EDD application timing with severance payment - layoff vs final paycheck date?

you should always apply for unemployment as soon as possible after your last day of work!! in your case that's 10/4. Don't wait til after you get severance, that's a mistake people make. EDD uses your last day WORKED as the date, not the last pay date. so October 4 is what u need to put on the application.

You need to apply using your last day physically worked (10/4) as your last day of employment. The fact that they're paying you through 10/11 isn't relevant for the application date - that's just considered continuation pay. Regarding severance: California EDD does NOT consider severance payments as wages or income that would prevent you from receiving benefits. You'll need to report the severance payment when you certify, but it shouldn't delay or reduce your benefit amount. My advice: 1. Apply immediately using 10/4 as your last day 2. When you certify, accurately report any wages received after 10/4 3. When you receive severance, report it as a "severance payment" during certification Best of luck with your claim!

There's some confusion here that needs clarification. In California: 1. Your last day worked (10/4) is the date you should use when filing, regardless of when your final paycheck arrives. 2. Regarding severance: California treats severance differently than regular wages. Severance pay is NOT considered wages for UI purposes if paid in a lump sum. It will not reduce your weekly benefit amount. However, if your severance is paid periodically (like regular paychecks), then it may be considered wages and could affect your benefits. I recommend applying immediately with 10/4 as your last day worked. Be transparent about your severance when you certify. The EDD system will determine how it affects your benefits based on how it's paid. Also be aware that UI benefits have a one-week unpaid waiting period in California.

To address the confusion about severance affecting benefits - it depends on HOW the severance is paid: - Lump sum severance: Generally NOT deducted from UI benefits in California - Continued salary/periodic payments: CAN be deducted as wages So the person whose cousin had to repay benefits likely received continuation pay or periodic severance that was considered wages, not a true lump sum severance package. The key is to report everything accurately when you certify and let EDD make the determination. If you're concerned, you can call to confirm your specific situation.

I went through something similar in February. Applied with my last day worked (not the date I was paid through), and still got my severance a month later with no issues. One thing though - trying to reach EDD to confirm anything is IMPOSSIBLE. I tried calling for 2 weeks straight and couldn't get through because of "high call volume" every single time. So frustrating!

my boss fired me last yr & i used the day they told me i was done, not the day my final check came through. EDD wants to know when u stopped working not when u got paid. also start looking for jobs ASAP, you gotta do work search activities every week when u certify

Make sure you're keeping track of all your job applications too! EDD can ask for proof of your work search activities at any time. I keep a spreadsheet with dates, company names, positions, application method, and any responses. Learned that the hard way when they randomly audited my work search efforts last year.

To answer your question about job hunting - absolutely start looking immediately! One of the eligibility requirements for EDD is that you're actively seeking work. You need to be able to report work search activities when you certify every two weeks. The required activities can include: - Applying for jobs - Submitting resumes - Attending interviews - Networking with professional contacts - Registering with employment agencies Keep detailed records of all these activities (dates, companies, positions, etc.). EDD may request this information at any time to verify you're meeting the work search requirements.

EDD doesn't specify an exact number of job applications required per week. The general guideline is to make a reasonable effort to find work, which typically means applying to 2-3 jobs per week at minimum. However, the quality of your job search matters as much as the quantity. Focus on positions you're qualified for rather than just hitting a certain number. Document everything thoroughly - job title, company, date, method of application, follow-up actions, etc. One last tip: When you first file your claim, EDD will schedule a phone interview if there are any questions about your eligibility (including the severance question). Be prepared to explain your situation clearly, including your last day worked versus final pay date.

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - when you file your claim, make sure you have all your employment information ready including your employer's contact details, your gross wages from the last 18 months, and the reason for separation (layoff). Also, since you mentioned this is your first time dealing with unemployment, be aware that there's usually a 1-2 week processing time before you hear back from EDD about your claim status. Don't panic if you don't hear anything immediately - that's normal. Good luck with your claim and job search! The tech industry can be tough right now but there are still opportunities out there.

