Can you collect unemployment if you are over 65 with California EDD?

That's such a relief to hear! I was genuinely worried I'd wasted my whole career paying into a system I couldn't use. Going to start the online application tonight.

This is correct. I'm 68 and collected UI last year after my employer downsized. Got approved no problem. The able and available to work requirement is the main thing to pay attention to at any age.

wait so theres literally no age limit at all? my dad is 71 and just got laid off too maybe he should file

This is exactly what I needed to know. I'll hold off on the Social Security application until I understand how it interacts with UI. Thank you.

I heard something different - that SS doesn't affect UI in California at all anymore. Not sure which is accurate tbh

The interaction between Social Security and California EDD UI benefits can be complicated and the rules have evolved. California EDD may deduct a portion of your SS retirement benefits from your weekly UI benefit amount if you're receiving both simultaneously. Since OP hasn't claimed SS yet this isn't immediately relevant but worth researching before starting SS.

Two weeks in adjudication sounds nerve-wracking. Did you have to do anything during that time or just wait?

Just waited and kept certifying my weekly claims. They eventually called to verify my layoff was legitimate and that was basically it. Keep filing your weekly certifications even during adjudication - you'll get paid for those weeks retroactively once approved.

yes keep certifying!! so many people stop during adjudication and then lose those weeks

I hadn't even thought about what happens if I need to actually talk to someone. Bookmarking this in case my claim runs into problems.

claimyr works I used it when my identity verification got stuck. way better than redailing for hours

is that legit? seems weird to pay someone to hold your place in a phone queue lol

I had the same reaction but when you've been trying to reach California EDD for weeks with nothing to show for it you get desperate. Check out the video at least.

I'm in pretty good health so I think this is fine for me. But good to know for others in this thread.

This is a fair point. California EDD's able and available requirement means you must be physically and mentally capable of working, available to accept work if offered, and actively looking for jobs. Any medical limitations can trigger additional review.

Three activities per week sounds manageable. Is there a specific format California EDD wants for the log or can I just keep my own spreadsheet?

California EDD doesn't require a specific format but you need to be able to produce records if audited. Keep employer name, contact info, position applied for, and date. A simple spreadsheet works fine. CalJOBS is California EDD's official job search platform and registering there can help satisfy some requirements.

do they actually check? asking for a friend lol

Yes they do conduct random audits and if you can't verify your job search activities you can be disqualified and potentially face an overpayment notice. Not worth the risk.

This is really practical advice. I have a meeting with my financial planner next week anyway so I'll bring this up specifically.

Smart approach. Also worth noting that pension income from your former employer (if any) can also affect your weekly UI benefit amount. California EDD requires you to report any pension you receive that's funded by a base period employer.

I appreciate the warning. I'd rather over-research this than deal with an overpayment situation.

The conflicting info from different agents thing is SO real. I got three completely different answers about my adjudication situation from three different calls. Writing down exactly what each agent tells you including their ID number is really important.

Good logistics tip. I'll prepare a one-pager before I call.

also have your UI Online account open on your computer while you're on the call so you can see what the agent is seeing and follow along

Good cautionary tale about the job search requirements. I'll make sure to do those correctly from the start.

appeals are not fun but they are winnable if you have documentation. the California EDD appeals process gives you a hearing with an administrative law judge and you can represent yourself

Not union at my job unfortunately, but helpful to know for anyone else reading this.

Good point generally. Also if you have any severance pay from your employer, that can affect when your UI benefits begin. California EDD may delay your benefit start date if you received a lump sum severance.

Part time work while collecting California EDD UI benefits affects everyone the same regardless of age. If you earn wages in a week you're certifying for, you report those wages and California EDD reduces your weekly benefit by the amount you earned over $25. It's actually encouraged - California EDD wants you working, even part time, rather than turning down work.

oh that's actually good to know. I thought if you worked at all you lost your whole week's benefit

Common misconception. The earnings disregard and partial benefit calculation is one of the most misunderstood parts of UI. You keep some benefit even when you work part time.

I feel like I might actually need to call before I file just to ask about the SS timing question. Maybe I'll look into that service.

The California EDD phone system is genuinely impossible without some kind of help. I might try that next time I need to call.

The waiting week thing - does that mean there's literally one week I'll never get paid for, even if I eventually get approved?

yes. it's called the waiting period week and it's the first week of your claim. it's unpaid no matter what. california edd doesn't pay benefits for that week. after that you get paid for each week you certify and are eligible for.

Correct. The waiting period week in California is the first week of your benefit year. You still must certify for that week on time but you won't receive payment for it.

They do have a small pension plan actually. I haven't started drawing from it but it exists. Should I mention that when I file even though I'm not receiving it yet?

Yes mention it during the claims process even if you're not drawing from it yet. California EDD will ask about pension eligibility. If you start drawing the pension while on UI you must report it. Starting the pension while on UI could reduce your weekly benefit.

This is really valuable HR perspective. The pension offset rules are one of the more complicated parts of California UI for older workers and they vary depending on whether the pension is from a base period employer.

I genuinely need to work and would take a job. I'm not in a financial position to retire for several more years so availability isn't an issue for me.

good then you're fine. just wanted to mention it because some folks in similar situations are kind of half in half out on working again

$450 a week maximum? That seems lower than I expected after 11 years. Is that really the cap?

Yes $450 is the current maximum weekly benefit amount for California UI. It's based on your earnings during the base period but capped there regardless of how much you made. California's maximum has been criticized as not keeping up with cost of living but that's the current number.

yep and that's one of the many frustrations with the California UI system. the max hasn't kept pace with actual wages in this state for years

I will definitely update. Filed my claim tonight after reading through all of this. The online process was actually pretty straightforward. Now just waiting to see if anything gets flagged. Thank you everyone for the help.

Good luck! Remember to certify on time each week and document your job search activities. You've got this.

Great news that you filed! Your claim confirmation number is important - save that. Also set a reminder for your certification date so you don't miss your first biweekly certification window.

rooting for you!! keep us posted