Can I reopen my EDD claim after starting seasonal work in 2025?

Yes, you can reopen your existing claim if it hasn't expired yet! EDD claims last for 12 months from the date they're established, even if you find work in between. Since your current claim was approved in January 2025, you should be able to reopen it after your seasonal job ends in September, assuming you still have benefits remaining. To reopen, just log into your UI Online account and select "Reopen Claim." Make sure to reopen as soon as your seasonal work ends - don't wait weeks or they may question why you delayed. You'll need to meet the usual eligibility requirements (able to work, actively seeking work, etc.).

i did seasonal work last yr & went back on unemp after. EZ process just go on ui online and hit reopen claim button. make sure u report yr last day worked correctly tho!!!

Don't listen to the people saying it's easy - EDD SCREWS UP SEASONAL WORK ALL THE TIME!!!! I worked a summer job last year and when I tried reopening my claim they put me under REVIEW for 6 WEEKS!!! Said I needed to do a phone interview to "verify separation" even though it was CLEARLY seasonal!!! They make EVERYTHING complicated!!! Make sure you save PROOF it was seasonal work when they hired you!!

If your job ends in September 2025 and your current claim was approved in January 2025, you should be able to reopen the same claim as others have said. Just be aware that there's a bit more to understand: 1. Your benefit year (the 12-month period) ends in January 2026 2. You can only collect your maximum benefit amount once during this period 3. If you've already collected a significant portion of your benefits before starting seasonal work, you might not have much left to collect after So, while reopening is possible, check your remaining balance before your seasonal job ends so you know what to expect.

I've been on and off unemployment for years with my construction job (always weather dependent). One thing nobody mentioned - when you reopen, they'll recalculate your weekly benefit amount if you earned enough at your seasonal job. Sometimes this means you get more per week! Just make sure you report ALL earnings from the seasonal job when you reopen.

Has anyone ever tried using Claimyr to get through to EDD when reopening a claim after seasonal work? I had so many problems reaching someone last time I tried to reopen my claim. I found this service at claimyr.com that supposedly helps you get through to a real person at EDD much faster. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km I'm thinking of using it when my farm work ends next month since I always have questions they can't answer through the regular UI online system.

To clarify a couple of important points: 1. You can reopen your claim any time within your benefit year (the 12-month period from when your claim was first filed) 2. There is typically a one-week unpaid waiting period if it's been more than 30 days since you last certified for benefits 3. When you reopen your claim, you'll need to meet the same eligibility requirements as when you first applied 4. Make sure you have documentation showing your seasonal job had a definite end date 5. If your benefit year expires before you finish your seasonal job, you would need to file a completely new claim rather than reopen This information is current as of 2025 EDD policies.

just wondering... if the seasonal job pays more than your previous job, does that affect your weekly benefit amount when you reopen? i'm in a similar situation but haven't started my seasonal job yet

One more thing to keep in mind - when you're working your seasonal job, make sure you stop certifying for benefits completely rather than just reporting your earnings. Some people make the mistake of continuing to certify while fully employed, which can lead to confusion in the system. When your seasonal job ends, that's when you'll reopen your claim and start certifying again.

Anna, congratulations on getting the seasonal job offer! Based on what everyone's shared, it sounds like you're in a good position. Since your claim was approved in January 2025, you'll have until January 2026 to reopen it after your seasonal work ends in September. One additional tip I'd add - when you do reopen your claim, make sure to report your last day of work accurately. EDD sometimes asks for the specific date your employment ended, and being precise helps avoid any delays in processing. Also, while you're working the seasonal job, it might be worth checking your UI Online account occasionally (even though you won't be certifying) just to make sure there aren't any notices or updates that need your attention. Sometimes EDD sends important communications even when claims aren't active. Good luck with the resort job - sounds like a great opportunity!

Just wanted to add one more practical tip from my experience - when you reopen your claim after seasonal work, make sure you have your employment records handy (pay stubs, W-2s, etc.) from the seasonal job. Sometimes EDD asks for verification of your work history during the reopening process, especially if there's been a gap since you last certified. Also, don't panic if your first certification after reopening takes a bit longer to process than usual. The system sometimes needs a few extra days to reactivate everything properly. As long as you've followed the correct steps and have your documentation ready, it should go smoothly. The fact that your seasonal job has a clear end date (September) and your benefit year doesn't expire until January 2026 puts you in an ideal situation for reopening. You've got this!

I went through almost the exact same situation last year! Had a retail job that ended in December, got on unemployment in January, then worked at a summer camp from June through August. The reopening process was actually pretty straightforward - just logged into UI Online and hit the reopen button like others mentioned. One thing I wish someone had told me though - make sure you keep track of exactly how much you collected before starting your seasonal job. I had collected about 8 weeks of benefits before my summer job started, so I knew I had plenty left when camp ended in August. Really helped with planning my finances. Also, the resort job sounds awesome! Working seasonal can actually be a great way to build up different skills and experiences while still having the safety net of unemployment benefits. Just make sure you get everything in writing about the start and end dates - it really does help if any questions come up later.

Hey Anna! Just wanted to chime in as someone who's dealt with EDD and seasonal work multiple times. You're getting great advice here, and I can confirm that reopening after seasonal work is definitely doable when done right. One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned much - when you do reopen in September, make sure you're ready to actively job search right away. EDD will expect you to be looking for work immediately upon reopening, so it's worth starting to think about your job search strategy while you're still working at the resort. Maybe even network with other seasonal workers or resort staff who might know about permanent opportunities. Also, since you mentioned this is a resort job, you might want to ask if they ever hire seasonal workers for permanent positions. Sometimes seasonal gigs can turn into year-round opportunities if you do well! The timing actually works out pretty well for you - September/October is often when a lot of businesses start hiring for the holiday season, so you might have good luck finding something permanent right as your seasonal job wraps up.