EDD benefit year ending soon - will my claim continue or need a new application?
I'm confused about my unemployment claim status. My benefit year runs from 6/11/23 to 6/8/24 (ends in about a week). I stopped collecting unemployment last August when I found work, but recently lost my job again and reapplied about a week ago. The system allowed me to certify for one week, but now I've received a notice for an eligibility interview appointment. I'm worried because my benefit year is about to expire. Will my current claim just discontinue when the benefit year ends next week? Or will EDD continue my existing claim since I just reactivated it? Do I need to file a completely new claim after 6/8? Really stressing about this because I can't afford a gap in benefits right now.
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PixelPrincess
When your benefit year ends, you'll need to file a completely new claim - the system won't automatically continue your old one. Even though you just reactivated your claim, once that benefit year date hits, it's done. Your current interview is probably to verify why you stopped claiming last August and to confirm your recent job separation. Make sure you attend that interview! But mark your calendar for 6/9 to file a brand new claim.
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Astrid Bergström
•Thanks for the clear answer! Do you know if there will be a gap in my payments when I file the new claim? I just certified for this week but I'm worried about next week when the benefit year ends.
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Omar Farouk
i had this EXACT situation last yr. my benfit year ended while i was collecting again after going back to work for a few months. u MUST file a new claim when ur year ends. they don't tell u this clearly anywhere!! the interview is probably just about ur recent job ending, not about the benefit year ending.
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Astrid Bergström
•Oh no, that's what I was afraid of. Did you experience any delay in payments when you had to file the new claim? I'm trying to budget for possible gaps.
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Omar Farouk
•yep it took like 3 weeks for my new claim to process and get payments again. sucked big time. try to save whatevers coming in now!!
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Chloe Martin
What most people don't realize is there are two separate issues at play here. Your current interview is to handle your reactivation of the existing claim, but you'll absolutely need to file a new claim after 6/8 when your benefit year expires. The system won't prompt you - it's on you to remember. If you file your new claim right on 6/9, you can minimize gaps in payment, though there will likely be a 1-2 week processing period. Make sure you have all your employment information from the last 18 months ready when you file the new claim.
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Astrid Bergström
•That's really helpful, thank you! I'll definitely file right away on 6/9. Should I mention my current claim and interview during the new application process?
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Chloe Martin
•No need to specifically mention your current claim in the new application - the system already has that information linked to your SSN. Just answer all questions accurately about your employment history. Your new weekly benefit amount might be different based on your earnings since your original claim was filed.
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Diego Fernández
I went through something similar in February. Had to wait FIVE WEEKS for my new claim to be processed because of some "quarterly wage review" or something. Couldn't get anyone on the phone to explain what was happening. The EDD phone system is basically useless - you just get disconnected after waiting on hold for an hour. Your interview for the current claim is important, but be prepared for a gap in benefits when your year ends.
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Anastasia Kuznetsov
•If you need to reach an EDD representative quickly, try using Claimyr. I was in a similar situation with my claim ending and needed answers fast. Their service got me connected to an EDD rep in under 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Their website is claimyr.com. Totally worth it when you're dealing with time-sensitive benefit year issues.
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Sean Fitzgerald
Wait I'm confused... what's the difference between certifying and an eligibility interview? I thought if you were certifying that meant you were already approved? Can someone explain this better? I have a similar situation coming up in July.
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PixelPrincess
•Certifying is the bi-weekly process where you report your work search efforts and any earnings. An eligibility interview happens when EDD needs to clarify something about your claim - often related to your job separation or availability for work. You can be certifying while still having an interview scheduled. The interview determines if you continue to receive benefits, while certification is just the regular reporting process.
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Astrid Bergström
Has anyone had experience with what happens to the existing certifications when filing a new claim? I'm worried that the week I just certified for might get lost in the transition.
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Chloe Martin
•Your current certification should process normally as part of your existing claim. The new claim will have its own certification schedule starting after approval. The systems are separate in that sense - your current claim processes until it ends, then the new one begins. Just make sure you don't miss any certification periods during the transition.
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Zara Khan
just fyi they calculate ur benefit amount differently for new claims sometimes. i worked a really good job after my first claim but my new claim amount was LOWER somehow!! make sure u check that calculation when u get ur new award letter.
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Astrid Bergström
•Oh that's concerning! Do you know why your amount was lower? I would assume it would be higher if you earned more at your recent job.
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PixelPrincess
•This happens because EDD uses a base period that looks at earnings from about 3-6 months before you file. So if you had a higher-paying job but it wasn't during the specific quarters they look at, your benefit amount could be lower. When you file your new claim, they'll use earnings from roughly April 2023 to March 2024 (depending on exactly when you file).
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Diego Fernández
This whole system is INTENTIONALLY confusing. They don't tell you clearly that you need to file a new claim when your benefit year ends. They don't explain the base period calculation properly. They send you to interviews without telling you what they're about. And then they make it IMPOSSIBLE to reach someone when you have questions. It's like they're designed to make people give up on getting benefits they're entitled to.
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Omar Farouk
•totally agree!! last time i needed help i called 47 times in one day!!! never got thru once. ended up just guessing what to do and hoping i didn't mess anything up.
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Astrid Bergström
Thanks everyone for the advice! I'll attend my interview for the current claim and then file a new claim immediately on 6/9 when my benefit year ends. I'll also try to set aside some of my current payment to prepare for a possible gap. Really appreciate all the help!
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PixelPrincess
•Good plan. One last tip: when you file your new claim, make sure to report ALL employment since your original claim date, including the job you had between August and recently. They'll cross-check this with employer records, so accuracy is important. Best of luck with everything!
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