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!

I went through something similar a few years back, though not quite as long a period. Here's what I learned from my experience: EDD can backdate claims, but the longer the period, the harder it gets. For a full year, you'll really need to make a strong case. The good news is that a documented family medical emergency is one of the strongest "good cause" reasons they recognize. A few practical tips: - When you call, ask to speak with a "claims specialist" specifically about backdating - don't just talk to the general phone reps - Organize ALL your documentation beforehand: termination paperwork, medical records, ANY job search activity you can prove (emails, applications, even informal inquiries) - Be prepared to explain week by week how you were still able and available for work despite the family situation The reality is they probably won't approve the full 12 months, but even getting 6-8 months backdated would be significant money. Don't let the negative comments discourage you - it's definitely worth trying, especially with proper documentation. The worst they can say is no, and you're not losing anything by applying. One last thing - if they initially deny it, don't give up. The appeals process exists for exactly these kinds of situations.

I'm new to dealing with EDD but wanted to share what I learned from my research after reading through this thread. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that California has specific time limits even for "good cause" backdating - generally they won't go back more than 12 months from when you file the claim, regardless of the reason. Since you were laid off in March 2024 and we're now in March 2025, you're right at that 12-month limit. This actually works in your favor because you're not asking them to go beyond their maximum backdating period. Also, I found that EDD has a specific form (DE 1326) for requesting good cause determination that might be relevant to your situation. You might want to ask about this when you call. The family medical emergency documentation is definitely your strongest angle here. Make sure you have everything organized chronologically - hospital admission dates, your job search timeline, termination paperwork, etc. The more organized and complete your documentation package is, the better your chances of getting approved for at least a portion of that period. Good luck with your claim! Even if you only get approved for part of the time period, it could still make a significant difference financially.