EDD backpay question - laid off in August but applied in November - will I get all missed weeks?

Don't stress too much! I went through something similar last year. You can request that EDD backdate your claim by calling them and explaining your situation. They can go back up to the date you became unemployed if you have a good reason for the delay in filing. The key is getting through to an actual rep who can help you with the backdating request. I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through the phone lines when I kept getting the 'too many callers' message. They got me connected to an EDD rep in under an hour, and I explained my situation. The rep was able to backdate my claim after I explained my situation. Check out how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km - totally worth it for potentially recovering months of benefits!

You need to have a good reason for not filing sooner to get a claim backdated. EDD generally won't automatically backdate your claim - you have to specifically request it. Valid reasons might include not knowing you were eligible, illness, or being given incorrect information about unemployment insurance. Without a qualifying reason, your claim will start from when you actually filed (November 30). If you want to try for backdating, you'll need to: 1. Contact EDD by phone (this is the most effective method) 2. Specifically request backdating and explain your reason for delayed filing 3. Be prepared to provide documentation supporting your reason Even with a valid reason, backdating isn't guaranteed. It's at EDD's discretion whether they approve your request. I'd suggest calling as soon as possible since this impacts potentially thousands of dollars in benefits.

I HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUE!! They will NOT backdate automatically - EDD starts your claim the Sunday of the week you apply. Period. You have to FIGHT for backdating and they make it nearly IMPOSSIBLE to reach anyone!!! I lost out on almost $5000 because I waited too long to file after my restaurant closed. The system is DESIGNED to save them money by making it difficult!!! 😡

idk bout everyone elses experience but when i filed late last yr they backdated my claim no problem. just had to ask for it when i finally got thru on the phone. took like 2 weeks extra but they approved it and i got all my backpay. my situation was different tho maybe

Here's the official policy: EDD can backdate a claim if you can show good cause for filing late. Health problems, misinformation from EDD representatives, employer telling you incorrect information, or language barriers are considered good cause. "I thought I'd find work quickly" typically isn't sufficient, but if you had health issues during that period, document those carefully. I'd recommend: 1. Write down a clear timeline with exact dates (last day worked, job search efforts, health issues) 2. Gather any medical documentation for the period between August and November 3. Be prepared to explain why you waited (be honest but emphasize any factors beyond your control) 4. Request backdating specifically during the phone call Technically, you can backdate up to 52 weeks, but you must have good cause for the entire period of delay. The longer the gap, the stronger your documentation needs to be.

To add to what others have said - even if your claim gets backdated, remember you'll still need to retroactively certify for all those weeks. This means accurately reporting any income, job search activities, or job refusals for each week going back to August. Be prepared to provide detailed information about your job search efforts during that entire period. Make sure you're honest about any part-time work, gig jobs, or cash jobs you might have had during that period, as unreported income could lead to an overpayment situation later. EDD can cross-reference with tax records and employer reporting systems.

my cousin waited like 2 months to file and they told him no way jose for the backdating thing. but my neighbor got backpay for like 6 weeks cuz she was in the hospital and couldn't file. seems like they just decide however they want tbh

One more tip: if they deny your backdate request, you can actually appeal that decision! The appeal process is separate from regular claim issues. You'll need to fill out the appeal form within 30 days of the denial, and you may need to attend a hearing. Sometimes people have better luck with an appeal than with the initial request.