EDD benefits between jobs? Unexpected start date delay - can I apply?

Yes, you absolutely can apply for benefits in this situation! This is called a "good cause quit" in EDD terms because you left your previous job with a reasonable expectation of other employment that fell through (or in your case, got significantly delayed). The key is that you need to document everything - save that email about the delayed start date, your original offer letter with the Sept 6 start date, and your resignation letter if you have it. When you file, make sure to explain clearly that you quit ONLY because you had confirmed employment starting immediately, and that this new position was unexpectedly delayed through no fault of your own. You had no way to foresee this change when you made the decision to resign. Just be prepared that you might need to have a phone interview with EDD to explain the situation, but these circumstances typically qualify for benefits.

i went through something similar last year but my case got denied because they said i voluntarily quit... make sure you REALLY explain the timeline clearly!! the edd people can be super picky about this stuff

This situation is specifically covered under EDD regulations. It's considered "good cause" to quit when you have a definite assurance of another job and then that job falls through or is delayed. Here's what will happen: 1. When you file your claim, you'll indicate that you're not working because you quit your last job 2. This will automatically trigger an eligibility interview (phone call from EDD) 3. During the interview, explain that you quit SOLELY because you had a firm job offer with a specific start date 4. Provide your documentation showing the original start date and the delayed start date You should qualify for benefits from the time you apply through October 23 (the day before your new job starts). One thing to remember: you must be "able and available" for work during this time, meaning if another job opportunity came up that started sooner, you would be expected to take it rather than waiting for the October 24 position.

Ugh this happened to me in January!!! It's so stressful when employers do this to people! I applied for unemployment and got it but it took FOREVER. The phone interview thing was scheduled like 3 weeks after I applied and I was checking my UI Online account like 10 times a day lol

If you're having trouble reaching EDD by phone (which is very likely), I'd recommend trying Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to an EDD representative quickly instead of dealing with busy signals and disconnections. It saved me hours of frustration when I had a similar situation with delayed employment last year. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Getting through to an actual person at EDD can help clarify your specific situation and potentially speed up the interview scheduling process. Sometimes they can even conduct the eligibility interview on the spot if you explain your circumstances.

when u file make sure u put the EXACT dates!!! my husband got denied cuz he was off by like 2 days on when he quit vs when he was supposed to start the new job. they r super strict about that stuff. also keep checking ur UI Online inbox EVERY DAY cuz sometimes they send important messages and only give u like 10 days to respond

I'm just curious - what happens if your new job gets postponed AGAIN? I know someone who had a job offer rescinded completely after they'd already quit their previous position. I think in that case they had to start an entirely new job search while on unemployment. The system isn't really designed for all these weird modern employment situations where people have gaps and delays between jobs.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm going to apply today and make sure I explain everything VERY clearly about quitting only because I had this confirmed job offer with the specific start date. I'll gather all my documentation (original offer letter, resignation email, and the delay notification) to have ready for the eligibility interview. I'll also check out Claimyr to see if I can get through to someone directly since it sounds like the wait times are pretty brutal otherwise. I'll update this thread once I have any news about my claim!

Good luck with your application! You've got all the right documentation and a solid understanding of how to present your case. One small tip - when you explain your situation during the eligibility interview, lead with "I quit my job solely because I had a firm job offer starting September 6th, which was then unexpectedly delayed to October 24th." Make that the very first thing you say so they understand the context right away. Also, don't stress too much about the interview itself - the EDD representatives deal with these situations regularly and they're usually pretty understanding when you have clear documentation like you do. Just stick to the facts and timeline. Keep us posted on how it goes!

