Can I file for EDD benefits as a 1099 contractor after car accident? Can't work or pay rent

sorry 2 hear bout ur accident. im pretty sure 1099 workers cant get regular unemployment. u need 2 be a w2 employee 4 that. might wanna look into SDI (state disability) instead if ur doctor says u cant work cuz of ur wrist injury.

The previous commenter is correct - as a 1099 contractor, you don't qualify for regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. However, you have two potential options: 1. State Disability Insurance (SDI) - Since you have a physical injury (broken wrist) that prevents you from performing your usual work, you may qualify for SDI benefits. You'll need medical documentation from your doctor confirming your injury and inability to work. 2. If you believe you were misclassified as a contractor when you should have been an employee, you can file for UI and request an employment determination. California has strict rules about worker classification with AB5. Start with applying for SDI through the EDD website: https://edd.ca.gov/Disability/

NOBODY can get through to EDD on the phone these days!!! I spent THREE WEEKS trying to reach someone about my disability claim last month. Calling hundreds of times each day, getting hung up on, waiting on hold for hours only to get disconnected. The system is COMPLETELY BROKEN!! It's ridiculous that we pay into this system and then can't even access help when we need it!!

just fyi u might get approved faster for SDI if u apply online vs paper application. make sure ur doctor fills out their part quickly too. that held mine up for like 2 weeks last year

I'm a gig worker too and had to navigate this last year. Here's what you need to know: 1. For SDI, apply ASAP as there's a 7-day waiting period before benefits start 2. Benefits are approximately 60-70% of your wages (based on your highest quarter earnings) 3. Have all your 1099s from the last 18 months ready when you apply 4. You'll need medical certification from your doctor with a specific recovery timeline 5. If approved, you'll get a debit card from Money Network in the mail with your benefits One more thing - if your doctor says you can do modified work (like desk work), but your current job can't accommodate that, you should still qualify. Just make sure that's clearly documented.

UPDATE: I checked my tax docs and realized I haven't been paying into SDI (didn't even know that was an option as a 1099 worker). So that route is out. BUT I did manage to get through to EDD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above - actually worked! The agent confirmed I don't qualify for regular UI as a contractor, but suggested I look into these options: 1. Contact my auto insurance - they might have temporary loss of income coverage 2. Apply for state/county general assistance programs 3. Check with local nonprofits for emergency rent assistance Not the answer I was hoping for, but at least I know where I stand. Going to look into those resources today. Thanks everyone for your help!

When I broke my ankle last year I found that my city has a temporary disability assistance program thru the social services dept. It wasn't much $ but helped with rent for 2 months while I healed. Maybe check if your area has something similar? Just google "[your county] emergency assistance program" or call 211.

I'm sorry to hear about your accident and the difficult situation you're in. Since you've already confirmed you don't qualify for UI or SDI, here are a few additional resources that might help bridge the gap while you recover: 1. Check if either of your delivery apps (DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc.) have any emergency assistance programs for drivers - some companies started offering these during COVID 2. Look into your county's General Relief/General Assistance program - it's designed for people who don't qualify for other benefits 3. Contact The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or other local faith-based organizations - they often have emergency rent assistance funds 4. If you have a credit union account, many offer emergency hardship loans with low interest rates Also, once you're healed, consider enrolling in DIEC (Disability Insurance Elective Coverage) for future protection - it's only about 1% of your income but could save you in situations like this. Hope your wrist heals quickly!