Can I claim EDD unemployment after my temp contract job ends? Need advice!

Yes, you can file for unemployment again after your temp contract ends. When you start your contract work, you'll stop certifying for benefits. Once the contract ends, you would reopen your claim if it's still within the benefit year (which lasts 12 months from when you first filed). If your benefit year has expired by then, you would need to file a completely new claim. Either way, make sure to report your earnings properly while working the temp job (if you work partial weeks at the beginning or end).

just fyi they're gonna ask WHY the job ended. temp contracts that reach natural end date are fine reason but if u quit or get fired from the contract that can mess up ur eligibility. make sure ur clear it was temp position when u reapply

I was in this EXACT situation last year and let me tell you it was a NIGHTMARE getting through to EDD when my contract ended!!! Spent 2 weeks calling every single day and couldn't get anyone to help me reopen my claim. The online system kept giving me errors saying I needed to speak to someone. SO FRUSTRATING!!!!

To directly answer your question about minimum hours - technically there isn't a minimum number of hours you need to work during your temp contract to qualify again. What matters is that you earned enough wages during your base period (the 12-month period EDD uses to calculate your benefits). Since you mentioned your temp job pays more than your previous position, that's actually helpful because those higher wages may increase your weekly benefit amount when you refile or reopen your claim. One important thing to note: if you reopen an existing claim, your weekly benefit amount stays the same as it was originally calculated. If you file a new claim (after your benefit year ends), they'll recalculate based on your highest-earning quarters, which would include this temp job.

EDD generally doesn't question why you chose temp work instead of permanent positions. That's a legitimate career choice, and many people work temp contracts by preference or necessity. As long as the end of employment is due to no fault of your own (like a contract reaching its natural end date), you should be eligible. Just make sure to keep documentation showing it was a temporary position with a defined end date.

I did somethin similar back in january. temp job for 2 months. when it ended i just went on ui online and clicked the button to reopen my claim. took like 5 mins and i got my benefits again the next week. was super easy actually. dont stress too much

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm going to accept the temp position tomorrow and will make sure to get documentation that clearly states it's a temporary contract with a defined end date. I'll stop certifying once I start working and then try reopening my claim when the contract ends. If I run into trouble reaching someone at EDD, I'll check out that Claimyr service. Really appreciate all the help!