Can I collect CA EDD benefits after moving to another state? Still have active claim

ya you can keep collecting but you gotta keep doin the work search requirements from CA even tho your in colorado now. my cousin moved to arizona last yr and kept gettin his CA benefits no prob

You absolutely can collect California unemployment benefits while living in another state. Your benefits are based on where you worked, not where you currently live. You will need to: 1. Update your address in your UI Online account 2. Continue certifying as normal every two weeks 3. Make sure you meet California's work search requirements (not Colorado's) 4. Be able to accept suitable work in your new location Make sure to report your new job when it starts. The key thing is maintaining your eligibility by being able and available for work during your transition.

I did this exact thing last year when I moved to Oregon!!! Make sure you update your mailing address in UI Online right away because if they send you something important to your California address you might miss it and then your claim gets all messed up which happened to ME and it was a NIGHTMARE to fix!!! Also print out your payment history before you move just in case you need it. Good luck with the move and the new job!!

When you update your address with EDD, you might see a message that says your account needs additional verification due to the out-of-state address change. Don't panic! This is normal. I'm currently collecting California benefits while living in Nevada. Here's what I learned: - You'll still certify through UI Online just like before - Your work search requirements remain the same (looking for work that you can reasonably accept) - If you have any issues with your claim after moving, trying to call EDD can be even more frustrating from out of state When I had an issue after my move, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an EDD representative without spending hours redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Definitely worth it when you're dealing with address verification issues from out of state.

wait im confused. if u move out of state don't u have to apply for unemployment in ur new state? why would california keep paying u if ur not a resident anymore?? doesn't make sense to me

Make sure you keep DETAILED records of your work search activities after you move! EDD might be more likely to audit your work search efforts when you're living out of state. When I moved to Texas but still collected CA benefits, I got selected for a work search review and had to provide documentation for each week. Include everything - job applications, networking emails, LinkedIn applications, everything! Better safe than sorry.

I tried to do this and EDD froze my account for 2 months!!!! they said i had to prove i was really looking for work in my new state and made me do a phone interview and it was a total disaster. ended up havin to drive BACK to california just to sort everything out.

WAIT I just remembered something important!!! When you certify for benefits after you move, there's a question about whether you were available and looking for work. Don't check NO just because you moved! As long as you were looking for work that week, even in your new state, you check YES. My friend got confused on this and it caused her whole claim to get flagged for review!!!

One more thing to consider - if your new job in Colorado doesn't work out for some reason, you may be able to either continue your California claim (if you still have benefits remaining) OR file a new claim in Colorado once you've worked there long enough to qualify for Colorado benefits. Just something to keep in mind for future planning.

Just wanted to add my experience - I moved from LA to Phoenix in 2023 while collecting EDD benefits and it went smoothly. The key things that helped me: 1. Updated my address in UI Online immediately after my move 2. Kept applying for remote positions that I could realistically do from Arizona 3. Made sure to document every job application with screenshots and dates 4. Never missed a certification deadline The only hiccup I had was EDD sent a verification letter to my old California address even though I'd updated everything. Luckily my old landlord forwarded it to me. So definitely set up mail forwarding with USPS as a backup! Also, don't stress too much about the address change triggering reviews - it's pretty routine for people to move while on unemployment. Just stay consistent with your work search efforts and you should be fine. Good luck with your move to Colorado!

I'm in a similar situation - just got laid off from my marketing job in Sacramento and considering a move to Austin where my partner got a job offer. This thread is super helpful! One question I haven't seen addressed yet - if I'm doing remote work searches (which seems like the most realistic option when moving out of state), do I need to specify that I'm only looking for remote positions when I update my work search activities? Or can I apply for local jobs in my new state and count those toward California's work search requirements? I want to make sure I'm doing everything correctly from the start.

Another thing to keep in mind - when you move to Colorado, you'll want to be extra careful about how you handle any job interviews or offers that come up before your new position starts. If you get a job offer in Colorado that starts before your scheduled start date, you'll need to report it to EDD immediately when you certify. I learned this the hard way when I moved from San Francisco to Portland and got a temp job offer that I had to turn down due to timing - EDD wanted documentation of why I declined it. Also, make sure your new Colorado address is updated everywhere (bank, phone, etc.) because sometimes EDD will cross-reference information if they have questions about your claim. The interstate move shouldn't be a problem at all, but having all your documentation organized and addresses consistent will save you headaches if any issues come up. Congrats on the new job opportunity!

