Can EDD backdate my unemployment claim? Desperate for 3 months of missing payments

Yes, EDD can backdate claims but you need to give them a good reason why you didn't file right away. I was in the same boat last year - waited almost 2 months to file because I thought I'd find another job quickly. Call the EDD backdate request line at 1-833-978-2511, select the backdate option, and explain your situation. They may approve it if your reason meets their 'good cause' criteria. Being unaware of benefits can sometimes qualify.

Thank you so much! Do you know what qualifies as \

i heard they only backdate if u had a REALLY good reason like hospitalization or something serious. not just not knowing the rules. but maybe im wrong good luck

This isn't entirely accurate. While EDD does require \

EDD CAN backdate but they RARELY do anymore!!! I tried for 2 months to get mine backdated after waiting just 3 weeks to file (was promised rehire that fell thru) and they denied me TWICE saying \

Oh no, that's really disheartening to hear! Did you try to appeal their decision? I'm worried because I waited even longer than you did. The financial stress is really getting to me.

I successfully got my claim backdated in January 2025. Here's exactly what worked for me:\n\n1. First, submit the backdate request through UI Online. Go to Contact EDD > Question Category: Claim Questions > Sub-category: Backdate Claim.\n\n2. In your request, be specific about why you didn't file sooner. \

I tried calling EDD over 50 times last week and couldn't get through. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an EDD rep for my backdate request. They got me through to a real person in about 15 minutes who processed my backdate request on the spot. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km\n\nThe rep told me that backdate requests are evaluated case-by-case. Mine was approved because I had documentation showing I was misled by my former employer about eligibility. Definitely worth the service to skip the phone frustration.

wait im confused isnt backdating just when they fix ur claim to start from when u first got laid off?? my brother said everyone gets that automatically why would u have to request it

No, that's not how it works. Claims start from when you file, not automatically from when you became unemployed. If you file late, EDD only pays benefits from the week you actually submitted your application unless you specifically request and qualify for backdating. Your brother might be confusing this with how the \

To clarify some of the confusion here, backdating a claim is officially called \

Thank you so much for this detailed breakdown! This gives me some hope. I think I might qualify under the \

my cousin works 4 edd and she said they hav a new rule that they can backdate up to 30 days without good cause and up to 6 months with good cause but u HAVE to talk to tier 2 specialist not regular rep

That's partly correct. As of January 2025, EDD can backdate up to 30 days with minimal justification, but this is still handled on a case-by-case basis. However, for anything beyond 30 days (up to 6 months), you absolutely need documented good cause AND need to speak with a Tier 2 specialist. The challenge is getting connected to one, as the automated system won't transfer you directly to Tier 2.

Update: I submitted my backdate request through UI Online yesterday explaining that my employer incorrectly told me I wouldn't qualify due to my work history. I'll keep trying to call to follow up. Thank you everyone for the advice! I feel much more prepared now. I'll let you know if I have any success with the backdating.

That's a good start! Being misinformed by your employer is definitely one of the valid reasons they consider. Make sure to be persistent with the calls - sometimes it takes 20+ attempts to get through, especially during high-volume hours. Try calling right when they open or in the late afternoon for slightly better chances. Good luck!

I just got my claim backdated two weeks ago after trying for almost a month. What finally worked was using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an EDD representative. I had been calling for weeks with no luck. With Claimyr, I was connected to an actual person at EDD in about 20 minutes. I explained my situation, and the rep was able to process my backdate request while I was on the phone. Check out their service demo here if you're interested: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km \n\nJust be prepared with your specific reason for late filing. In my case, they approved a 7-week backdate because I had been in the hospital and had documentation.

Thanks for this recommendation! I've been trying to call all morning with no luck. I'll check out that service - at this point I'm willing to try anything to get through to someone who can help with my backdate request. Those 3 months of benefits would make such a huge difference for me right now.

sorry to go off topic but has anyone had their certification stuck on pending for more than 2 weeks? mine has been pending since march 1 and im getting worried

That's a separate issue from backdating, but yes, \

One more tip for the original poster: If your online backdate request is denied, don't give up! You can appeal the decision through the formal appeal process. You'll need to complete the DE 1000M form explaining your good cause in detail. The appeal gives you another opportunity to present your case before an Administrative Law Judge. Make sure to gather any evidence supporting your reason for late filing - emails from your employer with misleading information, documentation of job search efforts, etc. Appeals can take 2-3 months to be heard, but I've seen many backdate denials overturned through this process.

Thank you for this information! I didn't know appeals were an option for backdate denials. I'll definitely keep this in mind if my initial request gets denied. I've started gathering emails from my former employer where they told me incorrect information about my eligibility, so hopefully that will help my case.