EDD application timing with 6-month severance package - can I delay filing?

You should actually file for unemployment as soon as your employment ends, even while receiving severance. Here's why: When you file, EDD will determine if your severance affects your benefits (it usually does). They'll either reduce your weekly benefit amount or determine you're not eligible while receiving severance. BUT - and this is important - filing immediately establishes your claim and benefit year. If you wait 6 months, you might lose out on establishing your claim based on your highest earning quarters. Your benefit year starts when you file, not when your job ended.

dont feel bad abt claiming UI while getting severence!! the company already paid into UI for you its YOUR money not some charity. i got laid off last yr + got 3 month severence + still filed UI right away. EDD just reduced my payments during that time but i still got some $$$

I'm a former HR director who's helped many employees navigate this exact situation. Here's what happens in California: 1. File your claim immediately after separation - this establishes your benefit year 2. Report your severance income when certifying bi-weekly 3. EDD will reduce your benefit or show $0 payment while severance exceeds your weekly benefit amount 4. Once severance ends or drops below threshold, you'll receive appropriate benefits 5. Your benefit year lasts 12 months from filing, giving you protection if you're still searching after severance ends If you wait 6 months, you're potentially losing money and using more recent quarters for your base period calculation, which might lower your benefit amount depending on your earnings history.

EDD IS A NIGHTMARE TO DEAL WITH!!! I waited to file after my severance and REGRETTED IT SO MUCH!!!! They calculated my benefits based on different quarters and I got WAY less than I would have if I filed right away. DON'T MAKE MY MISTAKE!!! File now and let them figure out the math!!!

Has anyone here ever tried using Claimyr to get through to EDD? When I was trying to sort out something similar with my severance package, I was getting the 'maximum callers' message for days. I found their service at claimyr.com and they got me connected to an actual EDD rep within 20 minutes! They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The rep I spoke with was super helpful and explained exactly how my severance would affect my claim. Totally worth it instead of spending weeks trying to get answers.

Quick clarification on severance reporting: When certifying, you report your severance as "other income" during the weeks you receive it. Make sure to have documentation of your severance agreement and payment schedule handy in case EDD requests it. Your severance will be prorated on a weekly basis, so if your monthly severance is $2,600, EDD will calculate that as approximately $600/week when determining benefit reductions.

My friend waited til his severence ran out to file for unemployment and EDD told him he shouldve filed earlier! He lost out on like 2 months of benefits bc of the base period thing that changes every quarter. dont be that guy lol

wait im confused about something... if ur getting severance pay doesn't that mean ur technically still employed? or does EDD count u as unemployed once ur actually laid off even if ur still getting paid?

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful advice! I've decided to file my claim right away tomorrow morning. Just to make sure I get this right: 1. File now to establish my benefit year and protect my base period 2. Report my severance as "other income" during bi-weekly certification (using gross amount) 3. Expect reduced or $0 benefits while receiving severance 4. Benefits should automatically adjust once severance ends This has been so helpful - I was honestly going to wait the full 6 months which sounds like it would have been a big mistake. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain this!