Can EDD backdate my unemployment claim from December when I applied in February?

Yes, you absolutely can request backdating! I had a similar situation last year. You need to call EDD and specifically request a "backdate" of your claim to your last day of work. Be prepared to explain why you didn't file right away - they'll want a "good cause" reason. Having family emergencies is definitely considered good cause. Just be aware that you'll need to certify for all those back weeks once they approve the backdate. Good luck!

goos luck gettin through on the phone lol i tried for 2 weeks straight couldn't get anyone

Just be aware that backdating isn't automatic - you need to have a good reason for why you didn't file immediately. "I didn't think I would qualify" isn't always accepted as good cause, though the family emergency might be. I had to provide documentation of my situation when requesting backdating. Also, there's a time limit - I believe you can only request backdating within a certain timeframe after your initial claim filing. Double check the EDD website for the latest rules on this.

You'll need to contact EDD by phone to request backdating. I had to do this when I lost my job during COVID but didn't apply right away. If you can't get through on the regular number, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that helps connect you with an EDD rep usually within an hour instead of days of trying. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. It saved me so much frustration when I needed to get my claim backdated.

To add some clarity here: Per EDD guidelines, you CAN request backdating of claims up to 30 weeks prior to your filing date, BUT you must show "good cause" for the delay. Family emergencies typically qualify as good cause. Here's the exact process: 1. Call the EDD customer service line (I know, easier said than done) 2. Specifically request a "backdate" of your claim to your last day of work 3. Provide your reason for delayed filing 4. If approved, you'll need to certify for all those back weeks 5. Be prepared to answer questions about your work search efforts during those weeks Since you mentioned a family emergency, make sure you mention that specifically. Document dates and circumstances if possible. The rep will likely ask you detailed questions about your situation.

I went through this EXACT situation in November!!!! I waited almost 5 weeks to file and was freaking out about the lost benefits. When I finally reached someone at EDD, they were actually really understanding about it. The lady told me they see this all the time. BUT here's the important part - make sure you're honest about why you waited. I tried giving some excuse about thinking I'd find work quickly, and she basically told me that's not good enough. When I admitted I was just overwhelmed and didn't understand the system, she was more sympathetic. They backdated my claim but it took about 3 weeks for the adjustment to process and for me to receive those payments. So don't expect it to happen instantly!

I spent HOURS trying to reach EDD about backdating my claim last month. When I finally got through, they denied my request because I didn't have a "good enough reason" according to them. Apparently "I thought I would find another job quickly" isn't a valid excuse. The whole system is designed to DENY you money that you're entitled to! It's absolutely ridiculous that they make it so difficult to even SPEAK to someone. And then when you do, they treat you like you're trying to scam them. I paid into this system for YEARS and this is how they treat us??

Update: I finally got through to EDD this morning after using the Claimyr service that someone suggested (totally worth it btw). The rep said my family emergency is considered good cause and they're processing my backdate request! She said I should see the additional weeks appear in my UI Online account within 10 days, and then I'll need to certify for all those weeks. Thank you everyone for your advice - this community has been so helpful!