Can I backdate my EDD claim for unemployment benefits from over a year ago?

I went through something similar last year. Unfortunately, EDD has pretty strict rules about backdating claims. You generally need to show "good cause" for why you couldn't file earlier. Medical issues can sometimes qualify as good cause, especially if they prevented you from being able to file a claim. You should call EDD directly and explain your situation with the pregnancy complications. Have any medical documentation ready. When you call, specifically ask about backdating your claim for "good cause" reasons. They might allow some backdating, but I doubt they'll go back the full 16 months. In my experience, they're more likely to consider 3-6 months at most. Whatever you do, don't just certify for those past weeks without getting approval to backdate first - that can cause problems with your claim.

sad 2 say but u probly wont get $ from b4 u applied. i tried 2 get paid 4 months i didnt file and they said NO WAY. edd is super strict abt backdating!!! u can try but dont get ur hopes up thats all im sayin

I've been dealing with EDD for over 20 years through multiple claim periods, and here's what you need to know: 1. There IS a formal backdating request process, but it's extremely limited now 2. The "good cause" they accept has to be VERY compelling - things like being physically incapacitated or hospitalized 3. Even with good cause, they rarely backdate more than 14 days without exceptional circumstances 4. The max I've EVER seen (even during COVID) was 6 months, and that was for very specific situations Your pregnancy complications MIGHT qualify, depending on severity and documentation. The death in your family likely won't count unless it physically prevented you from filing. Here's what to do: Submit a written backdating request through UI Online (in your contact options) AND call. Be prepared with exact dates and medical documentation. It's a longshot for 16 months, but trying costs you nothing except time.

wait why didnt you apply right when you lost ur job?? im confused why anyone would wait so long...unemployment is literally there so u get paid when u dont have a job...thats the whole point!!

The EDD system is COMPLETELY BROKEN when it comes to backdating!!! I had a legitimate medical reason (car accident, documented hospital stay) and they still only backdated my claim 8 weeks when I needed 12 weeks. The worst part is you can't even get anyone on the phone to explain the decision!!!! I spent DAYS - literally HOURS AND HOURS - trying to reach someone at EDD to appeal and kept getting disconnected or waiting on hold until they closed for the day. The entire system is designed to make you give up!!!! It's CRIMINAL how they treat people who are already struggling!!!!!

If you're having trouble reaching EDD on the phone, you might want to try Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to an EDD agent quickly instead of dealing with constant busy signals and disconnections. I was skeptical at first, but after trying to reach EDD for two weeks with no success, I used Claimyr and got connected to an agent within 20 minutes. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km For backdating specifically, you really need to speak with a tier 2 specialist, not just the first-level agents. Make sure to ask for a tier 2 agent when you get connected, as they're the ones who can actually process backdating requests. Good luck!

I think everyone here is being too negative! My cousin got her claim backdated 4 months because she didn't know she qualified for benefits (she thought being laid off from part-time work didn't count). She just had to fill out a form explaining why she didn't apply earlier. Different situations obviously but worth trying!

Quick update on backdating for 2025 (since I see some outdated info in this thread): The current EDD policy allows backdating in these specific situations: 1. Medical conditions that prevented filing (requires doctor documentation) 2. EDD website/technical issues that prevented filing (rare) 3. Natural disasters affecting your ability to file 4. EDD misinformation (if an EDD rep gave you incorrect info - very hard to prove) The standard process now is submitting form DE 1181 "Backdate Request" along with supporting documentation. The unofficial time limit I've seen approved is generally 3 months maximum unless there are extraordinary circumstances. For the OP with pregnancy complications - focus your request on the medical aspect and provide as much documentation as possible. Be very specific about how your condition physically prevented you from filing.