EDD claim balance running out in March 2025 - can I reopen or file new claim?

So I'm getting nervous watching my EDD claim balance shrink. I still have $1,150 left but at my weekly benefit amount that'll run out mid-February. My benefit year doesn't officially end until March 2025 though. Once my claim balance hits zero, am I allowed to reopen my claim or file a new one before my benefit year ends? Or do I have to wait until the actual end date in March? My previous employer is still struggling and definitely won't be hiring me back anytime soon. Would appreciate any advice from people who've dealt with this situation!

0 coins

17 comments

Hazel Garcia

•19d

Unfortunately, once your claim balance is exhausted, you cannot reopen or file a new claim until your benefit year ends in March 2025. The benefit year is a hard timeline set by EDD. Your options are: 1) Wait until your benefit year ends, then file a new claim if you've had enough earnings in your base period 2) Look into other assistance programs in the meantime 3) If your circumstances changed significantly, you might qualify for other types of claims like State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL), but those require different qualifying events.

0 coins

Geoff Richards

•19d

I want to clarify something important here. While it's true you typically can't file a new regular UI claim until your benefit year ends, there are a few nuances: 1. If you find work and earn enough wages to establish a new claim, AND then lose that job through no fault of your own, you can file a new claim even within your current benefit year. 2. The key is having enough qualifying wages in your base period for a new claim. EDD looks at your employment history in the 5-18 months before you file. 3. If you've exhausted regular UI, in some cases you might qualify for a Fed-Ed extension, but that's currently not available unless unemployment rates trigger it again. I recommend preserving your benefits by reporting any part-time work accurately during certification to potentially extend how long your current balance lasts.

0 coins

Geoff Richards

•19d

To qualify for a new claim, you generally need earnings in at least one quarter of your base period. The minimum varies, but typically you need about $1,300 in your highest-earning quarter, and your total base period earnings need to be at least 1.25 times your highest quarter earnings. For example, if you earned $2,000 in your highest quarter, your total base period earnings would need to be at least $2,500 ($2,000 × 1.25). Keep in mind that if you do qualify for a new claim but the weekly benefit amount would be less than $40 (or less than $10 less than your previous claim), EDD might continue your original claim instead.

0 coins

Nasira Ibanez

•19d

I was stuck in the same situation last month trying to reach EDD about my exhausted benefits. Kept getting the same frustrating message! I finally tried this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a live EDD agent. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Unfortunately the agent confirmed what others said - had to wait until my benefit year ended, but at least I got a definitive answer instead of stressing about the unknown. Plus they helped me understand what documents I'd need ready for my new claim application.

0 coins

Geoff Richards

•19d

You raise a good point. If you haven't worked and earned qualifying wages during your current benefit year, you might not qualify for a new UI claim when your benefit year ends. EDD requires you to have earned enough wages in a base period to establish a claim. However, don't panic yet. There are sometimes alternative programs available, and requirements can change. Your best bet is to still apply when your benefit year ends and let EDD determine if you qualify for anything. They'll evaluate your specific situation at that time.

0 coins

Hazel Garcia

•19d

Regarding your question about gig work - it's complicated. Self-employment income (like ride-share) generally doesn't count toward regular UI qualification because you're not paying into the UI system as a self-employed person. During COVID, there was the PUA program for self-employed folks, but that's gone now. For UI qualification, you typically need W-2 employment where your employer paid into the UI system on your behalf. Even temporary W-2 work can help establish eligibility, as long as you earn enough to meet the minimum requirements the helpful commenter explained above. One more tip: make sure to keep certifying every two weeks even when your claim balance is low. Sometimes EDD makes retroactive adjustments that could add funds to your claim.

0 coins