Hey Carmen! I just went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when my company did layoffs. Everyone here is giving you solid advice - definitely use October 4th as your last day worked on the EDD application, not the 11th. That's what I did and had no issues. One thing I'd add is to screenshot or save copies of any emails/documents from HR about your layoff date and severance details. EDD might ask for documentation later, and it's helpful to have everything organized. Also, when you do get that severance check, make sure you report it accurately during certification - being transparent upfront saves headaches later. The waiting period for benefits can feel long when you're stressed about finances, but hang in there! And definitely start job hunting right away like others mentioned. I actually found my current job through networking during my unemployment period, so don't underestimate reaching out to former colleagues and industry contacts. You've got this! 💪

Welcome to the community! I see you're dealing with your first unemployment claim - it can definitely feel overwhelming at first, but you're asking all the right questions. Just to echo what others have said: definitely use October 4th as your last day worked on your EDD application. That's the date that matters for benefit calculations and timing, not when your final paycheck arrives. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - make sure you apply online through the EDD website rather than trying to call. The online system is much more reliable and you'll get confirmation that your application was submitted. The phone lines are notoriously difficult to get through on. Also, since you mentioned this is a tech startup layoff, you might want to check if your company offered any additional resources like career counseling or job placement assistance. Many companies provide these services for a few months after layoffs, and they can be really helpful for networking and finding your next role. Best of luck with everything! The process gets easier once you understand the system.

I've been through the EDD process multiple times over the years and wanted to add something important that I don't think has been fully covered yet - make sure you understand the difference between your "benefit year" and when you can actually start collecting benefits. Even though you should file immediately using 10/4 as your last day worked, California has a one-week waiting period before you can start receiving payments. So your first payable week would actually be the week after you file, assuming your claim is approved. Also, regarding the severance - everyone's right that lump sum severance typically doesn't affect your weekly benefit amount, but there's one exception to be aware of. If your severance agreement includes any kind of "non-compete" clause or restriction on seeking employment, that could potentially affect your eligibility since you need to be available and actively seeking work. Just something to keep in mind when you're reviewing your severance paperwork. Document everything and be completely honest when you certify - it's always better to over-report than under-report when it comes to EDD!

Hey Carmen! Welcome to the community - you're definitely in the right place for EDD guidance. I went through a similar situation with a startup layoff about 18 months ago and can confirm what others are saying about using your actual last day worked (10/4 in your case). One thing I'd add that might help - when you're filling out the EDD application online, there's a section where you can add notes about your separation. I'd recommend briefly mentioning that while your last day worked was 10/4, your employer is providing pay through 10/11 plus severance. This creates a clear paper trail in case there are any questions later. Also, since you're in tech, make sure to leverage LinkedIn and any industry-specific job boards for your work search activities. The EDD work search requirements are pretty flexible - networking events, informational interviews, and even updating your LinkedIn profile can count as valid job search activities if you document them properly. The whole process can feel stressful at first, but you're asking all the right questions and the folks here have given you solid advice. You've got this! 🙌

Hey Carmen! I see you've gotten tons of great advice here already, but I wanted to jump in as someone who's helped friends navigate EDD claims in the past. Everyone's spot-on about using October 4th as your last day worked - that's definitely the way to go. One small tip I'd add: when you're filling out the online application, take your time and double-check everything before submitting. EDD can be really picky about accuracy, and fixing mistakes later can cause delays. Also, since you mentioned you're worried about messing up your claim - don't stress too much! The system is actually pretty forgiving if you're honest and responsive. The people who run into trouble are usually those who try to hide information or don't respond to EDD requests promptly. Keep all your paperwork organized (layoff notice, final paystub, severance docs when they arrive) and you'll be in great shape. The tech job market is tough right now but there are still good opportunities out there, especially if you're open to remote work or willing to explore adjacent industries. Wishing you the best with your claim and job search! This community is always here if you have more questions down the road.

Hey Carmen! I just wanted to add one more perspective as someone who's been through multiple layoffs in the Bay Area tech scene. Everyone here has given you excellent advice about using October 4th as your last day worked - that's definitely correct. One thing that might be helpful to know is that EDD typically takes 2-3 weeks to process your initial claim, so don't be surprised if there's a delay before you hear back. During this time, keep applying for jobs and documenting your search activities since you'll need to report them once your claim is approved. Also, regarding the severance - since yours is coming from a startup, make sure you understand exactly how it's structured. Sometimes startups will call something "severance" but pay it out as continued salary, which could affect your benefits differently. The key distinction is whether it's truly a lump sum payment for past services or ongoing compensation. One last tip: create a simple spreadsheet or document to track all your EDD-related dates and activities (application date, certification dates, job applications, etc.). It'll save you headaches later when you need to reference specific information. You're handling this really well by asking questions upfront rather than figuring it out as you go. Best of luck with both the claim and your job search!

