Delaying EDD claim after layoff - can I travel for 2 months then still get full benefits?

yeah u can wait to file ur claim but def do it when ur back in the country and ready 2 work cuz EDD will want u to certify that ur available and looking 4 work every 2 weeks

Im in exact same boat! Got laid off after 17 years at my company last month and had family issues to deal with first. From what EDD told me when I called (took FOREVER to get through btw), you have 18 months from your last day of work to file your initial claim. You wont lose any benefit weeks as long as you file within that window. The 26 weeks start AFTER you file, not from your termination date.

I'd like to clarify a few important points about delayed filing: 1) You can file your initial claim up to 18 months after your last day of work, but your base period (the wages used to calculate your benefit amount) will still be the 4 quarters that end with the quarter before your layoff. 2) Your benefit year starts when you FILE, not when you were laid off. So if you file in May 2025, your benefit year runs until May 2026. 3) You'll still be eligible for up to 26 weeks of benefits within that benefit year. 4) When you certify, you must be physically present in the US, available for work, and actively seeking employment. 5) If you get a job after returning but before filing, those earnings would not affect your original claim eligibility since your base period is fixed. The main thing you lose by waiting is potentially getting benefits sooner, but in your case with international travel planned, your strategy makes sense.

BEWARE the EDD will ask about any gaps between ur last day of work and when u file!!!!!!! They might think ur working somewhere else and not reporting it!!!! ALWAYS BE 100% honest about why u waited to file or they could hit u with FRAUD penalty weeks!!!! 😡

I tried calling EDD with a similar question last month and it was IMPOSSIBLE to get through. Kept getting the "we're experiencing high call volume" message for DAYS. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD representative in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The rep confirmed what others are saying - your 26 weeks of benefits start when you file, not when you were laid off. Just make sure you're back in the country and ready to look for work when you file.

wait im confused. so u get laid off in feb but u dont file till may??? doesnt that mean ur missing out on 3 months of unemployment $$$?? if i was u id file right away get those checks and then just not certify while ur traveling those 2 months. then start certifying again when u get back. why wait to file??

One important thing to understand about your base period: If you're laid off in February 2025 but don't file until May 2025, your base period will still be the same. EDD uses the last 4 completed quarters prior to the quarter you file, and there's a one-quarter lag. So for a May 2025 filing, your base period would be Q4 2023 through Q3 2024. Your maximum benefit amount and weekly benefit amount will be calculated using these quarters regardless of when you file within the 18-month window. So financially, there's no disadvantage to waiting to file as long as you're within that window and not needing those benefits immediately. However, as others mentioned, be prepared to explain the gap between separation and filing. Since you'll be truthfully explaining international travel to care for family, this won't be an issue.

Quick tip: start collecting your travel documentation now. You'll want to have your flight itinerary, passport stamps, and maybe even medical documentation about your parents (if possible) to verify your explanation about the gap. EDD sometimes requests proof if they have questions about your claim timeline.

Just want to add my experience - I was in a similar situation where I delayed filing for about 6 weeks after my layoff due to family circumstances. When I finally filed, the EDD rep asked about the gap during my phone interview but it was no big deal once I explained the situation. One thing that really helped was having my severance paperwork ready that showed my exact last day of work. They cross-referenced that with when I filed and just made a note in my file about the reason for the delay. Also, make sure you understand that once you do file and start your claim, you'll need to certify every two weeks consistently. Missing certifications can cause your claim to go inactive, which creates more paperwork headaches later. Since you're planning to be available and looking for work starting in May, the timing sounds perfect for your situation.

I went through something very similar when my mom got sick overseas and I had to delay filing. One thing I wish someone had told me - when you do file in May, make sure you have your employment history from the past 18 months ready to go. EDD will ask for employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation for each job during your base period. Since you've been at the same company for 23 years, this should be straightforward for you, but it's good to have your final paystub, any severance documentation, and your employer's contact info organized beforehand. The online application can time out if you're searching for information, and having to start over is frustrating. Also, don't stress about the gap - family medical emergencies are completely understandable reasons for delaying. Just be honest when they ask. Hope everything goes well with your parents! 🙏