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Can my husband reapply after his 5 weeks of EDD payments end? Email options?

My husband only has about 5 weeks of unemployment payments left (he gets a deposit every 2 weeks so that's 3 more payments). I'm trying to figure out if he can reapply for more benefits after his claim runs out or if there's some kind of extension available? I've heard conflicting things from friends and family about whether you can file a new claim immediately. I really don't want him to have a gap in benefits while we're still trying to find stable work in his field. Calling EDD seems impossible - I tried three times last week and kept getting the 'too many callers' message. Is there an email option to ask EDD these questions instead of calling? The website is so confusing and I can't find a clear answer about reapplying or any email contact info. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

To answer your specific questions: 1. No, there is no direct email option for EDD. You can only send secure messages through UI Online or use the Ask EDD form on their website. 2. About reapplying: After exhausting regular UI benefits, your husband must wait until his benefit year ends before filing a new claim. A benefit year is 12 months from the Sunday of the week he initially filed. 3. Eligibility for a new claim requires sufficient earnings in the base period (typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before filing). He needs approximately $1,300 in his highest quarter to qualify. 4. If he worked during this benefit year and earned enough wages, he might qualify for a new claim after exhausting current benefits, even if his benefit year hasn't ended. This is called a "recomputation" and is worth investigating. I recommend having him check his UI Online account for his benefit year end date. It should be listed on the claim summary page.

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Thank you for explaining this so clearly! I didn't know about the "recomputation" option - that's definitely worth looking into since he did work for a short period. I'll have him check his UI Online account for the benefit year end date and the exact amount of benefits remaining. Really appreciate the detailed information!

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I'm going through something similar right now. My payments are about to run out next month but my benefit year doesn't end until November! I've been looking EVERYWHERE for answers about what to do during that gap period. Something nobody mentioned yet - if your husband can't file a new claim right away, he should still certify for benefits every two weeks even after receiving his final payment. My friend's uncle's EDD rep told him this keeps his claim active in the system and shows he's still looking for work. Not sure if it helps with anything but that's what I'm planning to do... Also does anyone know if we're supposed to close our claim somehow after benefits run out or just leave it open?

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This is partially correct but needs clarification. Once benefits are exhausted, the system will not allow further certifications - it automatically stops prompting for them. Your claim remains open until the benefit year ends, but in an inactive status. You don't need to (and can't) manually close a claim. When the benefit year ends, you'll need to file a new claim if you're still unemployed and meet eligibility requirements.

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EDD eligibility appeal hearing by phone tomorrow - need urgent advice!

I just got my notice last week and my EDD phone appeal hearing is TOMORROW at 9:15am! I'm freaking out because I was disqualified after they said I didn't report some income from a side gig I did while on unemployment. Honestly, I thought since it was under $600 it didn't count (big mistake I know now). The overpayment notice says I owe back $4,850! I've never done an appeal hearing before - it's with an Administrative Law Judge. Do I need to have all my documents ready? Should I write down what I want to say? Will they record the call? I'm seriously panicking and could use any advice from people who've been through this process. The notice says it could take up to 2 hours!

My appeal wasn't about income reporting but about availability for work, but I think the process is the same. One tip: I started talking too much and getting off-topic, and the judge had to redirect me several times. So try to keep your answers direct and to the point. Also, I don't know if this matters for your case, but I was able to set up a payment plan for my overpayment after I lost my appeal. They took my financial situation into account and made the monthly payments manageable. Don't let fear of the full amount stress you out too much - there are options if things don't go your way.

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That's good to know about the payment plan. I was worried I'd have to pay back the full $4,850 immediately if I lose. Getting off topic is definitely something I might do when I'm nervous, so I'll try to stay focused.

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One last tip - judges often look favorably on claimants who've taken steps to understand where they went wrong. Consider printing the relevant section of the EDD handbook about income reporting and highlighting the part you misunderstood. Then mention early in the hearing something like, "Since this happened, I've carefully reviewed the EDD guidelines and now fully understand my reporting responsibilities." This shows you're taking responsibility and are committed to following the rules correctly in the future. Good luck tomorrow - let us know how it goes!

