EDD claim filing after vacation - is there a deadline I should worry about?

Yes, there's definitely a timeline you should be aware of. EDD recommends filing as soon as possible after becoming unemployed, as benefits are paid from when you file, not from when you lost your job. In other words, if you wait 3 weeks to file, you're potentially losing 3 weeks of benefits that you can't get back. However, you CAN file while on vacation if you have internet access. The application takes about 20 minutes online, and you can do it from anywhere. Then when you get back, you'll need to certify for the weeks you were on vacation - but remember, you must report that you were not available for work during your vacation days when you certify.

JUST FILE NOW!!! I made the same mistake last year and waited 2 weeks after getting laid off and got NOTHING for those weeks. The system doesnt backdate your claim to when you lost your job, it starts from when you APPLY. Dont make my mistake!!! Seriously it takes like 15 mins to file online.

I'd recommend filing your claim before you leave. Then when you certify for those weeks later, you'd mark that you were not able and available to work during your vacation. You won't get paid for the vacation weeks, but at least your claim will be in the system and processing while you're gone. That way when you return and are ready to work again, everything is already set up. One thing to keep in mind is that when you file, your benefit year is established. In California, that's typically a 12-month period from when you file your claim. So filing now doesn't hurt you in any way - your maximum benefit amount stays the same, whether you use it spread over 3 weeks or 52 weeks.

not to get into ur business but why are u going on vacation after being laid off? most people cancel trips when they lose jobs lol but maybe u already paid for everything? anyway yes file before u go, i think the deadline is like 21 days or something? but nobody ever enforces that. the real issue is they wont backdate ur claim

Everyone here is right about filing ASAP, but nobody mentioned you'll need to do the ID.me verification when you apply. That can sometimes take a few hours if there are technical issues, so don't leave it until right before you leave for vacation. The whole application + ID verification process can be done in under an hour if everything goes perfectly, but sometimes it doesn't. Give yourself some buffer time.

To clarify a critical point: While there isn't a strict legal deadline to file for unemployment in California, EDD will NOT pay you for weeks before you filed your claim. This is different from some other states. So if you were laid off on June 1 but don't file until June 22 when you return from vacation, you permanently lose those 3 weeks of potential benefits. Your claim will be effective June 22 forward, not retroactive to June 1. Here's what I suggest: File your claim today, then when you certify for benefits after returning, simply indicate you were not able and available for work during your vacation. You won't get benefits for those weeks, but at least your claim will be established with the earliest possible date.

has anyone tried calling edd to ask for backdating? i heard some people got exceptions

i think everyones making this too complicated tbh. just file your claim online tonight before you leave. takes like 20min tops. then when you get back youll certify and say you werent available those weeks. yeah youll miss out on those weeks pay but atleast your claim will be in the system and youll start getting paid right when you get back instead of waiting another month for everything to process

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - when you file your claim online, make sure you have all your employment information ready (like your last employer's info, dates of employment, reason for separation, etc.). Also keep your confirmation number from when you submit the application! You'll need it later. And don't stress too much about the vacation weeks - think of it this way: you're getting your claim established now so when you come back refreshed, you can hit the ground running with job searching AND start receiving benefits immediately instead of waiting weeks for processing. Good luck with everything!

One more tip that might save you some headache - when you file your claim online, screenshot or write down your confirmation number and any other reference numbers they give you. Also, if you have time, set up your EDD online account fully before you leave (including security questions, etc.) so when you get back you can easily access everything to certify for benefits. I learned this the hard way when I filed my claim but didn't finish setting up my account properly, then had trouble accessing it later. The ID.me verification someone mentioned earlier is part of this process too. Better to do it all at once when you have good internet and aren't rushed! Safe travels and hope the family reunion goes well!

Hey Kennedy! I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago - got laid off right before a pre-planned trip to visit family. Everyone here is giving you solid advice about filing ASAP, but I wanted to add something that really helped me: when you file tonight, make sure to note down the exact date you became unemployed (your last day of work) because EDD will ask for this info later when you certify. Also, just a heads up - when you return and do your first certification, you'll need to report any severance pay you received during those weeks. It might affect your benefit amount temporarily, but it's better to be upfront about it than have issues later. The good news is that once you're back and available for work, the benefits process is pretty straightforward. You'll certify every two weeks online and if everything goes smoothly, you'll get paid within a few days. Enjoy your family reunion and don't stress too much about this - you're handling it the right way by filing before you leave!

One thing I don't think anyone has mentioned yet - make sure you have your Social Security card and driver's license handy when you file tonight. The online application will ask for these details and it's much easier to have the physical documents in front of you rather than trying to remember exact numbers. Also, if you worked for multiple employers in the past 18 months, you'll need their information too (company names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for leaving each job). I'd also recommend checking that your contact information is current in the system - phone number, email, and mailing address - because EDD will use these to communicate with you about your claim status. You don't want important notices going to an old address while you're traveling! One last thing: when you return from vacation and start certifying, remember that you need to be actively looking for work to continue receiving benefits. Keep records of your job search activities because EDD can audit these at any time. But for now, just focus on getting that claim filed before you leave. You've got this!