EDD claim expired - confused about reapplication questions and EDDCAN number
Hi everyone, I'm stuck with some confusing questions while trying to file a new unemployment claim. My previous claim expired on 4/27/2025 (last week), and I need to apply for a new one since I worked steadily this past year but got laid off recently from my accounting job. I have two specific questions that are really confusing me: 1) When the application asks "Have you filed a claim in the last 12 months?" - what should I answer? My previous claim was filed on 4/30/2024, so technically yes, but that claim already expired. Will answering "yes" confuse the system since that claim is no longer active? 2) I received a piece of mail with my EDDCAN number from my previous claim. Do I use this same number for my new claim or will they issue me a different one? The instructions aren't clear about reapplying vs first-time applicants. Really appreciate any help from those who've gone through this before! I'm afraid of messing something up and delaying benefits when I really need them.
21 comments


Kaiya Rivera
The answer to question 1 is definitely YES. Even though your claim expired, you still filed within the last 12 months. EDD systems will recognize that your previous claim is expired and process your new claim correctly. For your EDDCAN number, that stays with you permanently. It's like your EDD social security number. Use the same one for all future claims - they'll connect your work history and records to that number. Make sure you keep that document safe!
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Amelia Dietrich
•Thank you so much! That makes me feel better about answering yes to that first question. I'll make sure to use my existing EDDCAN number. Do you know if there's anything else I should be prepared for in the new application that might trip me up?
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Katherine Ziminski
omg i just went thru this exact same thing last month!! so confusing right? yes say YES to the 12 month question. they already know ur old claim expired dont worry.
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Noah Irving
Answer YES to the 12 month question for sure, but be prepared for them to possibly flag your application for an eligibility interview because of this. The system sometimes gets confused with claims filed so close together, even when one expired. I had to wait SIX WEEKS for someone to review my case last time!!! The whole time my claim said "pending" and I couldn't get through to anyone on the phone. The EDD system is BROKEN!!!! Good luck getting any real help. 😡
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Amelia Dietrich
•Six weeks?? That's terrifying. I can't wait that long without income. Do you think calling them would help speed things up? I've heard their phone lines are impossible to get through...
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Noah Irving
•Calling is a JOKE. I tried for DAYS, calling literally over 50 times and either got disconnected or the "we're experiencing high call volume" message. They don't care about us at all!!!
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Vanessa Chang
I was in a similar situation earlier this year. Here's what you need to know: 1. Answer "Yes" to the question about filing in the last 12 months. The system needs accurate information to properly process your new claim. They'll see your previous claim is expired. 2. Your EDDCAN number is permanent and tied to your identity with EDD. Always use the same number for all unemployment-related matters. Keep that document secure. Additional tips for reapplication: - Make sure your employment history for the past 18 months is accurate and complete - Have your final paystub from your recent job ready - Be prepared to explain your reason for separation clearly - If you've moved since your last claim, update your address in the system The benefit amount on your new claim will be based on your recent work earnings, not your previous claim amount.
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Amelia Dietrich
•Thank you for the detailed response! That's really helpful. I've got all my employment info ready, and I've kept good records of my paystubs. One more question - do you know if they'll contact my former employer to verify the layoff? Just wondering how long that verification process usually takes.
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Madison King
I just had anther thought - if u answered 'yes' to filing in last 12 months, make SURE you also select 'reapply' and not 'reopen' when it asks what ur trying to do. Big difference! Reopen is for when ur in the middle of a benefit year but stopped certifying. Reapply is for when ur benefit year ended (which is ur case). I mess this up once and it took FOREVER to fix.
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Amelia Dietrich
•Oh wow, I didn't even think about that distinction. Thank you for pointing that out! I'll definitely make sure to select 'reapply' when I submit my application.
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Julian Paolo
I went through this exact thing when my claim expired in February. Answer YES to the 12-month question and use your existing EDDCAN. But here's what I learned the hard way - if your claim gets stuck in pending for more than a week, you need to talk to a tier 2 specialist ASAP. After struggling to reach anyone at EDD for days (getting busy signals or disconnected), I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual EDD rep within 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The rep I spoke to was able to clear the pending status on my reapplication that same day. Saved me weeks of waiting and stressing!
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Ella Knight
•is that service legit? sounds kinda sketchy tbh
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Julian Paolo
•Yes, it's legit. I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for days to get through. They don't handle your EDD account or anything - they just get you in the call queue and connect you directly with EDD. The rep I talked to said they see people coming through their service all the time because the phone lines are so jammed.
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Katherine Ziminski
when i reapplied they scheduled me for a phone interview cuz my old job contested my claim even tho i was laid off!! be ready for that maybe? so annoying
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Vanessa Chang
To address your question about employer contact - yes, EDD will contact your former employer to verify the circumstances of your separation. This is standard procedure for all new claims. The verification timeline varies, but typically: - If your employer doesn't contest the layoff: 1-2 weeks for processing - If they contest or provide different information: 3-4 weeks and may require an eligibility interview Make sure the contact information you provide for your employer is accurate, especially their UI account information if you have it. This helps speed up the verification process. Also, once you submit your application, immediately set up your UI Online account if you don't already have one from your previous claim. This will let you track your claim status and respond quickly to any requests for additional information.
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Amelia Dietrich
•I still have my UI Online account from my previous claim, so at least that part is already set up. Really hoping my employer doesn't contest anything since it was a clear layoff due to department downsizing. Thanks for all the helpful info!
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Madison King
Hey I just remember something else! When u get ur award letter, double check the wage calculation! My reapplication had wrong earnings amount cuz they missed one quarter of my work. Had to call in and get it fixed but got almost $170 more per week after correction!
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Amelia Dietrich
•That's a huge difference! I'll definitely review everything carefully when I get the award letter. Thanks for the tip!
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Destiny Bryant
I'm going through this exact same process right now! My claim expired last month and I was so confused about those same questions. Reading everyone's responses here has been super helpful - especially about answering YES to the 12-month question and using the same EDDCAN number. One thing I wanted to add - when I called EDD yesterday (took me literally 47 tries to get through), the rep mentioned that if you worked full-time for most of the year after your last claim, your new benefit amount could be significantly different from your previous one. She said to make sure all your recent employers are listed correctly because they calculate based on the "base period" which uses your most recent work history. Also, she warned me that processing times are running longer than usual right now due to high volume, so don't panic if it takes a few weeks to hear back. Good luck with your application!
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Giovanni Rossi
•Wow, 47 tries to get through - that's dedication! Thanks for sharing what the rep told you about the base period calculation. That's really good to know since I worked steadily this past year at a much higher salary than my previous job. Hopefully that means my weekly benefit amount will be better this time around. Did the rep give you any estimate on current processing times? I'm trying to mentally prepare for how long this might take.
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Christian Bierman
I just went through this same situation a couple months ago! Definitely answer YES to the 12-month question - the system needs that accurate info. Your EDDCAN number stays with you permanently, so use the same one. One thing I wish someone had told me - make sure you have your separation notice or termination letter ready when you apply. Even though it was a clear layoff, having that documentation uploaded right away helped my claim process faster. Also, if you get any requests for additional info through your UI Online account, respond immediately! I made the mistake of waiting a few days to send in some wage info they requested and it delayed everything by another week. The waiting is the worst part, but hang in there. Once it gets approved, you'll be able to start certifying for benefits right away.
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