Can I reapply for EDD benefits from same job a year later? Special rules for actors?

No, you can't reapply based on a job that ended over a year ago. Each unemployment claim has a specific benefit year (12 months from when you first apply). After your benefit year ends, you need NEW work history to qualify for a new claim. You might be confusing this with reopening an existing claim that's still within its benefit year. That's different from starting a completely new claim based on old work history. As for actors - yes, there are some special provisions. Entertainment industry workers often work short-term gigs with the same employers repeatedly. They can sometimes qualify for unemployment between these short jobs IF they meet all other eligibility requirements and have enough earnings in their base period. But they still follow the same basic rules about benefit years and qualifying wages.

I tried filing a new claim last month and EDD automatically checked if i could use my old job from 2 years ago and the system said NO. they only look at your most recent 18 months of work for a new claim period. good luck getting through to anyone on the phone tho lol

To qualify for a new EDD claim, you need to have earned at least $1,300 in your highest-paid quarter during your base period OR at least $900 in your highest-paid quarter plus 1.25 times that amount across your entire base period. Sounds like your 4 months at $3,800/month would likely qualify you for a new claim based on that job alone. Your base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before filing. And yes, entertainment industry workers do have some unique circumstances because of the project-based nature of their work, but they still need to meet the same earnings thresholds and be actively seeking work between gigs.

My brother works in film production and he goes on and off unemployment ALL THE TIME. But he says you still need enough work hours between claims or something. Not just like work 1 day and get benefits again lol

The EDD system is DESIGNED to be confusing! I swear they make it complicated on purpose so people give up. I got denied twice before finally getting approved last year, and the only difference was that I finally managed to talk to a real person who fixed whatever mysterious problem was in my claim. If you're having trouble reaching EDD (which EVERYONE does), try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's the only thing that worked for me after days of trying to get through. They basically connect you with EDD without you having to keep redialing all day. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km So much better than spending your whole day hitting redial!

Just file a new claim and answer all the questions honestly. The system will determine if you're eligible based on your work history. You don't need to overthink it - the application process guides you through everything step by step. I've been through this three times in the past two years (construction industry has its ups and downs). Just make sure you have accurate information about your employers and wages for the past 18 months. The EDD will verify everything with your employers anyway.

wait so can actors really just keep collecting unemployment forever?? thats crazy if true... maybe i should become an actor lolll

UPDATE: I filed a new claim yesterday and it went through! The system asked about my previous claim but didn't seem to have any issues with me filing a new one based on the contract job. Now I just wait for the certification weeks to become available. Thanks everyone for your help! This was way less confusing than trying to decipher the EDD website on my own.