EDD claim timing question - How long can I wait after layoff to file for unemployment?

File immediately! Don't wait. Even though you received severance, you should apply right away because EDD establishes your claim based on your last day of work, not when your severance runs out. You'll need to report your severance pay when you certify, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't file now. The longer you wait, the more benefits you potentially lose. In California, you can't backdate a claim just because you waited to file. Your claim will be effective the Sunday of the week you apply, not when you were laid off if you delay too long.

congrats on the severance! i waited 2 weeks to file after my layoff last year and regret it. just file now and be done with it

You should file for unemployment as soon as possible after your layoff. There's a common misconception that you need to wait until severance ends, but that's not true. Here's how it works: 1. File immediately - your claim begins the Sunday of the week you file 2. Report your severance pay when you certify 3. EDD will determine if your severance affects your weekly benefits Some severance payments may reduce your benefits temporarily, but it's still better to have your claim established in the system. Also, California has a one-week unpaid waiting period for all new claims, so the sooner you start, the sooner that waiting period is satisfied. Technically, you can file within 52 weeks of your layoff date, but you'll only be paid for weeks after you actually file. There's zero benefit to waiting.

I actually disagree with everyone here. When I got laid off in January, I waited until my severance ran out (6 weeks) before filing. Made things much cleaner and I didn't have to deal with reporting income while on unemployment. But that's just my experience!

File ASAP! I work in HR and this is exactly what we tell our laid-off employees. The EDD claim system is designed to handle severance reporting - that's why they ask about it during certification. Also, if you're having trouble getting through to EDD (which is common), I recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that helps you reach an EDD representative without the endless busy signals and dropped calls. I've suggested it to several former employees who had complex questions about severance and benefits. You can check out how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km But regardless of how you contact them, don't delay filing!

just dont wait longer than like 2-3 weeks i think. my brother waited almost 2 months to file and he had a NIGHTMARE getting the system to accept his application. something about the quarter system they use to calculate benefits? idk it was a mess tho

The EDD system is DESIGNED to DENY YOU BENEFITS any way they can!!! Of course they don't tell you to file right away! THEY DON'T WANT TO PAY YOU!!! I had to fight for 9 weeks to get my first payment. File immediately and document EVERYTHING. Take screenshots of your application. Write down who you talk to on the phone!!!

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm going to file my claim today. Seems like waiting would be a mistake. I appreciate all the helpful information - especially the explanation about how severance works with unemployment. I'll make sure to report my severance payments properly when I certify.