EDD benefits with international income - no W2, just wire transfers from UK touring company

You're definitely in a gray area with EDD. They primarily look for W-2 employment when determining eligibility. Since you were paid as an independent contractor (1099 equivalent), you might have trouble qualifying for regular UI. Did you report this income and pay self-employment taxes on your tax returns? That's the first thing EDD will look for.

Your situation is actually pretty common in the entertainment industry! You need to call EDD directly and explain your situation. They'll likely ask you to submit additional documentation like your tax returns, proof of wire transfers, and any contracts you had with the touring company. The online system isn't built for unusual employment situations like yours.

I went through something similar with overseas income. Here's what you need to do: 1. Keep trying the online application - list the touring company as your employer with their London address 2. When asked for wages, enter what you reported on your US taxes 3. For the question about why you don't have a W-2, select "Other" and explain your situation 4. Be prepared for EDD to flag your application for additional review After submitting, you'll eventually get a Notice of Wages form that will likely show $0 since they couldn't verify with a CA employer. That's when you need to appeal and provide your documentation.

tryin 2 call edd is the WORST!! took me 3 weeks of calling everyday b4 i got thru to a real person for my claim. totally feel ur pain with the international stuff, sounds complicated

Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to EDD? It's the only thing that worked for me after weeks of frustration. Their system basically keeps dialing for you until it gets through, then calls you when an agent is ready. Saved me hours of redial hell. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their site at claimyr.com. For complicated cases like yours, speaking to an actual EDD specialist is really the only way to get a clear answer.

To be clear about your situation: The key question EDD will ask is whether you were truly an independent contractor or actually an employee who was misclassified. California uses the ABC test to determine this: A) Were you free from company control? B) Was the work outside the company's main business? C) Do you have an independent business doing this type of work? If the answer to ANY of these is NO, you should be classified as an employee under CA law, regardless of how they paid you. This could make you eligible for UI benefits even without W-2s. But you'll need to explain this situation to an EDD representative.

i had a simlar problem with my last job!!! they paid me as "contractor" but EDD said i was really employee and i got benefits approved after interview with them. u need documentation tho like emails or messages proving they controlled ur schedule

Since you were likely misclassified based on what you've shared, here's what I recommend: 1. File your claim online as best you can 2. When you get to the employment history section, list the touring company with their correct address 3. Enter your earnings as reported on your tax return 4. In any comments or additional information field, briefly explain you believe you were misclassified as a contractor 5. Submit the application knowing it will probably trigger a phone interview 6. Gather all documentation showing the company controlled your work (schedules, instructions, emails, etc.) 7. When you get the interview notification, be prepared to explain how you meet the ABC test criteria for being an employee The key is getting your application in the system first, then addressing the classification issue during the interview process.

One more thing to be aware of - if EDD determines you were misclassified, they might go after the touring company for unpaid unemployment insurance contributions. This could potentially cause issues if you want to work with them again in the future. Just something to consider before proceeding.

update us when u figure it out!! im curious what happens wit the international thing