EDD benefits ran out in Sept 2023 - can I file again with qualifying quarters?
I'm really confused about how to proceed with my unemployment situation. My benefits completely ran out in September 2023, and I'm still unemployed (7 months later and still searching!). I worked during 2 qualifying quarters in 2022 and 2023 before my previous claim, but I don't know if that's enough to file again. I did try poking around on the EDD website and entered my information. The system seemed to indicate I might qualify for a new claim, but I honestly don't trust myself to interpret it correctly. If I am eligible, does anyone know how long I'd be able to collect benefits this time around? Would it be the full 26 weeks or would it be reduced because I collected recently? I'm completely lost with all this EDD paperwork and rules. Any help would be so appreciated! Please be patient with me - this whole unemployment system is really overwhelming.
18 comments
Paolo Marino
yea u can file again as long as u earned enough wages during ur base period. the system will let u know if u qualify when u apply. each claim is different based on what u earned b4
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StardustSeeker
•Thanks for responding! What exactly counts as "enough wages"? And does it matter that my last claim wasn't that long ago?
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Amina Bah
Hi there - I can help clarify this for you. What you're asking about is called a "subsequent claim" since you've collected UI benefits before. To qualify for a new claim, you need to have earned enough wages in your base period AND have worked since your last claim began. The base period for UI claims is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in April 2025, your base period would be January-December 2024. You mentioned you worked during 2 qualifying quarters - the key is whether you earned at least $1,300 in your highest quarter or $900 in your highest quarter plus 1.25x that amount across the entire base period. If the online system is indicating you might qualify, that's a good sign! You would likely get the standard 26 weeks if approved for a new claim.
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StardustSeeker
•Thank you so much for the detailed explanation! I'm pretty sure I made at least $1,300 in my highest quarter so that's encouraging. Do I need to have worked after September 2023 (when my benefits ended) or just since whenever my original claim started?
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Oliver Becker
I WENT THROUGH THE EXACT SAME THING last year and let me tell you, the EDD makes this unnecessarily complicated!!! I had benefits run out and tried to refile, and they kept giving me the runaround about my "base period" this and "qualifying wages" that. The system is totally designed to confuse people. When I called, one rep told me I qualified and another said I didn't. MAKE SURE you call them directly to confirm before you get your hopes up. I ended up qualifying but got way less money the second time around even though I worked more hours!!! Makes ZERO sense.
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Natasha Petrova
•This is why I always tell ppl to save everything from EDD. Print ur award letters, save all emails, etc. They contradict themselves all the time.
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Javier Hernandez
Based on what you described, it sounds like you likely will qualify for a new claim. The fact that you worked in qualifying quarters is promising, but the exact benefit amount will depend on your earnings during your base period. One important thing to note - if you file now in 2025, your base period would typically include quarters from 2024, so those would need to be quarters where you earned wages. If your qualifying work was back in 2022/2023 and you haven't worked since then, you might run into issues. If you're struggling to reach EDD by phone to confirm (which is notoriously difficult), you might want to try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They've got a service that connects you directly with EDD agents without the endless busy signals. They have a video demo showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Having a real agent look at your specific situation is the only way to get a definitive answer.
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StardustSeeker
•This is really helpful, thank you. I think I might need to try that service because I've been calling for days with no luck. I haven't worked since my benefits ran out in September 2023, so now I'm worried about the base period issue you mentioned.
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Emma Davis
hey just wanted to say dont feel bad about being confused, the edd system is NOT user friendly at all!! i remember my first time filing i was so lost. basically wat others are saying is right - u need to have made enough $ during the right time period. definitely file and see what happens, worst they can say is no right? good luck!!!
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StardustSeeker
•Thanks for the encouragement! You're right, I should just try filing and see what happens. I appreciate everyone being so helpful.
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LunarLegend
I used that Claimyr service last month when I was having issues with my certifications. Honestly thought it was going to be a scam but I was desperate after trying to call EDD for three weeks straight. It actually worked and got me through to a representative in about 20 minutes. The rep looked at my account and fixed my pending payments right away. Definitely worth a try if you're struggling to get answers.
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Oliver Becker
•I was skeptical too but it WORKED FOR ME! EDD phone system is literally the worst thing ever designed. I spent HOURS redialing before I gave up and used that service.
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Amina Bah
To answer your follow-up question - yes, ideally you should have worked after your previous claim began. EDD looks for what they call "lag quarter wages" - meaning wages earned after the beginning of your previous claim. This helps prevent people from collecting benefits repeatedly based on the same work history. However, each situation is unique, and if you've earned sufficient wages in your base period that weren't used to establish your previous claim, you might still qualify. The only way to know for certain is to apply and let EDD make the determination. When you file, be completely accurate about your work history and earnings.
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StardustSeeker
•I appreciate the clarification. I'm going to go ahead and apply. I'll make sure to be thorough and honest about my work history. Fingers crossed it works out!
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Malik Jackson
dont waste ur time with the website just call them directly using the claimyr thing others mentioned. the website will make u think ur eligible when ur not or vice versa. edd's computer system is from the stone age seriously
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Javier Hernandez
•This is good advice. The online system doesn't handle complex situations well, and subsequent claims with questions about base period and qualifying wages definitely fall into the complex category.
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StardustSeeker
Update: I took everyone's advice and filed a new claim. I also used the Claimyr service to get through to EDD (thanks for that recommendation!). The agent reviewed my work history and explained that I do qualify for a new claim since I had wages in 2023 that weren't part of my previous claim's base period. My weekly benefit amount will be lower than my previous claim because my highest quarter earnings were less, but I'm approved for the full 26 weeks. Just wanted to thank everyone who helped me understand this confusing process!
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Amina Bah
•That's great news! I'm glad you were able to get through and get a definitive answer. Make sure you certify for benefits on time every two weeks to avoid any payment delays.
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