Can substitute teachers apply for EDD unemployment during summer break (June-Aug)?

Yes, substitute teachers CAN apply for unemployment during summer break! I was in your exact situation last year. EDD has specific rules for educational employees, but as a temp/substitute, you're usually eligible since there's no "reasonable assurance" of work in the fall. I recommend filing your claim the day after your last assignment ends. When you certify, make sure to answer that you're available for work during the summer (because you are - just not at the school). Be ready for a possible eligibility interview where they'll ask about your employment status. Also, if you're still trying to reach EDD about this, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a rep after wasting days trying on my own. They have this system that calls EDD for you and connects you when there's an agent. Saved me hours of frustration. Check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

NO NO NO this is TERRIBLE advice!!! School employees CANNOT get unemployment during summer break if they have REASONABLE ASSURANCE of returning in fall!! The EDD will make you PAY BACK every penny plus penalties if you mislead them! I worked in school admin for 9 years and saw countless subs get hit with overpayment notices. Be VERY careful!!!!!

To clarify the rules here: Whether a substitute teacher can collect unemployment during summer depends on their specific employment situation. The key is "reasonable assurance" as mentioned above. As a substitute, you need to determine: 1. Do you have any written guarantee of work in fall? 2. Are you on a year-to-year contract? 3. Can the district reduce your hours significantly? If you're a day-to-day sub with no guarantees, you likely qualify. Just be 100% honest on your application. When you certify, you'll need to be available for and seeking other work. Also, make sure you have your last assignment date documented. The EDD website specifically states that school employees may be eligible if they "performed services in other than an instructional, research, or principal administrative capacity."

i filed last summer as a sub and got approved but took FOREVER lol they did phone interview like 3 weeks after i applied asking bunch of questions about my school job. make sure u say ur looking for other work during summer too or they deny u

I'm going through the same struggle right now - it's like EDD purposely makes this confusing for school employees!! I've been calling for days with no luck getting through. Has anyone had success using the "Contact EDD" option through UI Online instead of calling? I'm desperate to figure this out before the school year ends.

Not to go off topic but why doesnt the school district just pay teachers year round?? seems stupid to force ppl onto unemployment every summer instead of just spreading the same salary over 12 months. the whole system is broken imo

Update: I finally got through to EDD this morning! For anyone in the same situation: yes, substitute teachers typically CAN file for unemployment during summer break if you don't have reasonable assurance of returning in the fall. The rep said to apply after my last day, answer all questions honestly (especially about school employment), and be prepared for an eligibility interview. She said to gather documentation showing I'm a day-to-day sub with no guaranteed hours. Thank you everyone for your help!

Quick tip from someone who's been thru this: When you file, you'll get a form asking about "school wages" and whether you have reasonable assurance. Answer truthfully but keep documentation of your sub status. Also, EDD might contact your district to verify your status, so don't be surprised if there's a delay while they do this. Most importantly - DOCUMENT YOUR JOB SEARCH during summer. Keep a log of where you apply even if it's just 2-3 places a week.