EDD benefits after temporary work - can I resume existing claim or need to refile?

u can go back to ur old claim as long as its still in the benefit year. ur benefit year is 12 months from when u first filed. so if u filed in december 2024 u can go back to that claim until december 2025 if u have $ left. u dont need to file again

The previous commenter is mostly correct, but let me clarify a few things. Your benefit year does last for 12 months from your initial filing date. When your temporary job ends, you'll need to reopen your claim (not file a new one). You can do this through your UI Online account by selecting "Reopen Claim" instead of "File New Claim." You'll keep your remaining balance and weekly benefit amount, but you'll need to serve a one-week waiting period again if it's been more than 30 days since your last certification. Make sure you report your earnings accurately each week during your contract job if you're working part-time, or stop certifying completely if working full-time. When your job ends, start certifying again immediately.

I was in a similar spot last year but with construction work. Make SURE you report your return to work properly on your last certification or EDD might think you're still certifying while working full-time. That's how people get hit with those crazy overpayment notices! I think there's a question that specifically asks if you returned to work.

BEWARE!! What no one is telling you is that depending how much you earn during your temp job, you might not qualify to go back to your old claim!!! I had this EXACT situation and when my 5-month contract ended, EDD told me I earned too much during my base period to get my old weekly amount! Had to file a whole new claim and my WBA was way less because they counted just my contract earnings!! The system is BROKEN!!

I went through this last year. When my 3-month project ended, I tried for DAYS to get through to EDD to reopen my claim. Kept getting the "we're experiencing high call volume" message and hanging up on me. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The rep helped me reopen my claim and explained that I didn't need a new one since I was still in my benefit year. Saved me so much frustration!

congrats on the job! i was on unemployment for 6 months before finding work too. feels good to be working again, right? i wouldn't worry too much about what happens after - cross that bridge when you get there. maybe they'll extend your contract or hire you permanent!

Has anyone here dealt with EDD and temp work in the retail sector? My situation is similar but I'm in retail and our hours fluctuate so much. Sometimes I work enough to not certify, sometimes I need partial benefits. It's so confusing trying to figure out when to certify and when not to...

I'd like to add some important information about returning to a claim after temporary work. When you reopen your claim, EDD will review your work history since you last received benefits. Be prepared to provide: 1. Names of all employers during your break from UI 2. Start and end dates for each job 3. Reason for separation from your temporary job 4. Total earnings (have pay stubs or W-2s ready) If your temporary job ended because the contract/assignment was completed, that's considered a qualifying separation. However, if you quit or were fired for misconduct, that could affect your eligibility when reopening. Finally, remember that your benefit year still expires 12 months from your initial filing date regardless of how many weeks of benefits you've used. If your contract ends after your benefit year expires, you will need to file a completely new claim at that point.