Can I get EDD benefits after my campus job ended due to graduation?

Unfortunately, you probably won't qualify. Work-study positions are federally funded educational programs and aren't usually covered by unemployment insurance. For the non-work-study portion, it gets complicated. The reason you're not working anymore is because you're no longer a student, which EDD might consider a voluntary separation since you chose to graduate (I know that sounds ridiculous). Additionally, you need to be able and available for full-time work, and if you tell them you're waiting to start a specific job in a few months, that could disqualify you too.

i was in the exact situation last year and got denied!! they said since i knew the job would end when i graduated it wasn't eligible... total bs but whatever

There's a lot of confusion about this topic. Here's the deal: whether you qualify depends on a few specific factors: 1. How your employment was classified - was your non-work-study portion paying into UI? (Check your pay stubs for CA SDI deductions, which often indicates UI contributions too) 2. Whether the university reported your separation as a layoff vs. voluntary quit 3. If you're truly available for immediate full-time work in your field You should apply anyway - the worst they can say is no. Make sure to explain that you were laid off because the position ended (not because you chose to leave). Emphasize you're actively seeking immediate employment and available to work. Don't mention you're waiting for a specific future job. Also, campus employment often DOES qualify for UI benefits if it wasn't exclusively federal work-study. Many universities pay UI taxes on their student employees.

Im gonna disagree with some others here. My daghter got benefits after her university job ended at graduation. Key was she filed right away and told them she was LAID OFF because position ended, not that she quit. Try it!!!! Worst they say is no. Also depends what kind of student job it was. If they took taxes out of ur checks u might be eligible.

This is actually a common situation with a somewhat complicated answer. The key factors that will determine your eligibility: 1) Whether your employer (the university) paid into the UI system for your position. Most do for their regular student employees, but work-study portions are often exempt. 2) How the separation is classified. "Position ended" or "laid off due to program completion" is different from "voluntary separation." 3) Your availability for work. You must be actively seeking work and available to accept suitable employment immediately. The good news is that "position termination due to program completion" language works in your favor. That indicates an involuntary separation rather than a quit. I recommend applying and being completely honest about your situation. During your phone interview (which you'll likely get), emphasize that: - You didn't choose to end employment; the position ended - You're actively seeking work in your field now - You're available and willing to accept suitable work immediately Don't volunteer information about expecting to start a job in a few months unless directly asked. In many cases, students in your situation do qualify, especially for the non-work-study portion of their employment. The key is proper documentation and how you frame the separation.

just wondering did u ever get 2 talk to anyone at EDD when u called? im trying 2 get thru 4 a different issue but they NEVER pick up!!!!

I went through this EXACT situation in 2023 after graduating from UC Davis. My campus job was 80% university-funded and 20% work-study. I applied for unemployment and was initially denied, but I appealed the decision and won. Here's what worked for me: 1. I gathered documentation showing that my position was explicitly for enrolled students only and that I couldn't continue even if I wanted to. 2. During my appeal hearing, I emphasized that my separation was involuntary - I didn't choose to leave; the position ended by design. 3. I brought pay stubs showing the university paid into the UI system (the SDI deductions were my proof). 4. I documented my job search activities extensively to prove I was genuinely looking for work. The judge ruled that while the work-study portion wasn't eligible, the university-funded portion (80%) was. I received benefits calculated on that portion of my wages. Don't give up if you get initially denied! The appeal process was actually pretty straightforward.

One more important point: even though your situation might be complicated, you should absolutely apply anyway. EDD can only make an eligibility determination after you've filed a claim. Many students don't apply because they assume they won't qualify, but that's letting EDD make the decision before you even try. The application process is free, and if you're approved, benefits would be calculated based on your highest-earning quarter during your base period (typically the 12-month period ending just before your last quarter of work). If you're denied, you preserve your right to appeal, which as another poster mentioned, can often be successful in situations like yours where there are legitimate arguments for eligibility. And regardless of outcome, you should be actively job searching and documenting all your applications, interviews, etc. - both for potential EDD requirements and for your own job search success.

I just want to emphasize what was mentioned earlier about how you describe your separation. This is CRITICAL. Never say you "had to leave because you graduated." Always frame it as "the position ended" or "I was laid off because the position is only available to enrolled students." The difference seems subtle but it's extremely important for how EDD classifies your case. Also, when you file, you'll be asked about your availability for work. Make sure you indicate you're available for full-time work immediately. If you say you're only available part-time or have restrictions, that can disqualify you. Good luck! And let us know how it goes - your experience could help future students in the same situation.