Hey Carmen! Welcome to the community! I see you've already gotten some fantastic advice here, but I wanted to add my perspective as someone who just went through this exact process a few months ago with a tech company layoff. Everyone's absolutely right about using October 4th as your last day worked - that's what EDD needs for processing your claim. The extra week of pay through October 11th is just continuation pay and doesn't change your actual separation date. One thing I'd suggest is to apply online through the EDD website ASAP - like, today if possible. Don't wait for the severance details to get sorted out. I made the mistake of waiting a few days to get all my paperwork organized and honestly wish I had just filed immediately. Also, when you do receive your severance package, read through it carefully before signing. Some packages include language about job search restrictions or non-disparagement clauses that you'll want to understand fully. Document everything and report the severance honestly when you certify. The whole process feels overwhelming at first (trust me, I was stressed too!), but you're already ahead of the game by asking these questions upfront. This community is incredibly helpful - I got so much good advice here when I was in your shoes. Good luck with your claim and job search! 🍀

Hey Carmen! I'm also new to unemployment benefits and just went through a similar situation with my layoff from a marketing agency. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful for me too! One thing I learned the hard way that might help you - when you're doing your work search activities, make sure to vary the types of activities you're doing. I was just applying to jobs online for the first few weeks, but then I found out that networking events, career fairs, and even informational interviews with people in your field all count toward your work search requirements. Also, since you're in tech, consider reaching out to recruiting agencies that specialize in your field. Not only does contacting them count as a work search activity, but they often have access to positions that aren't posted publicly. I've had two interviews through recruiters already and it's only been a month since my layoff. The whole process definitely feels less scary once you get started. You've gotten amazing advice here - this community is seriously the best resource I've found for navigating EDD. Good luck with your application and job search! You've got this! 💪

Hey Carmen! I just wanted to chime in as someone who works in HR and has helped employees through layoff situations like yours. Everyone here has given you excellent advice about using October 4th as your last day worked - that's absolutely correct from both an EDD and employer perspective. One thing I'd add that might ease your concerns about dates not matching: employers are required to report the actual separation date (10/4 in your case) to EDD, not the final pay date. So there shouldn't be any discrepancy issues when EDD processes your claim. The continuation pay through 10/11 will show up on your wage records but won't affect your separation date. Regarding severance, make sure to ask HR for written documentation of how it will be paid (lump sum vs. periodic) and whether there are any strings attached like non-compete clauses. This will help you report it accurately when you certify and avoid any potential issues down the line. Also, don't forget to ask about COBRA continuation for your health insurance if you haven't already - you typically have 60 days to elect coverage, but it's good to understand your options early in the process. You're doing all the right things by researching this thoroughly upfront. Best of luck with your claim and job search!

Hey Carmen! Just wanted to add one more thing that I don't think has been mentioned yet - make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months ready when you file online. The EDD application asks for detailed wage information from all your employers during that period, so having your pay stubs or tax documents handy will make the process much smoother. Also, since this is your first unemployment claim, you'll need to create an account on the EDD website. The system can be a bit slow, especially during peak hours, so be patient if it takes a while to load pages. I'd recommend filing early in the morning or later in the evening when there's less traffic. One last tip - after you submit your application, you'll get a confirmation number. Screenshot it or write it down somewhere safe! You'll need it if you ever have to call EDD about your claim (though hopefully you won't need to given how hard it is to reach them). You're asking all the right questions and everyone here has given you solid advice. The fact that you're being so thorough upfront shows you're going to handle this process really well. Good luck! 👍

Hey Carmen! I just wanted to jump in and add my experience as someone who went through a tech layoff situation last year. Everyone here is absolutely right about using October 4th as your last day worked - that's what EDD needs regardless of when your final paycheck covers through. One thing I learned that might help you: when you file your claim online, there's a section where you can upload supporting documents. I'd recommend uploading or attaching any layoff notification emails or documents from HR that clearly state your separation date. This creates a paper trail that can help prevent any confusion later if EDD has questions. Also, regarding job searching - since you're in tech, make sure you're familiar with the specific work search requirements. California requires you to make "reasonable efforts" to find work, and for professional roles like tech positions, that typically means 2-3 quality applications per week rather than just applying to anything and everything. Don't stress too much about the severance affecting your benefits - as others mentioned, lump sum severance typically doesn't impact your weekly benefit amount. Just be honest and thorough when reporting it during certification. You're being really smart by researching this thoroughly before filing. That puts you way ahead of people who just wing it and run into problems later. Best of luck with your claim and your job search! The tech market is challenging right now but there are still good opportunities out there, especially for experienced folks. 🚀