EDD claim backdating after March layoff - no paperwork received yet
I was part of a massive tech layoff (850+ people) in California back on March 24th and I still haven't started my unemployment claim. It's been over 2 weeks and I haven't received anything in the mail from EDD. I'm getting worried about bills piling up. Can I just go ahead and file online without waiting for paperwork? Also, since the layoff happened on March 24th, can I backdate my claim to that date even though I'm filing late? I've never had to use unemployment before and I'm totally lost on the process. Any help would be really appreciated.
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Emma Taylor
Don't wait for mail! Your employer doesn't notify EDD - you need to file yourself. Go to edd.ca.gov/unemployment right away and start your claim. Yes, you can request backdating to your last day worked (March 24th), but you'll need to provide a good reason for the delay. During the application there's a field asking for your last date worked - put March 24th there. After you submit, you'll create your UI Online account to manage everything. Just be prepared to explain why you didn't file right away if they ask.
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Javier Garcia
•Thank you! I honestly thought my employer would notify EDD or that EDD would send me something automatically. I'll file online today. For the reason for delay - is 'I didn't know the process' a valid reason? I'm worried they'll deny the backdating.
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Malik Robinson
omg i made this same mistake when i got laid off last yr. waited like 3 weeks 4 somethin in the mail!!! nothin ever came. def just file online asap!
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Javier Garcia
•Glad I'm not the only one who was confused! Did they backdate your claim when you finally filed?
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Malik Robinson
•yea they did! i told them i was confused abt the process & they backdated no prob
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Isabella Silva
Just to clarify some misunderstandings I'm seeing: Your employer reports your separation to EDD through your wage information, but YOU must initiate the actual claim. There's no automatic notification system that triggers benefits. For backdating, the valid reasons include: - Employer misinformation about how to file - Inability to access UI Online due to technical issues - Lack of knowledge about eligibility - Hospitalization/severe illness Simply saying "I didn't know the process" might work, but being more specific about why you were confused helps. Make sure to file ASAP - the longer you wait, the harder it gets to justify backdating. After filing, expect to wait 7-10 days for your Customer Account Number in the mail, which you'll need for UI Online access. During your certification, be prepared to list job search activities for each week you claim.
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Javier Garcia
•This is extremely helpful, thank you. I think I can honestly say my employer gave us very minimal information during the layoff about unemployment benefits. They handed us a packet about our severance and COBRA health insurance, but there wasn't anything specific about how to file for unemployment. I'll make sure to mention that when I request backdating.
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Ravi Choudhury
The EDD phone system is ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE right now!! If they have questions about your backdating request (which they probably will), you'll need to talk to a rep. I spent TWO WEEKS trying to get through - constant busy signals or the automated message saying "we're experiencing high call volume" before hanging up on me! SO FRUSTRATING!!! 😤
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CosmosCaptain
•I had the same problem trying to reach EDD! Finally used this service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent without the endless calling. It's at claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Totally worth it rather than spending days redialing. The agent I spoke with was able to fix my backdating issue in about 10 minutes once I actually got through.
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Freya Johansen
Whatever you do, DO NOT wait any longer to file!!! Each week you delay is potentially lost money. You're already about 2+ weeks behind. EDD allows backdating but there's a limit, and the longer you wait, the more explaining you'll need to do. The whole system is designed to make things difficult (IMO). Just start the claim online TODAY and worry about the backdating part later.
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Omar Fawzi
•this is good advice but ur wrong about one thing. there's no "limit" on backdating like ur saying. i backdated my claim 6 months (had medical issues) and they approved it. just needs a valid reason.
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Javier Garcia
Update: I filed my claim online today. There was a section where I could explain the late filing, so I mentioned that I misunderstood the process and thought my employer would initiate something or that I'd receive paperwork first. The system accepted my claim with the March 24th date, but said my backdating request would be reviewed. I guess I'll wait and see what happens. Thank you everyone for your help!
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Emma Taylor
•Great job filing! Now, be prepared for a few next steps: 1. You'll receive your Customer Account Number in about 7-10 days by mail 2. Once you have that, register for UI Online immediately 3. You may receive an interview notice if they have questions about your backdating 4. Start keeping records of your job search activities NOW - you'll need them for certification Also, set a reminder to certify for benefits every two weeks once your claim is processed. Missing certification deadlines can cause payment delays.
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