EDD claim after contract ends - has the process changed since COVID?

I filed in February after my position was eliminated, so here's what I can tell you: 1. Your old login should still work - mine from 2019 did. Just make sure you remember your security questions. If not, the account recovery process isn't too painful. 2. Application is still fully online through UI Online. Much more streamlined than before. 3. They offer direct deposit OR a prepaid debit card through Money Network (replaced Bank of America). You choose during the application. 4. Yes, you still need to do work search activities, but it's more flexible now. You need to record your work search activities for each week you certify, but you don't have to submit the detailed log unless they specifically request it during an eligibility interview. The minimum is usually 3 activities per week. Start your application as soon as your contract ends. First payments usually take 2-3 weeks if there are no issues with your claim.

ur old login should work fine i used mine from like 2020 no problem just gotta remember the password lol. they send money on a card now not BofA anymore its some other company. job search is still a thing but i just check the box saying i looked nobody ever asked me for proof

To add to what others have said, the work search requirements are actually quite specific now. While you don't need to submit the detailed log with each certification (unless requested), you ARE required to keep records for 3 years in case of an audit. For each week, you need at least three work search activities, which can include: - Applying for jobs - Submitting resumes - Attending job fairs or networking events - Participating in workshops - Creating profiles on job search websites They've also completely revamped their ID verification process since COVID. You'll need to verify through ID.me, which requires a photo ID and possibly a video selfie. Much more secure than before. The Money Network card is decent, but direct deposit is faster if your bank is set up for it. I recommend choosing direct deposit if possible.

I just went through this whole process last month, and the WORST part was trying to actually talk to someone at EDD when I had questions. I spent 4 days calling non-stop and either getting busy signals or being disconnected after waiting on hold for an hour. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an EDD agent within 20 minutes! You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Totally worth it because the agent was able to explain things about my specific situation that weren't clear on the website. They even helped fix a discrepancy with my previous employer information that might have delayed my payments.

I'm going through this right now! Started my claim process after my healthcare admin position ended last month. The process is mostly the same as during COVID times, BUT beware of a couple things: 1. They are doing WAY more eligibility interviews now. I had to do one even though I was laid off (not fired). Apparently they're scrutinizing claims more carefully. 2. The work search requirement is strictly enforced. I record everything in a spreadsheet with dates, company names, contact info, and method of application just in case. 3. The certification questions are slightly different - pay close attention to the wording so you don't accidentally answer incorrectly! One thing that tripped me up: if you worked any reduced hours in your final weeks, make sure you report that income correctly during certification. My first payment was delayed because I reported my final paycheck wrong. Good luck with your contract! Hoping you get that extension!

THE EDD SYSTEM IS STILL A NIGHTMARE!!!! Don't believe anyone who says it's improved. I've been fighting with them for 3 MONTHS over a simple question about my previous employment. The website constantly crashes, their phone lines are ALWAYS busy, and half the info they give contradicts the other half. They put me on a 6-WEEK PENALTY because I supposedly didn't provide information THAT I ALREADY SENT THEM TWICE!!! The whole system is designed to deny people benefits!!! My advice? Document EVERYTHING. Screenshot every page after you submit it. Record dates and times of all calls. Save emails. You'll need all of it when they inevitably screw something up.

Wait they don't use Bank of America anymore? I still have my old BofA EDD card from 2021, so I'll need a new one? Also does anyone know if the weekly benefit amount is the same calculation as before?

Thanks everyone for the helpful info! I'm going to start gathering all my employment docs now just in case. Sounds like things are mostly the same but with a few important changes (new card provider, ID.me verification, etc). I'll definitely keep detailed work search records too - not worth risking an overpayment situation. Fingers crossed my contract gets extended and I won't need any of this, but better to be prepared!