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Thank you all SO MUCH for the advice! I feel much more prepared now. I've got my documents together, written my timeline, prepared some notes for my closing statement, and found a quiet place for the call. I'll update tomorrow after the hearing!

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EDD eligibility for subcontractors during school summer break with no work?

Hi everyone, I'm in a bit of a tough spot and hoping someone can help clarify my EDD eligibility. I work as a subcontractor providing specialized services to students with learning disabilities at several local schools. The problem is summer vacation just started, and I basically have zero income until school resumes in late August. I'm not technically laid off, just... temporarily without work for about 10 weeks. My contractor status makes this confusing - can I qualify for unemployment during this gap period? I still want to return to this work when school starts again, but I need something to cover bills in the meantime. Has anyone been in a similar seasonal work situation and successfully filed a claim? Not sure if it matters, but I've been doing this work for 3+ years.

Wait so do u have to pay back the money if they approve u then later decide u weren't eligible?? That's what im scared of

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Yes, if EDD determines later that you weren't eligible, they can issue an overpayment notice requiring you to repay benefits received. However, if you provide complete and honest information when applying, this risk is minimized. The biggest problems happen when people withhold information or don't accurately report work/earnings during certification periods.

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Based on everything you've shared, I really think you should apply. Your situation has several factors that suggest you may be eligible despite the 1099 status: 1. You work through an agency at multiple schools (suggesting you're not truly independent) 2. The schools/agency control your schedule and work methods 3. They provide materials and workplace 4. Your work is seasonal due to the school calendar (a recognized pattern) 5. You don't have a formal business structure File your claim, be completely honest about your situation, and let the EDD make the determination. Many seasonal educational workers qualify for benefits during scheduled breaks.

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Thank you! I've started my application online and tried to be super clear about my work situation. Fingers crossed it works out - I'll update here once I hear something back from EDD.

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EDD UI Online system down during certification weekend - anyone else locked out?

Seriously frustrated right now! I've been trying to certify for my UI benefits since 6AM this morning and keep getting the 'The system is currently unavailable' message on UI Online. My rent is due on Tuesday and I NEED this payment to process on time. Is EDD's website down for everyone or is it just targeting me specifically to ruin my weekend? Anyone else having trouble accessing the certification page today? Any idea when they typically get these issues fixed?

just got in!! try now everyone, seems to be working again

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OMG THANK YOU! Just certified successfully. What a relief! Hopefully everyone else can get through now too.

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For anyone still having issues, I found that using Edge browser worked when Chrome didn't. Something about the security certificates. Also double check you're going to the official https://edd.ca.gov site and not clicking on any links from emails that might be scams. Lot of those going around lately trying to steal unemployment info.

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EDD unemployment vs. SSI reporting requirements - trip winnings question

I know this is an unemployment benefits forum, but I'm hoping someone here might know about SSI rules since many people have experience with different benefit programs. My sister is on SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and just won a sweepstakes for a 5-day all-expenses-paid trip to Miami (hotel, flight, meals included). The estimated value is around $3,800. We're not sure if she needs to report this to SSI since it's not actual cash. Does anyone know if non-cash prizes like trips count as income for SSI recipients? I know for unemployment you have to report all income, but SSI rules seem more complicated with resource limits and in-kind support. Any insight would be super helpful!

My situation was a bit different, but when I was transitioning from unemployment to SSI last year, I had to report EVERYTHING. Like seriously, they wanted to know about a $50 birthday gift from my grandma. It's better to report and maybe have a reduced payment for a month than risk an overpayment situation later. Those SSI overpayment notices are a nightmare to deal with, trust me.

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OMG yes! I got hit with an SSI overpayment notice for $2,800 because I didn't report some unemployment benefits correctly. Took me almost 8 months to sort out and they were taking money from my checks the whole time. Definitely better to report everything!

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did anyone actually answer the original question?? YES you have to report it, but NO she doesn't necessarily have to decline the trip. If she reports it properly, they'll just reduce her SSI payment for that month and then it returns to normal the next month. She should call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for guidance BEFORE accepting the trip. btw this does relate to unemployment in a way because if you win prizes while on UI you also have to report them!

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That's really helpful! I'll have her call SSA before accepting. Good to know she might still be able to enjoy the trip even if it means a reduced payment for a month. Thanks for the direct answer!

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