Can you apply for unemployment again after benefits run out with California EDD?

Thank you, this is really helpful. So I should just go ahead and file even if I'm not sure I qualify? I was worried about doing something wrong if I apply without enough work history.

yes just file, they figure out the eligibility part for you, you dont have to calculate it yourself

Exactly right. Go ahead and file a new claim - California EDD will review your earnings records automatically. If you don't qualify under the standard base period, they'll check the alternate base period which uses more recent quarters. Just be honest about your work history and let the system do its job.

I didn't know about the alternate base period at all! Does California EDD automatically check that or do I have to specifically ask for it?

They're supposed to check it automatically if you don't qualify under the standard base period, but honestly I'd mention it specifically when you call to follow up. California EDD doesn't always do things automatically the way they should lol

This is correct - the ABP is automatic but it doesn't hurt to mention it. I learned this the hard way after waiting weeks for a determination that should have been faster.

wait so the alternate base period uses different quarters? I always thought there was just one way they calculated it

I've been having the exact same experience with the phone lines. I'll check out that Claimyr service, thank you!

does that actually work?? I've been trying to get through to EDD for like two weeks straight

Yes it worked for me. I was skeptical at first but I genuinely got a callback from an EDD agent within a few hours. Way better than hitting redial 400 times

I've heard of this service from a few people now. Seems like it's become the go-to for anyone who can't get through to California EDD through normal channels

nope you can refile as long as you have qualifying wages in the base period! definitely look into it

wow okay filing rn thank u

This is incredibly helpful, thank you. I earned about $4,200 during those 6 weeks of temp work so hopefully that's enough to qualify for something.

$4,200 in wages should potentially qualify you depending on how it's distributed across quarters. That's above the minimum threshold. File that new claim today.

Good breakdown. One thing to add - if someone's benefit year hasn't actually ended yet (still within the 12 months) but they've run out of payments, they should wait until the benefit year actually expires before filing a new claim

This is exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. The Ask EDD messaging system is basically a black hole. At least with getting an actual phone agent you can get real answers same day instead of waiting months for a canned response

I might have to try that. I'm at my absolute wit's end with this

I feel this so much. The Ask EDD system response times are genuinely terrible. Phone is the only way to get anything actually resolved.

Good to know! What's the timeframe for requesting a redetermination? Is it the same 30 days as an appeal?

Yes, you generally have 30 days from the mailing date on the determination notice to appeal or request a redetermination. Don't let that deadline pass without doing something if you disagree with their decision.

Correct on the 30 day window. And make sure to document EVERYTHING - keep copies of any documents you submit, note the date and time of any phone calls and who you spoke with. California EDD has been known to lose submitted documents.

Oh wow thanks for the reminder. Three per week - is that still the current requirement?

yeah 3 activities per week minimum, and EDD can audit your job search log so actually keep track of what you're doing, dates, company names etc

This is accurate. The job search requirement is 3 activities per week for most claimants. Each certifying period you'll answer questions about your job search activities. Make sure you're logging them contemporaneously rather than trying to reconstruct them later.

Oh that's a relief! The ID.me verification process was such a nightmare the first time around.

I know right, I was dreading it. But nope, same account, same login, just file the new claim. Way simpler than the original setup

wait does this apply even if its been like 6+ months since u filed your original claim?

As far as I know yes, your myEDD account stays active. Just log back in and go from there

This is really important, thank you. So the benefit year is always 12 months from filing date regardless of when payments stop?

Yes exactly. Your benefit year = 12 months from the date you filed your original claim. EDD won't accept a new claim filing until that year is over, even if you've used up all your weeks of benefits.

100% accurate. This trips up a lot of people. The benefit year expiration date should be listed somewhere in your UI Online account if you want to check the exact date.

My temp work was through a staffing agency and I got W2s, so that sounds like it should be fine. Such a relief.

Perfect, W2 wages from a staffing agency absolutely qualify as covered employment for California UI purposes. You should be in good shape.

Good clarification on the W2 vs 1099 distinction. A lot of people in the gig economy get tripped up on this.

Generally refiling is a bit smoother than your initial claim because there are no identity verification steps to redo and California EDD already has your employment history on file. That said, adjudication can still happen if there are any issues with your eligibility, especially around whether you have sufficient qualifying wages in the new base period. The process itself is simpler though - just file through UI Online like before.

okay that's reassuring. 7 weeks in adjudication the first time was genuinely traumatic lol

If you do end up in adjudication again, don't just sit and wait. Respond to any EDD messages immediately, submit any documentation they request right away, and try to get an agent on the phone to check status. The people who come out of adjudication fastest are usually the ones being proactive.

This is an important distinction. If your friend voluntarily quit, they may face a disqualification period before receiving benefits again. However, California recognizes certain 'good cause' reasons for quitting, and unsafe working conditions can qualify as good cause if properly documented. Your friend should file the claim and be prepared to explain the circumstances in detail - California EDD will make the determination. It's not automatic disqualification just because you quit.

That's helpful thank you. There was actually an official report filed about the safety issue so there's documentation. Good to know that might factor in

Having documentation of the safety complaint is huge. Definitely include that when explaining the separation reason to California EDD.

Not a dumb question at all. When you file a new claim, California EDD will contact all base period employers to verify wages and the reason for separation. So yes, your previous employer may be contacted again. However, if the separation reason from that employer was already adjudicated in your favor on your previous claim, that should work in your favor. The main thing they're verifying is your earnings for the new base period calculation.

okay that makes me feel a little better knowing my previous adjudication result might help. I'll make sure I have all my documentation ready just in case

This is exactly what I needed to hear, thank you for coming back to share! Gives me a lot of hope.

congrats!! $387/week is decent, glad it worked out

Thanks! I also want to say that I ended up using Claimyr to reach an EDD agent when I had questions during the process. Getting a live person on the phone at California EDD is genuinely difficult but that service made it possible. Worth knowing about if anyone hits a wall trying to get answers.

good to hear a success story in this thread. so many of these end without updates

Honestly it varies a lot - I've seen people get approved in under 2 weeks and others wait 6+ weeks. Three weeks isn't unusual but I understand it feels agonizing when you're waiting on income. Keep certifying your weekly claims even while waiting so you don't lose those weeks.

Wait I didn't know I was supposed to keep certifying during the pending period!! I stopped because I thought the claim wasn't active yet. Is it too late to go back and certify?

You can usually go back and certify for past weeks once your claim is approved - there's a process for backdating certifications. Definitely call EDD to sort this out, or if you're having trouble getting through, someone upthread mentioned Claimyr at claimyr.com for getting California EDD agents on the phone. Given your situation where you need to sort out missed certifications, talking to an actual agent is probably the fastest way to fix it.

Oh man okay filing this away. Thank you so much, I had no idea about the backdating option

Really good practical tip, thank you. I definitely need to update my phone number in the system.

Also while you're in there check that your payment method (bank account for direct deposit) is still current. Nothing worse than getting approved and then having the payment fail because your bank account changed

These are both really solid reminders. Updated contact and banking info before filing is one of those things that seems obvious but it's easy to overlook when you're stressed about the bigger picture stuff.

Good luck!! Please update us when you hear back. I filed mine yesterday too so we're in this together.

will do! and good luck to you too. hoping we both get approved

Rooting for both of you. Remember to keep certifying those weekly claims while waiting on the determination - don't let weeks lapse without certification.