordination, and timeline execution could translate to corporate wellness programs or employee engagement roles. The idea of looking for "Program Manager" positions in internal training and development is particularly smart since that's essentially what we do for product launches anyway. Definitely starting my CalFresh application this week and scheduling time with my local AJCC office based on everyone's consistent advice about getting these supports ready early rather than waiting until week 25 to panic. One thing I'll add for others in tech events: I've noticed some companies hiring "Customer Success Program Coordinators" and "User Experience Event Managers" - roles that involve organizing client onboarding events, user conferences, and customer appreciation programs. It's still event planning but in a more stable B2B customer success context rather than the volatile product launch world. This community is absolutely amazing - thank you all for being so generous with sharing real, actionable advice. This thread has given me more clarity and practical guidance than months of trying to figure this out on my own. At least now I can make an informed plan instead of just crossing my fingers and hoping for the best!

I'm a tax professional who works with a lot of EDD clients, and I want to add some additional context that might help everyone here. The confusion around gross vs net reporting often stems from the fact that EDD's online system and phone representatives don't always give consistent guidance, which is incredibly frustrating. Here's what I tell my clients: For sole proprietors and single-member LLCs (taxed as sole proprietors), you should report NET income after legitimate business expenses. However, the key word is "legitimate" - EDD may scrutinize expenses that seem personal in nature or unreasonable for your type of business. I also strongly recommend getting everything in writing when you speak with EDD reps. Email them after your call summarizing what they told you and ask for written confirmation. This creates a paper trail that can protect you if there's a dispute later. One more critical point: if you're claiming unemployment while starting a business, consider consulting with a tax professional early on. The intersection of unemployment benefits, self-employment tax, and business deductions can get complex quickly, and it's much cheaper to get advice upfront than to deal with audit issues later. Many of us offer initial consultations specifically for people in this situation.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when I started my marketing consultancy while collecting UI benefits. The anxiety about getting it wrong is real, but here's what worked for me: 1. I set up a dedicated business checking account immediately to keep everything separate 2. Used a simple Google Sheet to track DAILY: hours worked, tasks performed, income received, and expenses paid 3. Always reported NET income (revenue minus expenses) on my bi-weekly certifications 4. Was super careful about the 32-hour rule - I actually set a phone alarm for Sundays to calculate my weekly hours The game-changer was treating my business hours like a part-time job with set "shifts." I worked Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from 9-5 on client work and business development, then dedicated Monday/Friday to job searching. This kept me under 32 hours most weeks and made it easier to track everything. One thing I learned the hard way: even unpaid activities count as work hours! Time spent on networking calls, updating your website, or creating proposals all count toward that 32-hour limit. I initially wasn't tracking these "non-billable" hours and was probably going over the limit without realizing it. The good news is that once you establish a good tracking system, it becomes routine. Just be obsessively detailed with your records - it's way better to over-document than under-document if EDD ever comes knocking.