EDD unemployment benefits for military spouse relocation - eligibility with short work history?

You're eligible under the Military Spouse provision regardless of how long you've worked at your current job. When you file for UI as a military spouse, you just need to indicate that you're leaving your job due to your spouse's military relocation orders. It's not a separate application, but when you file your regular UI claim online at https://edd.ca.gov/en/Unemployment/UI_Online, make sure to select the correct reason for separation (something like "quit due to spouse relocation"). During the interview process, you'll need to provide copies of the military orders. The standard base period earnings requirements still apply though - you need to have earned at least $1,300 in one quarter of your base period or at least $900 in your highest quarter and 1.25 times that amount in the entire base period.

my wife went through this last year when i got orders to pendleton. its a total pain but you can do it. just make sure u have copies of the orders cause theyll want to see those for sure. my wife had only worked like 4 months at her last job and got approved so dont worry about the time thing

To directly answer your question, the "base period" isn't your most recent work quarters. It's the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in May 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024. This means your recent work since March 2025 wouldn't count toward your monetary eligibility. However, if you have no wages in the standard base period, EDD can use an "alternate base period" which is the last 4 completed calendar quarters. So in that case, it would include your current job. Also, make sure when you speak with EDD, you specifically mention you're separating under the "Military Spouse Provision" as it exempts you from certain disqualifications that would normally apply to voluntary quits.

When I tried calling EDD about a similar situation last month, I spent THREE HOURS on hold and then got disconnected! 😡 The military spouse thing is supposed to be straightforward but like everything with EDD, they make it complicated. My neighbor used a service called Claimyr to get through to an actual human at EDD - said it was worth every penny instead of wasting days trying to get answers. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5

I went thru this EXACT thing when my husband got orders to Twentynine Palms last year. Here's what i learned that nobody tells you: 1) Even tho there's a military spouse provision, you still need to meet the MONETARY eligibility requirements (the $1300 thing someone mentioned) 2) They'll probably put your claim "pending" and make you do a phone interview where they ask about your job history and why you're leaving 3) You'll need to upload the actual orders with your name listed as a dependent 4) If you're really worried about qualifying cuz of limited work history, you can ask for the ALTERNATE BASE PERIOD when you file - it uses more recent quarters 5) SAVE EVERY EMAIL AND DOCUMENT from EDD!!!! The whole process took about 5-6 weeks from filing to actually getting paid for me... and yes the website is absolutely horrible lol

do you have to show you're actively looking for work in the new location? when i filed for regular unemployment they made me prove i was applying to jobs every week

Have you talked to the family support services at your husband's base? When we PCS'd they had resources specifically for spouse employment transitions. They might be able to help you navigate the EDD stuff or even help you find a job at the new location. Worth a shot!

One more important thing: If you determine that your standard base period won't qualify you for benefits, you should wait to file your claim until after the current quarter ends. This would make your more recent wages count in the alternate base period calculation. For example, if the current quarter when you're planning to file is April-June 2025, and you've been working full-time since March, you might want to wait until July 1 to file so that your March-June 2025 wages will be included in the alternate base period calculation. I know timing can be tricky with a military move, but this could make the difference in qualifying for benefits.

Oh! I forgot to mention - if you're having trouble reaching EDD (and trust me, you WILL), I found that calling right when they open at 8:00 AM sometimes works. But honestly, after trying for days I broke down and used Claimyr too. Saved me hours of frustration and got me connected to someone who actually knew about the military spouse provision. Best $20 I spent during that whole stressful move.