Just wanted to add another perspective here - I work in HR and see this situation more often than you'd think. Employers pushing back start dates last minute is unfortunately becoming more common, especially with budget cycles and project delays. From an unemployment perspective, you're absolutely in the right to apply. One thing I'd suggest is also documenting any communication you have with your new employer about the delay. If they provide any additional explanations or updates, save those emails/texts. Sometimes EDD likes to see that you made reasonable attempts to understand the situation and that the delay was truly beyond your control. Also, when you do start your new job in October, make sure to stop certifying for benefits immediately - even if it means losing a few days of potential payments. It's much easier to under-claim than to deal with overpayment issues later. Good luck!

I went through almost the exact same situation about 6 months ago! My new employer pushed back my start date by 5 weeks right after I'd already given notice at my previous job. It was so stressful, but I did get approved for unemployment benefits. Here's what worked for me: When I filed, I was very specific in the application that I quit "due to definite assurance of other employment" (those are basically the magic words EDD looks for). During my eligibility interview, I had all my documents ready - the original offer letter, my resignation notice, and the delay email. The whole interview took maybe 15 minutes and was pretty straightforward. One thing I wish I'd known earlier - apply ASAP because even though benefits can be backdated to your application date, they can't be backdated to when you actually stopped working. So the sooner you apply, the better. Also, make sure you keep doing your weekly certifications even while waiting for the eligibility decision - you can't get payments for weeks you didn't certify for. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, but your situation sounds like a textbook case for "good cause quit" approval. Hang in there!

Mason, you've got a really strong case here! I went through something similar when my startup job got delayed by 6 weeks after I'd already left my corporate position. The key thing that helped me was being super organized with my documentation and timeline. Here's my advice: When you file online, there's a section where it asks why you're no longer working - make sure you select "quit" but then in the comments section, immediately explain that you quit specifically because you had a definite job offer starting September 6th that was unexpectedly delayed. Don't just say you quit for "better opportunities" or anything vague like that. Also, create a simple timeline document for yourself with dates: August 30 (last day at old job), September 6 (original start date), October 24 (new start date), etc. Having this clear timeline really helped during my phone interview because the rep could follow along easily. One more tip - if you have any texts or emails from friends/family where you mentioned being excited about starting the new job on Sept 6, save those too. It shows you genuinely expected to start immediately and weren't just using the job offer as an excuse to quit. The more evidence you have that this was an unexpected change, the better your case will be. You should definitely qualify, just be patient with the process. EDD moves slowly but they do recognize these situations when properly documented!

Hey Mason! I just wanted to chime in as someone who works at a benefits advocacy organization - you've gotten some really solid advice here already. Your situation is exactly what the "good cause quit" provision was designed for. One thing I'd add that I haven't seen mentioned yet: when you're gathering your documentation, also try to get something in writing from your new employer acknowledging the delay if possible. Even just a brief email confirming "Yes, your start date has been moved from September 6 to October 24 due to project delays" can be really helpful. Sometimes having the employer confirm the timeline change directly makes the case even stronger. Also, don't be discouraged if your initial application gets flagged for review - that's totally normal for voluntary quit cases. The system is designed to catch these situations and route them to human reviewers who can evaluate the specific circumstances. You're being really proactive by applying right away and gathering all this documentation. Most people in your situation do get approved, it just takes some patience with the process. Wishing you the best of luck!

Mason, I just wanted to add one more consideration that I haven't seen mentioned yet - make sure you understand the "able and available" requirement while you're receiving benefits. This means that technically, if another suitable job opportunity came up before October 24th, you'd be expected to consider it rather than just waiting for your delayed position. That said, "suitable work" has specific definitions - it generally needs to match your skills, pay reasonably compared to your previous job, and be within a reasonable commuting distance. You wouldn't be required to take just any minimum wage job, for example. But it's worth understanding this requirement going in, especially since you'll need to do work search activities while collecting benefits. Also, when you do your weekly certifications, you'll be asked if you turned down any work - just be honest and document everything. If you do get other opportunities that you decline because you're waiting for your October start date, make sure you can justify why based on the "suitable work" criteria. Your case still sounds very strong for approval, just wanted you to be aware of all the requirements so there are no surprises later on!