Can I certify for EDD benefits while traveling internationally for family emergency?

Sorry about your mom, but unfortunately EDD rules are pretty strict about this. You CANNOT certify for benefits while physically outside the US, regardless of reason. It's considered fraud even if you're job searching. The law requires you to be available for work in the US while collecting benefits. Family emergency doesn't create an exception - I learned this the hard way last year.

OMG the SAME thing happened to my cousin!!! He went to visit his dad in Mexico for 2 weeks and EDD found out somehow and made him pay back ALL the money plus penalties!!! BE CAREFUL!!!!!

You have two legal options: 1. Don't certify for the weeks you're abroad. When you return, you can reopen your claim. You won't get benefits for those weeks, but you won't be committing fraud either. 2. Formally notify EDD before leaving that you'll be unavailable for work due to a family emergency. This temporarily stops your benefits but preserves your claim. Use the "Report Unavailable for Work" option in your UI Online account. Option 2 is generally better because it creates a clear record and makes reopening smoother. But either way, do NOT certify while outside the US - it's not worth the risk.

my brother tried to certify from canada last summer and his account got flagged for a eligibility interview. they made him wait 6 weeks for the phone interview and he almost lost his apartment waiting for them to fix it! not worth the hassle

Kind of off-topic but if you're going to be applying for remote jobs while abroad, be aware a lot of US companies have policies against employees working from outside the country even remotely - tax reasons, security concerns, etc. Just something to keep in mind while job hunting! I found this out when I tried to work from Spain last year during my job search.

If you need to speak with someone at EDD before you leave to properly report your unavailability, good luck getting through on the phone! I spent 3 days trying to reach them when I had an urgent question about my claim. I finally 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. Saved me so much stress and I was able to get my issue resolved before a deadline.

To clarify an important point: While you cannot certify for benefits while physically outside the US, there's no rule against reopening your claim when you return. Your benefit year continues for 12 months from your initial filing date, even if there are weeks you don't certify. When you return to the US, you can reopen your claim and continue receiving any remaining benefits (assuming you still meet all other eligibility requirements). You won't lose your entire claim by traveling - just the benefits for those specific weeks you're away. Also, make sure you understand the difference between "not certifying" and "certifying as not available for work" - they have different implications for your claim.

wait what about using a VPN?? couldn't u just log in using a US IP address? just asking...

UPDATE: I just double-checked the EDD website to confirm accurate information. Here's the exact process to follow: 1. Log in to UI Online 2. Select "Report Unavailable for Work" 3. Enter the dates you'll be unavailable 4. Provide a brief explanation (family emergency/care for ill relative) When you return to the US, go to UI Online and select "Reopen Claim" to restart your benefits. The system may ask for an interview to verify your circumstances, which is standard procedure. Also, make sure your contact information in UI Online is current before you leave, in case they need to reach you about your claim.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's illness. This is such a difficult situation to navigate when you're already dealing with unemployment stress. Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - when you're ready to reopen your claim after returning, have documentation ready about your trip (flight itineraries, medical records if possible, etc.). While EDD doesn't require this upfront, having it available can help if they do conduct an eligibility interview later. Also, since you mentioned potentially looking at international opportunities - if you do end up getting a job offer while abroad, make sure to understand how that might affect your ability to reopen your claim when you return. Employment abroad can complicate things. Wishing you and your mom the best during this challenging time. You're doing the right thing by handling this properly with EDD rather than risking fraud charges.

I'm really sorry about your mom's health situation - that's incredibly stressful on top of dealing with unemployment. I went through something similar when my dad had a stroke overseas a few years ago while I was on UI. Just to add to what others have said about the documentation - definitely keep your flight receipts and any medical records you can get. When I reopened my claim after being away for 5 weeks, EDD asked for proof of the family emergency during my phone interview. Having those documents ready made the process much smoother. One thing I wish someone had told me: if you're going to be gone longer than initially planned (which often happens with family medical emergencies), you can update your "unavailable for work" dates in UI Online. Don't stress about having to predict the exact return date right now. Also, since you mentioned your tech background - I found that explaining my situation in the "reason for unavailability" section helped when I reopened. Something like "caring for seriously ill family member abroad" gives them context for why you're following the proper process. Take care of yourself and your mom. The EDD stuff will work out if you handle it correctly, which it sounds like you're planning to do.