I'm actually going through this exact process right now! Moved from San Diego to Seattle last month while still collecting CA EDD benefits. The process was way less scary than I thought it would be. Here's what worked for me: 1. Updated my address in UI Online the day after I arrived in Seattle 2. Set up USPS mail forwarding for 6 months as backup (this saved me when EDD sent something to my old address) 3. Started applying for both remote jobs and local Seattle positions immediately 4. Kept a detailed spreadsheet of every job application with company name, position, date applied, and application method The only "hiccup" I had was getting a message in UI Online saying my account needed verification after the address change, but it resolved automatically after my next certification. No phone calls or additional documents needed. One tip I wish someone had told me - when you're job searching in your new state, make sure your resume has your new address on it. Some employers might be confused if you're applying from Colorado but your resume shows a California address. Also, LinkedIn location updates are your friend for getting relevant job recommendations in your new area. You should be totally fine! The move itself doesn't affect your eligibility at all. Just stay on top of your certifications and keep good records. Colorado is awesome - you're going to love it there!

I went through this same situation when I moved from Oakland to Denver while collecting EDD benefits! The good news is it's totally doable and pretty straightforward. Here are the key things I learned: 1. Update your address in UI Online ASAP after you move - don't wait 2. You can absolutely keep collecting CA benefits while living in Colorado 3. Keep doing California's work search requirements (3 work search activities per week) 4. Apply for jobs you can realistically accept - both remote and local Colorado positions count 5. Set up mail forwarding with USPS just in case EDD sends anything to your old address The only thing that caught me off guard was that my bank flagged some EDD deposits as "suspicious" after I moved because the payments were coming from California but I was now in Colorado. Had to call my bank to explain the situation, but it was a quick fix. Your benefits are based on where you worked and paid into the system, not where you currently live. As long as you're actively looking for work and available to accept suitable employment, you're good to go. The 6-week gap before your new job starts is actually perfect timing to get settled in Colorado while still having that financial cushion. Don't overthink it - thousands of people do this every year! Good luck with the move and the new position!

I moved from Sacramento to Portland while collecting CA EDD benefits and it was honestly way easier than I expected! The most important thing is to update your address in UI Online right away - I did it the same day I arrived in Oregon and had zero issues. One thing I'll add that I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you're planning to drive to Colorado, make sure you update your address AFTER you physically arrive there, not before you leave California. I made the mistake of updating mine a few days early and it caused some confusion with my certification timing since EDD thought I was already in Oregon when I was still packing up in California. Also, Colorado has a really active remote job market, especially for tech positions, so you should have plenty of opportunities for your work search requirements. I found that Indeed and LinkedIn were my best resources for finding both remote and local opportunities. The fact that you already have a job lined up in 6 weeks puts you in a great position - you can focus on getting settled without the pressure of needing to find work immediately. Just make sure to report your start date when you certify for the week your new job begins. You've got this!

I went through this exact situation when I moved from Fresno to Phoenix while collecting EDD benefits! Here's what I wish I had known before making the move: 1. **Update your address immediately** - Do it in UI Online as soon as you arrive in Colorado, not before you leave CA 2. **Set up USPS mail forwarding** - Even though you update your address with EDD, they might still send something to your old address 3. **Keep detailed work search records** - I used a simple Excel sheet with company name, position, date applied, and method (Indeed, LinkedIn, company website, etc.) 4. **Apply for both remote AND local Colorado jobs** - This gives you more options and shows you're genuinely available for work 5. **Update your resume with your new Colorado address** - Employers might be confused if you're applying locally but your resume shows a CA address The process was much smoother than I expected. The only minor hiccup was my bank initially flagging the EDD deposits as suspicious since they were coming from California but I was now in Arizona. A quick call to my bank sorted that out. Your benefits are tied to where you worked, not where you live. As long as you keep up with certifications and work search requirements, you'll be fine. Having a job already lined up in 6 weeks is perfect timing - gives you a nice buffer to get settled without financial stress. Good luck with the move and the new position!

I'm in almost the exact same boat! Got laid off from my software engineering job in San Francisco two months ago and just accepted an offer in Austin that starts in 5 weeks. I've been so worried about messing up my EDD claim with the move, but reading all these responses has been incredibly reassuring. One thing I'm curious about that I haven't seen mentioned - has anyone had experience with how Colorado (or other states) handle the fact that you're collecting unemployment from another state? Like, do you need to register with Colorado's workforce system or anything like that? I know some states require you to register even if you're not collecting their benefits. Also, for those who've made similar moves - did you find that local employers in your new state were understanding about your situation when you mentioned you were relocating? I'm worried about how to handle that conversation in interviews since I technically don't live in Austin yet but will be there permanently in a few weeks. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this thread is a goldmine of practical advice!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's currently going through this process! I moved from San Jose to Denver 3 weeks ago while collecting CA EDD benefits and it's been totally fine so far. Here's what I did that might help: 1. Updated my address in UI Online the day I arrived in Colorado (not before leaving CA - important timing!) 2. Called my bank proactively to let them know I'd be receiving CA unemployment payments from my new Colorado address 3. Set up a detailed spreadsheet to track all job applications (company, position, date, source) 4. Applied for both remote positions and local Denver jobs to maximize opportunities The address change didn't trigger any issues with my account - no verification requests or delays. I've certified twice since moving and both payments came through normally. The key thing is just staying consistent with your work search activities and being genuinely available for work. Colorado's job market is really solid, especially in tech, so you should have plenty of opportunities for your work search requirements. Having that 6-week buffer before your new job starts is perfect - gives you time to settle in without financial pressure. You're going to love it here! The mountains and outdoor scene are amazing compared to the Bay Area. Good luck with your move!

