Can I draw unemployment and Social Security at the same time with California EDD?

Oh wow that's actually really good news. So California doesn't reduce my unemployment check because of Social Security? I was so worried about this. And I do need to report it weekly?

Correct on both counts. California removed the offset so no reduction to your UI. And yes, report the Social Security each week during certification - it's considered 'other income' but since it's not wages from work, it doesn't reduce your weekly benefit amount in California. It's just required for disclosure.

Wait I thought you still had to report SS as income and it DID offset your benefits?? My cousin got told something different by an EDD rep last year. This is so confusing.

Two hours on hold just to get disconnected?? That's awful. I've been trying to call EDD myself and can't get through. Going to check out that Claimyr site, thanks.

claimyr actually works pretty well. used it when my claim went to adjudication and i needed to talk to someone fast. got connected way quicker than i ever did calling myself

Is Claimyr legit though? Like you have to give them your info?

I was skeptical too at first but yeah it worked fine for me. The video at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10 explains the whole thing if you want to see before trying it.

This is super helpful thank you. I'm receiving regular Social Security retirement not disability so I think I'm in the clear. And yes I'm definitely able and available to work, I'm only 64 and was still working full time until the layoff.

good info but I heard somewhere that if you're collecting SS retirement you're considered 'retired' and therefore not available for work which could disqualify you?? is that actually a rule

That's a common misconception. Collecting Social Security retirement benefits does NOT automatically mean EDD considers you retired or unavailable for work. Lots of people work while receiving Social Security retirement. What matters is your actual availability and ability to work, not whether you're receiving SS. As long as you're genuinely looking for work and available to accept suitable employment, collecting SS retirement is irrelevant to your UI eligibility in California.

yeah I've seen this myth float around so many times. SS retirement ≠ retired in EDD's eyes. totally separate things

Wait you've been eligible this whole time and didn't file?? You may have missed your window - in California you need to file within a certain timeframe of your job separation. Check if you can still file retroactively!

omg you're right I need to call EDD immediately. I separated from my job 6 months ago. Is there any way to get backdated benefits??

Unfortunately backdating is very limited in California EDD. You generally need to file within the benefit year and backdating is only allowed for specific circumstances like a verifiable reason you couldn't file. I'd still file right away and explain your situation - the worst they can say is no. But yes, act fast.

filing right now. kicking myself for waiting. thank you both

This is really reassuring to hear from someone who actually went through it. Did you have any issues with the job search requirements given your age?

nope same requirements as everyone else. three job search activities per week, log them in your account. I applied to some places, did some networking events, attended a couple webinars. it all counted. EDD never questioned my age or SS status during the whole claim

This is actually a really important distinction and you're right to ask separately. SSDI is more complicated. The core issue is that SSDI is based on being unable to work due to disability, while UI requires you to certify you ARE able and available to work. These can be contradictory. It's not an automatic disqualification but you need to be very careful - if you claim UI benefits while also claiming total disability through SSDI, that could raise serious issues with both programs. I'd strongly recommend speaking directly with an EDD representative before filing UI if you're on SSDI.

yeah that's kind of what I figured. my disability is partial so technically I can work in some capacity but not my previous occupation. so complicated.

For partial disability situations it really does depend on your specific circumstances. Some people on partial SSDI have successfully claimed UI but it requires careful documentation that you are genuinely able to accept work within your limitations. Definitely talk to EDD directly before doing anything.

Okay so where exactly on the weekly certification do I enter it? I've been doing my certifications on UI Online and I'm not 100% sure I've been putting it in the right place.

