Can I claim EDD benefits for the year I was laid off if I'm now back at work?

Yes, you can file a claim for a past period of unemployment, but there are strict timeframes. In California, you generally need to file within 30 days of becoming unemployed. However, there are "good cause" exceptions that might apply in your case due to your family emergency. You'll need to call EDD directly and explain your situation. Be prepared to provide documentation about your mother's hospitalization as evidence for the delayed filing. They'll likely have you complete a special form to request backdating of your claim. Just be aware that even with approved backdating, you'll still need to certify for each of those weeks and prove you were able and available for work during that time.

probly not gonna work tbh. my cousin tried this last year and edd said nope. they want u to file right away not a year later. why would they belive u now??

I had a similar situation back in 2023 - not exactly the same but close. I was able to get my claim backdated but only for about 6 weeks, not the full 4 months I was trying for. The key is proving you had "good cause" for not filing sooner. In my experience, you need to: 1) Call EDD and request backdating specifically (use those words) 2) Submit the DE 1181 form for backdating 3) Provide solid documentation for why you couldn't file (medical records) 4) Be prepared to certify for each of those weeks with accurate info The biggest challenge will be reaching EDD by phone - I spent 3 weeks trying before I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an EDD rep in under 20 minutes. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km - completely worth it given how impossible it is to reach anyone otherwise.

Sorry but your probably out of luck. EDD is EXTREMELY strict about this stuff. I tried to backdate 3 months and they laughed at me!!! The system is designed to make you fail. They want every little form filled out EXACTLY right and if you miss ONE THING they deny you. Then you have to appeal and wait MONTHS for a hearing just to maybe get approved. Honestly they dont care if your mom was sick or whatever. Its all about their stupid rules. MAYBE you could get a few weeks backdated but a YEAR?? No way. The system is broken and rigged against regular people!!!

Heya, so I actually used to do payroll at my old job and dealt w/ EDD stuff sometimes. The technical term for what ur asking about is "backdating" a claim. Usually 30 days is max but when theres extenuating circumstances they can go longer. Family medical emergency def counts as "good cause" for late filing. But heres the thing - u gotta be super clear that for each week ur claiming, u were: 1) able to work 2) available for work 3) actively looking for work. If u were taking care of ur mom full time and couldnt have worked, u might not qualify for those weeks. Good luck!!

To directly answer your question: Yes, you can file a claim for unemployment benefits after returning to work, but for a retroactive period when you were unemployed. However, there are important details you need to know. California unemployment claims must typically be filed within 30 days of becoming unemployed. For retroactive claims beyond that period, you need to demonstrate "good cause" for the delay. A family medical emergency with documentation would potentially qualify. Here's what you should do: 1. Prepare your documentation showing: - Your layoff date (separation notice, final paycheck) - Proof of your mother's hospitalization - Evidence you were able/available for work during this period - Job search records if you have them 2. Contact EDD to request a backdated claim. Be explicit that you're requesting backdating for good cause. 3. Complete form DE 1181 "Claim Filing Statement of Facts" 4. Be prepared for potential interview to explain the circumstances A year is a significant period, so they may not approve the entire timeframe, but with proper documentation, you have a reasonable chance of receiving at least partial backdating. The key factor will be proving you were eligible during each week you're claiming - meaning able, available, and looking for work.

To add to what others have mentioned - documentation is absolutely key here. For each week you're trying to claim retroactively, you'll need to be able to certify that you were: 1. Physically able to work 2. Available for work (meaning no restrictions that would prevent accepting a suitable job) 3. Actively seeking employment If you were your mother's primary caregiver during her hospitalization and recovery, EDD might question whether you were truly "available for work" during that period. This is where clear documentation becomes crucial - showing you were balancing caregiving responsibilities with continued job searching. And yes, a statement from your mother's doctor might help establish the timeline and nature of your circumstances.

My friend works at EDD and she says they NEVER backdate claims for a whole year no matter what ur reason is. just saying.

I just want to say good luck!! The EDD system is so confusing and frustrating, I had to deal with them last year and it was a nightmare. Hope you get what you deserve!