EDD claiming I'm not eligible due to old pandemic claim - can't file new one after 2 years of work
Just got laid off last week (retail management downsizing) and I'm trying to file a new unemployment claim, but keep hitting a wall! When I log into UI Online and try to file, I get this weird message saying I'm not eligible because of some issue with a previous claim from 2022-2023 during the pandemic. It keeps referencing my old claim and won't let me start a new one at all! I've been steadily employed at Nordstrom for the past 2 years (March 2023-January 2025) and definitely have enough wages to qualify for a new claim. I don't understand why the system keeps blocking me from filing. Has anyone dealt with this before? Do I have to call EDD to override whatever is happening in their system? I'm getting worried because rent is due in 2 weeks and I'm already stressing about the job search. Help!
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Nia Johnson
Yes, this is a common issue with EDD's system. When you had a previous claim within the past 3 years, sometimes the system gets confused when you try to file a new one, especially if your old claim had any unresolved issues or pending weeks. You definitely need to call EDD directly to have them manually file a new claim for you or clear whatever flag is on your old claim. Unfortunately, their phone lines are nearly impossible to get through.
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Luca Conti
•Thanks for confirming! I was hoping there might be some online workaround but sounds like calling is inevitable. Do you know if there's any specific department I should ask for? My old claim did have some weird issue at the end where they said I had an overpayment but I appealed it... wonder if that's related.
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CyberNinja
OMG same thing happened to me last month!!! So frustrating!! I kept trying to file online and it kept giving me errors about my old claim from 2 years ago!!
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Luca Conti
•Did you ever get it resolved? What did you end up doing?
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CyberNinja
•Yeah I had to call like 50 times before I got through. Once I talked to someone they fixed it in 5 minutes, said it was just a system flag that needed to be cleared manually!
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Mateo Lopez
this is why the EDD drives me INSANE... they can never get anything right! i bet that old claim has some kind of unresolved flag on your account. good luck trying to call them - ive spent DAYS trying to get someone on the phone with no luck. the whole system is broken!!!
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Aisha Abdullah
•Actually this isn't really EDD's fault - their system is designed to prevent double-dipping across benefit years. The issue is that when there's an unresolved issue on an old claim (like an appeal or overpayment), the automated system holds new claims until a rep reviews it. It's frustrating but there are legitimate reasons for these safeguards.
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Ethan Davis
The issue you're experiencing is called a "claim conflict" in the EDD system. When there was an unresolved matter on your previous claim (like an overpayment appeal), the system prevents automatic filing of a new claim. You have two options: 1. Call the main EDD Customer Service line at 1-800-300-5616 and explain you need to file a new claim but are being blocked by a previous claim. The representative can override this and file a new claim for you. 2. Visit an EDD office in person with your ID and work history documentation. They can file the new claim on the spot without the phone hassle. Since you mentioned an overpayment appeal on your old claim, that's almost certainly the blocking issue. Only a representative can clear this flag in the system.
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Luca Conti
•Thank you SO much for this detailed explanation! This makes sense now. My overpayment appeal was actually approved in my favor but maybe they never fully closed the case in their system. I'll definitely try calling first thing tomorrow morning.
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Yuki Tanaka
I had the exact same problem trying to file after my pandemic claim! Called EDD for 2 weeks straight couldnt get through at all and almost gave up... then my buddy told me about this service called Claimyr that got me through to an EDD rep in like 20 minutes. I was skeptical but it actually worked! The rep fixed my claim issue right away and my new claim processed that same day. Check out their demo video if you wanna see how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Their website is claimyr.com
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Luca Conti
•Thanks for the tip! I've been calling all morning with no luck, just constant busy signals. I'll check this out - at this point I'd try anything to get this resolved!
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Mateo Lopez
•is this legit??? seems weird to pay for something like this. has anyone else used it???
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Carmen Ortiz
•Yes, it's legit. I've used it twice. It's essentially an automated system that repeatedly calls EDD for you and connects when it gets through. Saved me hours of redial hell. But you still talk directly with actual EDD reps - they just get you past the busy signals.
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Aisha Abdullah
I work as an employment counselor and see this issue frequently. The technical term is a "benefit year conflict." When your old claim had any unresolved issue (overpayment appeal, pending certification, etc.), the system requires manual review before allowing a new claim. For your specific situation, since you mentioned your appeal was approved but the issue persists, it sounds like they never properly closed the case in their system. This requires direct intervention by an EDD representative who can access your full claim history. When you do reach someone, make sure to: 1. Get their ID number or name 2. Ask them to specifically check for flags on your old claim 3. Request they file the new claim while you're on the phone 4. Get a confirmation number for the new claim If they say they'll "send it to a specialist" and you'll hear back, politely insist they resolve it during your call, as these referrals often get lost.
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Luca Conti
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I'm going to write down these exact points so I'm prepared when I finally get through to someone. Really appreciate the insider knowledge on how to handle this!
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CyberNinja
wait did u try logging out and clearing your cookies?? sometimes the EDD website is just glitchy!! i had to try a different browser once and it worked!
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Luca Conti
•I tried Chrome, Firefox, and even my phone... same error message each time. I think it's definitely something in their system, not just a browser issue. But thanks for the suggestion!
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Carmen Ortiz
I'm dealing with a similar issue right now! My bf had a pandemic claim in 2021, worked all of 2022-2024, and is now trying to file again. He finally got through to EDD yesterday and they said his old claim had an "unresolved identity verification" from 2021 that was preventing the new claim. They fixed it on the spot. Definitely sounds like you need to talk to an actual person at EDD. Keep trying the phones first thing at 8:01 AM - that's when we finally got through after days of trying.
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Luca Conti
•Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad your bf got it resolved. I'll definitely try the early morning call strategy tomorrow. Did they ask for any special documentation or just his regular info?
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Carmen Ortiz
•Just his basic info - SSN, address, employer info from his W2s for the past 18 months. They did verify his identity again over the phone too. The whole call took about 40 minutes but most of that was them typing stuff into their system.
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Nia Johnson
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get this resolved? If you're still having trouble, you might want to try contacting your state representative's office. They often have special EDD liaisons who can help cut through red tape on complicated claims issues.
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Luca Conti
•Update! I finally got through to EDD this morning after trying that Claimyr service someone recommended. The rep confirmed exactly what you all suggested - my old claim had an "unresolved overpayment flag" even though my appeal was approved. She removed the flag and filed my new claim while I was on the phone. She said I should be able to certify for my first two weeks this Sunday! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions - this community is amazing!
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