I actually just went through this exact process! Moved from Sacramento to Boulder, Colorado last month while collecting CA EDD benefits and it was much smoother than I expected. Here are the key things that worked for me: 1. **Wait to update your address until you physically arrive** - Don't change it in UI Online before you leave CA, do it the day you get to Colorado 2. **Set up USPS mail forwarding immediately** - Even with address updates, EDD might still send something to your old address 3. **Keep applying for work consistently** - Both remote positions and local Colorado jobs count toward your work search requirements 4. **Document everything** - I kept a simple spreadsheet with company names, positions, application dates, and methods (LinkedIn, Indeed, company websites, etc.) The only small hiccup I had was my credit union initially questioned the EDD deposits coming from California to my Colorado address, but a quick phone call cleared that up. Your benefits are tied to where you worked and paid taxes, not where you currently live. As long as you keep certifying on time and meeting the work search requirements, you're all good. Having a job already lined up in 6 weeks is actually perfect timing - gives you a financial cushion while you get settled. Colorado's job market is really strong, especially in tech, so you'll have plenty of opportunities for your work searches. Plus the quality of life upgrade is incredible! You're going to love it there. Good luck with the move and congrats on the new position!

I just wanted to add one more perspective as someone who moved from California to Colorado while collecting EDD benefits! I relocated from Los Angeles to Fort Collins about 8 months ago and it went really smoothly. A few additional tips that helped me: 1. **Consider the time zone difference** - Colorado is one hour ahead of California, so make sure you're aware of certification deadlines in Pacific Time, not Mountain Time. I almost missed my first certification after moving because I got confused about the timing! 2. **Keep your California phone number initially** - I kept my CA number for the first few months in case EDD needed to call me. Some people have reported issues with EDD calling out-of-state numbers, though I never had to test this personally. 3. **Research Colorado's job market in advance** - Start looking at companies and positions in Colorado before you move so you can hit the ground running with your work search activities. Sites like Built In Colorado and Denver Startup Week are great resources. 4. **Don't stress about the "able and available" questions** - As long as you're genuinely looking for work you could accept (whether remote or local), you're meeting the requirements regardless of which state you're in. The move has been amazing - Colorado's tech scene is thriving and the work-life balance is so much better than LA. You're making a great choice! Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions about the process.

I just moved from San Francisco to Boulder last week while collecting CA EDD benefits and wanted to share my experience since it's so fresh! The whole process was way less stressful than I anticipated after reading horror stories online. Here's exactly what I did: 1. Drove to Colorado on a Tuesday, updated my address in UI Online on Wednesday (the day after I arrived) 2. Set up USPS mail forwarding for 6 months before I left CA 3. Called my bank the day before I moved to let them know I'd be receiving CA unemployment payments from my new Colorado address 4. Started applying for both remote and local Boulder/Denver jobs immediately The address change went through without any issues - no verification messages, no delays, no phone calls needed. I've done one certification since moving and the payment came through exactly as usual. One thing I wasn't expecting - Colorado's job market for remote-friendly positions is incredible! I've already had two phone screens for remote roles that I applied for from my new address. The work search requirement is actually easier to meet here because there are so many opportunities. Having a job already lined up for 6 weeks from now puts you in such a good position. You can focus on settling in and exploring Colorado without the pressure of needing to find work immediately. Boulder and the surrounding areas are absolutely beautiful - you're going to love the move! Feel free to DM me if you have any specific questions about the process.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation - just got laid off from my marketing role in San Diego and considering a move to Portland while I'm on unemployment. Reading everyone's experiences has really eased my anxiety about the whole process. One question I haven't seen addressed yet - for those who moved and continued collecting CA benefits, did you ever have issues with employers in your new state being confused about your unemployment situation? Like if they ask about your employment status during interviews, how did you handle explaining that you're collecting unemployment from California while living in a different state? I want to make sure I handle those conversations professionally if they come up. Also, has anyone had experience with how this affects your taxes? I assume you'd still file California unemployment income on your taxes even though you're now a resident of another state? Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - this community is amazing for providing real-world guidance on these tricky situations!