EDD base period confusion - can I file now or wait 3 months?

The base period can be confusing, but I'll try to help. For claims filed in April-June 2025, the standard base period would be January-December 2024. Since you only worked in Oct-Nov 2022, those earnings wouldn't fall into the standard base period for a claim filed now. However, EDD sometimes uses an alternate base period (ABP) when you don't qualify under the standard calculation. This looks at more recent quarters. If the rep said you could apply now, they might be seeing something in your wage history that would qualify you under ABP rules. I suggest filing the claim now since the EDD rep advised you to. Worst case, you'll get a determination letter explaining why you might not qualify.

omg the base period thing is THE WORST!!! i got so confused with mine too, kept trying to count quarters and got different answers every time. ended up just applying and crossing my fingers lol

The base period for UI claims is calculated like this: - Standard Base Period = first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before filing - For claims filed April-June 2025, the base period is January-December 2024 - October-November 2022 earnings would be in a base period for claims filed October-December 2023 However, since the EDD rep told you to apply now, they might be considering the Alternate Base Period, which uses more recent quarters. Or they might see other wages in their system you're not aware of. I'd take the rep's advice and apply now. The worst they can say is no, and then you'd know for sure.

EDD is a JOKE! Their own reps give wrong info ALL THE TIME! I once had 3 different agents tell me 3 completely different things about my claim. Don't be surprised if you apply and then get denied even though they told you to apply. The system is designed to frustrate people until they give up!!!

Have you tried using Claimyr to reach EDD? I was in a similar situation with base period confusion and kept getting different answers from the automated system. I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a specialist who actually took the time to calculate everything correctly for me. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The specialist I spoke with explained exactly which quarters were being counted and why I was eligible even though I thought I wouldn't be. Totally worth it to get a definitive answer from someone who knows what they're talking about.

Dude just apply anyway? Like what's the worst that could happen, they say no? At least you'll know 100%. Besides, sometimes they use that alternate base period thing if the regular one doesn't work out. My cousin thought he wouldn't qualify but ended up getting benefits because of some alternate calculation they did. Just sayin'.

I work in HR and deal with this stuff all the time. Here's what's probably happening: The EDD rep likely saw that you have wages in your base period, but they might be from a different source than you're thinking of. Did you have ANY work at all besides Oct-Nov 2022? Even a short gig or part-time work? Sometimes people forget about small jobs, but EDD has records of all reported wages. Also, if you had a prior claim, sometimes unused wages from that claim can be used for a new claim in certain circumstances. It's complicated but that might be what the rep was seeing.

wait i'm confused did u say u worked in oct-nov 2022 or 2023? or maybe 2024? the year matters a lot for base period stuff!!

I just wanted to follow up - have you decided what you're going to do? If you do apply now, please come back and let us know what happens. Your experience could help others in similar situations understand how EDD is handling these borderline base period cases.