Can I apply for EDD benefits BEFORE my layoff date? (Layoff happening next week)

You technically can't file your claim until after your last day of work. EDD considers your claim effective the Sunday of the week you file, and you need to be unemployed at that point. If you file before actually being laid off, your claim could get denied or delayed with issues. As for processing times, it's WAY better than during COVID. Most clean claims (no identity issues, no employer disputes) get processed within 10-14 days now. First payment usually comes 2-3 weeks after filing if everything goes smoothly. Make sure you have your employment history for the last 18 months ready and all your personal info correct to avoid delays.

DONT LISTEN TO THIS!!!!! you absolutely CAN file before ur last day!!!! I did this last year when my company announced layoffs 2 weeks ahead. I filed right away and just put my FUTURE last day of work. EDD processed everything and my first payment was waiting for me the week after I was laid off. The system is designed to HELP people not punish them!!

sory about ur job loss :( my sister got laid off in january and she said file the EXACT DAY after ur last day dont wait even one extra day bc it affects when they start counting ur benefits. she got her first payment in like 10 days it was pretty fast

When I got laid off last summer, I tried filing immediately but kept getting stuck in the phone verification loop. Spent 3 days trying to reach someone at EDD. Finally I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Not sure if you'll need it, but keep it in your back pocket if you can't get through. The phone lines are better than during COVID but still can be a nightmare some days.

I was in your exact situation in February! My advice: 1. If you're getting any severance, make sure you understand how that affects your claim. My company gave us 2 weeks severance which delayed when I could start collecting benefits. 2. Get your employment history organized now - last 18 months of employers, addresses, phone numbers, dates. 3. Set up your UI Online account as soon as you file so you can manage everything electronically. 4. File your claim the day after your last day of work - it affects the benefit week calculations. 5. When certification starts, be extremely careful answering the questions - any mistakes can trigger a review that delays payment. Yes, EDD is much faster now than during COVID, but I still had to wait about 3 weeks for my first payment. Plan accordingly with your budget. Good luck!

wait ur company gives u notice?? mine just walked us all out same day with security lol. but ya file right away after ur last day worked. and make sure u do the ID.me verification right away too that's what hangs up a lot of ppl

Since several people have mentioned this - just to clarify the rules about WHEN to file: 1. You cannot submit a completed claim before your last day of work 2. You should file as soon as possible after your last day 3. Your claim begins on the Sunday of the week you file 4. Any delay in filing can mean lost benefits Regarding severance: This can affect your eligibility, as EDD considers severance to be wages. You need to report it when you file. Depending on the amount, it might delay when you can start receiving benefits. Regarding processing times: Current average for clean claims is about 10-14 days to process and another 3-5 days to receive your first payment (either via EDD debit card or direct deposit if you set that up).

One important thing nobody's mentioned yet: If your company is doing mass layoffs, EDD might already be aware of it through a WARN notice. This can sometimes help speed up your claim processing since they're expecting a batch of claims from your employer. Also, while you wait for your first payment, be sure to complete your work search activities and document them carefully. They've gotten stricter about this post-COVID. You typically need to complete at least 3 work search activities per week (job applications, networking, interviews, etc.). And don't forget to sign up for CalJOBS (https://www.caljobs.ca.gov/) as part of your work search requirement. Many people miss this step.

Quick note on timing - your benefit week for EDD runs Sunday through Saturday. If you're laid off on the 20th and that's a Monday-Friday (not sure what day of week), file your claim that weekend. Your claim will be effective as of the Sunday beginning that week. Also, after you file, expect to receive several pieces of mail from EDD within about 10 days: 1. Notice of Unemployment Insurance Claim Filed 2. Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award 3. EDD Customer Account Number 4. Continued Claim Form(s) You'll need to certify for benefits every two weeks. Set a calendar reminder so you don't forget - this is where a lot of people experience payment delays.