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.