When you certify there's a question about income received during the week. Social Security retirement income would go in there. If you're unsure, the EDD website has a guide on what counts as income to report. Alternatively calling and asking an agent directly is the safest - they can look at your specific claim.

honestly just call EDD and ask them where to put it. I know getting through is a nightmare but it's better than guessing on something that could trigger an overpayment review

Haha that's kind of funny. I guess this is more of a holdover worry from old rules. Good to know the agents are confirming the same thing.

well but rules change so it's good to verify. i'd still want to hear it directly from EDD for my own peace of mind

Yes, pension income actually CAN affect your UI benefits in California, unlike Social Security. If the base period employer contributed to the pension, EDD may reduce your weekly benefit by the pension amount. This is called the pension offset and it's different from the Social Security offset which was eliminated. Your dad should definitely look into this before filing or call EDD to ask.

oh wow I did not know that distinction existed. Thanks, this is really helpful for my dad's situation

this is such an important point and a lot of people don't know it. pensions from a base period employer = potential offset. Social Security = no offset in California. Two totally different rules.

I actually tried calling EDD twice this week after reading this thread and couldn't get through either time. Going to try Claimyr today.

Hope it works out for you! It's genuinely useful for situations like yours where you just need a real answer from a real person about your specific claim.

second this. EDD phone lines are a disaster. any tool that helps you actually get through is worth knowing about

California's maximum weekly UI benefit is $450. It's based on your highest quarter earnings in your base period - roughly 60-70% of your average weekly wage up to that $450 cap. Social Security amount has zero effect on your UI calculation in California.

only $450 max?? that seems really low for California honestly

Yeah the $450 cap is one of the criticisms of California's UI system. It hasn't kept pace with cost of living. But it is what it is - that's the current maximum regardless of your prior income or what you receive from SS.

Good luck!! Keep us posted on what happens with the backdating.

will do! the EDD rep I spoke to (used Claimyr to get through btw, worked great) said my reason for late filing would go to adjudication and I'd get a decision within a few weeks. at least I'm in the system now

Good luck! Make sure to document why you were unaware you could file - the misinformation about SS disqualifying you is actually a somewhat common misconception which might help your case.

Yes I've been keeping track of my job search activities, applying to jobs online and attending a virtual job fair. I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right.

sounds like you're on top of it. just make sure you're entering them correctly in the system. some people log them mentally but don't actually enter them in UI Online and that causes problems during audits

also worth noting that CalJOBS registration might be required for your claim. if EDD sends you a notice about registering with the state job search system, don't ignore it - failure to register can affect your benefits

That's so unfortunate. I almost made the same mistake based on what my coworker told me. It seems like this misconception is really widespread.

exactly and EDD doesn't exactly advertise it either. you kind of have to know to ask or stumble onto a thread like this.

EDD asks you to report all income as a matter of policy and to comply with federal UI program oversight requirements. Even if it doesn't result in a benefit reduction in California, they're required to collect that information. Think of it as EDD keeping records rather than it triggering any calculation. Just report it and don't overthink it.

okay that makes more sense I guess. bureaucracy lol

Also worth noting: reporting it creates a paper trail that protects YOU. If EDD ever audits your claim, having accurately reported your SS income every week shows you were being fully transparent. Trying to hide income even if it wouldn't affect your benefit amount could look like fraud. Always report everything.

Good to know. I've been checking my UI Online account and my mail religiously for exactly this reason. Haven't gotten any notices yet but I'll be ready.

Good. And if they do schedule a phone interview and you have trouble reaching them or they call and you miss it, you can try to call back through Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get back to an agent faster rather than waiting in the regular phone queue. The demo video at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10 shows how the whole thing works. It's useful to have in your back pocket just in case.

yeah those eligibility interviews can feel scary but they're usually pretty routine, especially for straightforward layoff situations. answer honestly and you'll be fine

EDD's website does have information on it but you really have to dig. The UI Online help section has some of it but it's not prominently featured. Most people only find out through forums like this or by calling.

figures. California could really use a clearer guide to all these edge cases

Congrats! Great outcome and thanks for coming back to update. These confirmed success stories help other people in the same situation.

wait this is the OP posting as a different profile? lol either way great news for you and for everyone reading this thread later

love a happy ending! hope things turn around job wise soon too

so happy for you and this gives me hope for my own situation too!