Can EDD backdate my claim to March after medical delay in filing?

Yes EDD can backdate your claim but you need a valid reason. Medical reasons usually count! When you file online, there should be a section where you can request backdating and explain why you couldn't file earlier. Make sure you have medical documentation from your hospital stays to back it up if they ask for verification. My brother got his claim backdated 2 months last year after he had surgery.

Just to clarify some things about backdating at EDD: 1) You MUST specifically request backdating when you file 2) Medical reasons are considered "good cause" for late filing 3) They might contact you for additional info about why you couldn't file earlier 4) The usual backdate limit is 30 days, but they can make exceptions for serious situations 5) Make sure you have documentation ready to support your backdate request Also important: you'll need to certify for all those backweeks if they approve the backdate. They won't automatically pay you for March-to-now. Each week needs certification.

THEY WILL DENY U FIRST!!!! EDD always denys backdate requests at first even with medical reasons. I had to appeal my backdate denial with documentation. took like 6 more weeks after my initial claim was approved to get those backdated weeks. total system BS.

u might have trouble if u wait too long. my mom file 2 months after she lost job and they make her do phone interview about the delay. but she got approved for backdating. just be honest about hospital.

I had to backdate my claim last year (not for medical reasons tho) and I couldn't get through to ANYONE at EDD to help me with the process. I kept calling hundreds of times with no luck. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Talking to an actual person about your backdating is probably the best way to make sure it gets processed correctly, especially with your medical situation. Good luck!

To directly answer your question: Yes, EDD can backdate to your date of unemployment (March 18), and your benefit year would start from that date, not from your filing date. However, you need to specifically request backdating and provide good cause for the delay. Medical issues that prevent filing are considered good cause, especially with documentation. When you file online, there will be a question asking if you want an earlier effective date - select "Yes" and explain your situation clearly. They may request your medical records later during the process. Regarding your benefit period, unemployment provides benefits for up to 26 weeks within a 12-month benefit year. So if your claim is backdated to March 18, 2025, your benefit year would end March 17, 2026.

dont forget to mention unable to file specificly!! my cousin just said he was in hospital but didnt say he COULDNT file and they denied him. be very clear you were UNABLE to file because of medical issues.

One more thing - when you do get approved and have to certify for all those back weeks, make sure you report any income accurately if you had any sick pay or PTO payout after your layoff. EDD will cross-check with your employer and it can cause major headaches if the numbers don't match up.

If they deny your backdate request (which happens ALOT) immediately appeal it!! You only have 30 days to appeal a denial. And make sure to keep certifying for current weeks while waiting for backdating decision. They won't tell you this but you can lose current benefits if you miss certifications while dealing with backdating issues.