Can I get EDD benefits after a 6-month W-2 contract job ends?

yes u can apply but they look at ur base period earnings. google edd base period calculator to see if ull qualify and how much ud get. u need enough w2 earnings in the right quarters

Yes, you can absolutely qualify for unemployment after a W-2 contract position ends, even as someone who normally freelances. Here's what you need to know: 1. Your eligibility will depend on your earnings during the base period (typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file) 2. You need to have earned at least $1,300 in your highest quarter during the base period 3. You must be able and available for work when you certify 4. Most importantly, you need to show you're looking for suitable W-2 employment, not just freelance opportunities The key thing is that you can't just voluntarily return to freelancing and expect to collect benefits. EDD will expect you to be looking for traditional employment similar to the contract position. You'll need to document your work search efforts when you certify every two weeks.

I was in the EXACT same boat last year!!!! Took a 9-month contract with a marketing agency (W-2) and when it ended I got unemployment no problem. The only weird thing was during my eligibility interview they kept asking if I was "still looking for permanent work" and not just waiting to freelance again. I just said yes and got approved lol. Just document some job applications each week and you'll be fine!!!

The real issue isn't if you CAN apply (you can), but whether you'll be able to certify properly. When you certify every 2 weeks, EDD asks if you refused any work and if you're looking for work. If you're turning down W-2 opportunities to return to freelancing, technically you're refusing suitable work. Also, the "going back to freelance" plan gets tricky because if you're earning any money as a freelancer, you have to report that income when certifying. If you earn over a certain threshold, your weekly benefit amount gets reduced or eliminated. The system is really designed for people transitioning between W-2 jobs, not for contractors who take temporary W-2 positions and then return to self-employment.

I had this exact situation and trying to get through to EDD to ask questions was a NIGHTMARE. Spent literally 4 days calling non-stop getting busy signals or disconnected. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in about 30 minutes. They have a good video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The agent confirmed I was eligible after my 6-month contract ended and explained exactly what I needed to do during certification to avoid problems. Basically said I needed to be available for and seeking "suitable employment" which meant similar W-2 work, not necessarily another contract position.

PLEASE BE CAREFUL with how you answer the certification questions!!! I was in almost your exact situation and checked the wrong boxes during certification. Said I was "self-employed" because I was doing a tiny bit of freelance work while looking for a new job, and they disqualified me and I had to appeal. THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN and they will use ANY excuse to deny you benefits. If you do ANY freelance work while collecting, report the income but don't identify as self-employed!

i dont get why theyr making u do w2 anyway. sounds like they just dont wanna pay employer taxes lol. but ya you can get bennies after as long as u dont quit

One more thing to consider: If your contract position pays well, you might qualify for a higher weekly benefit amount than someone with lower earnings. California's maximum weekly benefit is $450, and you need to earn at least $11,674 in your highest quarter to qualify for that maximum. Make sure to check the EDD benefit calculator to estimate what you might receive: https://edd.ca.gov/en/uiben/ui-calculator

Important: When you certify every two weeks, there's a question that asks, "Were you self-employed or did you work for yourself?" Be VERY careful with this question. If you're doing small freelance jobs while collecting unemployment, you should report any earnings but answer "NO" to this question. Otherwise, EDD often flags you as ineligible because they consider you employed. Their system is very black-and-white and doesn't handle hybrid work situations well.