Can I reapply for EDD benefits when my claim year ends but I still have a balance?

once ur benefit year ends, that balance is GONE regardless of how much is left. u gotta file a new claim and they calculate everything from scratch. happened to me last april, had like $2k left that just vanished :/

The previous comment is correct. When your benefit year ends, any remaining balance is forfeited regardless of how much is left. This is standard EDD policy. Your benefit year is exactly that - a year. When you file a new claim, they'll recalculate your eligibility and weekly benefit amount based on your base period wages from the most recent 18 months, minus the last completed quarter. Your gig work during your current claim will be part of that calculation for the new claim.

i had the EXACT same question last year!!! i was so mad when i found out they just TAKE BACK that money. like i EARNED that!!! the whole system is designed to screw us.

I've been through this exact situation. You definitely lose the remaining balance when your benefit year ends - it's frustrating but that's how the system works. However, here's what you should do: File your new claim application IMMEDIATELY after your benefit year ends. Don't wait even a day or you'll miss out on potential benefits. Also, reaching EDD to check on your new claim status is crucial. After struggling with busy signals for days, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me through to an EDD representative in under 25 minutes when I was getting nothing but busy signals for a week. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The rep I spoke with was able to fix an issue with my new claim that would have delayed my payments for weeks.

Let me clarify a few things about the benefit year end process: 1. Yes, any remaining balance on your UI claim is forfeited when your benefit year ends. This is standard policy across all states, not just California. 2. When filing a new claim, EDD will look at your base period wages (typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before filing). 3. For gig workers: If you've had limited work during your current claim year, you may not have enough wages in your new base period to qualify for a standard UI claim. 4. If you don't qualify for a new regular UI claim, ask the EDD representative about potential eligibility for a Training Extension claim or other programs you might qualify for. 5. Make sure to carefully report all your gig work earnings when certifying - this is where many people get in trouble later with overpayment notices.

To qualify for a new claim in California, you need to have earned: 1. At least $1,300 in your highest quarter during the base period, OR 2. At least $900 in your highest quarter AND total base period earnings of at least 1.25 times your highest quarter earnings. For example, if your highest quarter earnings were $1,000, your total base period earnings would need to be at least $1,250 to qualify under the second method.

Thanks everyone for the information. It's disappointing that I'll lose that balance, but at least now I know what to expect. I'll file my new claim right when my benefit year ends and hope I have enough earnings to qualify. I might try that Claimyr service too since I've never been able to get through to EDD on my own. Will update when I know more about my new claim.

I know everyone's saying you'll lose your balance, but I actually managed to get an extension last year through a special program when my regular UI ran out. You might want to specifically ask about extensions when you talk to EDD. Different rules apply in different situations.