I'm so sorry about your mom's illness - what a difficult situation to be in while already dealing with unemployment stress. The advice here has been really solid, especially about using the "Report Unavailable for Work" option rather than risking fraud by certifying while abroad. One thing I'd add that helped me when I had to travel for a family emergency last year - consider setting up a trusted contact (like a family member in the US) who can help monitor your UI Online account while you're gone. Not to certify for you (that would be illegal), but just to keep an eye on any notices or messages that might come up. EDD sometimes sends time-sensitive communications, and having someone who can alert you to anything urgent can give you peace of mind while you're focused on your mom. Also, if you end up needing to extend your stay, don't panic about updating your unavailable dates. The system is designed to handle these kinds of unpredictable family situations - that's exactly why the "Report Unavailable" option exists. Wishing you and your mom strength during this challenging time. You're handling this the right way by being proactive and following the proper procedures.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's situation - sending you strength during this incredibly difficult time. Having dealt with unemployment and family medical emergencies myself, I know how overwhelming it can feel to navigate both at once. The advice here about using the "Report Unavailable for Work" option is spot-on and will protect you legally. I wanted to add one more practical tip: before you leave, consider downloading or screenshotting the key pages from your UI Online account (your claim summary, benefit amount, etc.) in case you need to reference them while abroad or if there are any technical issues when you try to reopen. Also, if you have any pending eligibility issues or recent correspondence from EDD, try to resolve those before you travel if possible. It's much easier to handle these things while you're in the US and can make phone calls during their business hours. You're being incredibly responsible by asking these questions upfront rather than just hoping for the best. Your mom is lucky to have someone who will be there for her during her recovery. Take care of both of you, and don't hesitate to reach out to this community when you return if you run into any issues reopening your claim.

I'm really sorry to hear about your mom's illness - that must be incredibly stressful on top of everything you're already dealing with after the layoff. The advice here has been excellent, especially about using the "Report Unavailable for Work" option. I just wanted to add something that might help with the emotional side of this decision: you're not choosing between your mom and your benefits. By handling this properly through EDD's system, you're protecting both your ability to care for your family AND your future financial security when you return. I know it feels scary to pause your benefits when money is already tight, but the peace of mind of doing this legally is worth so much more than the risk of fraud penalties. Plus, your claim will still be there when you get back - you're just hitting pause, not losing everything. One small tip: when you call EDD or use the online system to report being unavailable, keep a record of exactly when and how you reported it (confirmation numbers, screenshots, etc.). This creates a clear paper trail showing you followed the rules properly. Your mom needs you right now, and you're being incredibly responsible by handling the EDD situation correctly. Wishing you both strength during this difficult time.

I'm so sorry about your mom's illness - what an incredibly difficult situation to be in while already dealing with unemployment stress. The community has given you excellent advice about properly reporting your unavailability to protect yourself legally. One thing I wanted to add that might help: if you're worried about the financial gap while your benefits are paused, consider reaching out to local emergency assistance programs or mutual aid organizations before you leave. Many communities have resources specifically for people dealing with family medical emergencies, and some can provide temporary financial assistance or help with travel costs. Your local 211 service (dial 2-1-1) can connect you with these resources. Also, since you mentioned this might influence your long-term career decisions, consider using some of your time abroad (when you're not focused on your mom's care) to research the international job market in your field. Even if you don't pursue opportunities immediately, having that knowledge could be valuable when you return and are job searching again. You're handling this situation with incredible thoughtfulness and responsibility. Your mom is fortunate to have someone who will be there for her, and you're being smart about protecting your benefits for when you return. Wishing you and your family strength during this challenging time.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's illness - that must be absolutely heartbreaking on top of dealing with unemployment. The advice here has been incredibly thorough and helpful. I wanted to add one more practical consideration: since you mentioned you'll be gone 3-4 weeks (possibly longer), make sure to also notify any potential employers you've been in contact with about your temporary unavailability. Many companies appreciate the heads up and will keep your application on file if you're a strong candidate. You can frame it professionally as "temporarily unavailable due to a family medical emergency" with your expected return date. Also, regarding the job search aspect - while you're caring for your mom, you might discover some insights about work-life balance and what really matters to you. Many people find that major life events like this help clarify their career priorities. When you return and reopen your claim, you might have a clearer vision of what kind of opportunities you want to pursue. Keep detailed records of everything you do with EDD (as others mentioned), and don't feel guilty about pausing your benefits to be with your mom. You're handling this exactly the right way, and your claim will be waiting for you when you get back. Family comes first, especially in emergencies like this. Sending you and your mom strength during this difficult time.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's situation - having to deal with a family medical emergency while managing unemployment is incredibly stressful, and my heart goes out to you. I just wanted to add a quick tip that helped me when I was in a similar situation last year: consider setting up automatic email notifications in your UI Online account before you leave (if you haven't already). This way, you'll get alerts about any important notices or changes to your claim status while you're abroad, even if you can't log in regularly. Also, if you're flying back through multiple countries or have layovers, make sure your "return to US" date in the unavailability report accounts for travel time. I made the mistake of putting my landing date rather than when I'd actually be available for work again, and it caused a small hiccup when I reopened my claim. The community has given you fantastic advice about handling this properly through EDD's system. You're absolutely doing the right thing by prioritizing your mom's health while protecting your benefits legally. When you return and get everything sorted with EDD, you'll be glad you took the time to do it correctly. Wishing you safe travels and hoping for the best possible outcome with your mom's treatment. Take care of yourself too during this difficult time.

I'm so sorry about your mom's illness - what an incredibly difficult situation to navigate while already dealing with the stress of unemployment. The community has provided excellent advice about properly using the "Report Unavailable for Work" option to protect yourself legally. One additional thing I wanted to mention: when you're ready to book your return flight, consider getting a refundable or changeable ticket if possible. Family medical situations are unpredictable, and you may need to extend your stay depending on your mom's recovery. Having flexibility with your return date will reduce stress and help you focus on what's most important - being there for your family. Also, since you mentioned you work in tech, you might want to temporarily update your LinkedIn status to something like "Currently unavailable due to family circumstances" so your network knows you're not actively job searching right now. This prevents any awkwardness if recruiters reach out while you're abroad. You're handling this exactly the right way by asking these questions upfront and following EDD's proper procedures. Your mom is lucky to have someone who will prioritize her care while also being responsible about protecting your financial future. Take things one day at a time, and don't hesitate to reach out to this community when you return if you need help reopening your claim. Wishing you and your mom strength and healing during this challenging time.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's illness - what an incredibly overwhelming situation to face while already dealing with unemployment stress. This community has given you amazing, comprehensive advice about handling this properly through EDD. I just wanted to add one final practical tip: before you leave, consider writing down a simple timeline/checklist of the steps you've taken (reporting unavailability, confirmation numbers, dates, etc.) and leave it with a trusted family member or friend in the US. If something happens to your phone or you lose access to your email while abroad, having that information accessible through someone else could be really helpful if you need to reference it when dealing with EDD later. Also, given that you mentioned this is affecting your long-term thinking about your career - sometimes these major life events, while incredibly difficult, can lead to unexpected clarity about what we really want. When you return and restart your job search, you might find yourself approaching opportunities with a completely different perspective than before you left. You're being incredibly thoughtful and responsible by handling all of this properly. Your mom is so fortunate to have someone willing to navigate all these complexities to be there for her. Focus on her and your family right now - you've got the EDD situation handled correctly, and your benefits will be there when you return. Sending you both strength during this difficult time.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's illness - what an incredibly difficult situation to be in while trying to navigate unemployment benefits. My heart goes out to you during this stressful time. This community has given you absolutely excellent advice about using the "Report Unavailable for Work" option in UI Online. I went through something similar when my grandmother was hospitalized overseas two years ago, and I can confirm that following the proper EDD procedures really does work and protects you from any fraud issues. One small thing I'd add based on my experience: when you fill out the "Report Unavailable for Work" section, be specific but concise in your explanation. Something like "Traveling abroad to provide care for seriously ill family member" gives EDD the context they need without over-explaining. Keep it factual and professional. Also, I noticed you mentioned concerns about losing benefits entirely - please don't worry about that. Your benefit year continues for the full 12 months regardless of weeks you don't certify. When I returned after 6 weeks abroad, reopening my claim was straightforward and I was able to continue receiving my remaining benefits without any issues. You're handling this exactly the right way by being proactive and following the rules. Focus on your mom and your family right now - you've got the EDD piece figured out correctly. Wishing you safe travels and hoping for the best possible outcome with your mom's recovery.

I'm so sorry about your mom's illness - what an incredibly stressful situation on top of everything you're already dealing with. Reading through all the advice here, it sounds like you've gotten really comprehensive guidance about handling this properly with EDD. As someone who's navigated both unemployment and family medical emergencies (though thankfully not at the same time), I just wanted to say that you're being incredibly thoughtful and responsible by asking these questions upfront. It's clear you're prioritizing both your mom's health AND your financial security, which is exactly the right approach. The community has covered all the technical aspects perfectly - using "Report Unavailable for Work," keeping detailed records, having backup plans for communication. But I also wanted to acknowledge how emotionally difficult this must be. Making these kinds of decisions when you're already worried about money and then having a family crisis on top of it is just overwhelming. You're doing everything right. Your benefits will be there when you get back, you're protecting yourself legally, and most importantly, you'll be able to be present for your mom without constantly worrying about EDD complications. That peace of mind is invaluable during a crisis like this. Safe travels, and I hope your mom's treatment goes as smoothly as possible. This community will be here if you need any help when you return and reopen your claim.