EDD claiming I'm not eligible due to old pandemic claim - can't file new one after 2 years of work

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.

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!!

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!!!

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

Wow, this is such a relief to read! I'm actually dealing with something very similar right now - filed for unemployment after being laid off from my retail job last month, but keep getting blocked by an old claim from 2022. The EDD system keeps telling me I have an "active claim" even though I haven't collected benefits in over 2 years and have been working steadily since then. Reading through all these responses makes me feel like I'm not going crazy and that there actually is a solution. Going to try calling first thing tomorrow morning and use some of the tips people shared here about getting the rep to resolve it during the call instead of "sending it to a specialist." Thanks for posting this - it's exactly what I needed to see!

This thread is so helpful! I'm in almost the exact same boat - got laid off from my restaurant management job two weeks ago and the EDD system keeps blocking me from filing because of some issue with my pandemic claim from 2021. I've been working consistently since mid-2022 and definitely qualify for benefits, but their online system just won't let me through. Reading all these responses gives me hope that it's fixable once I can actually talk to someone. Has anyone had success with the early morning call strategy? I've been trying randomly throughout the day but maybe I need to be more strategic about timing. Also really appreciate everyone sharing the specific things to ask for when you do get through - having that roadmap will definitely help when I finally reach a rep!

Just wanted to add another data point here - I'm an HR manager at a large retailer and I see this exact scenario constantly with our laid-off employees. The "old pandemic claim blocking new claim" issue has become super common, especially for people who had any kind of dispute or appeal on their 2020-2022 claims. What's particularly frustrating is that EDD's online system gives very vague error messages that don't clearly explain what's happening, so people think they did something wrong when it's really just an internal system flag that needs manual clearing. For anyone still struggling with this, I always tell our employees to call right when the lines open (8:00 AM) and to specifically ask the rep to "clear any benefit year conflicts and file a new initial claim while I'm on the call." Don't hang up until they give you a new claim confirmation number. Most reps can resolve this in 10-15 minutes once they actually look at your account. The system is definitely broken in this regard, but the fix is usually straightforward once you reach a human!

This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm actually dealing with a very similar situation right now - lost my job at a tech startup three weeks ago and keep hitting the same wall when trying to file online. The EDD system keeps referencing my old claim from early 2022 and won't let me proceed with a new application, even though I've been employed continuously since August 2022. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like I'm probably dealing with the same "benefit year conflict" issue that seems to be plaguing so many people. My old claim did have some complications at the end - I think there was a question about my final certification that I never fully resolved because I got hired before it mattered. I'm definitely going to try the early morning calling strategy tomorrow and use the specific language people have shared here about asking the rep to "clear any benefit year conflicts and file a new initial claim while I'm on the call." It's such a relief to know this is a known issue with a relatively straightforward fix once you reach the right person. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world advice that makes all the difference when dealing with government bureaucracy!

This entire thread has been so eye-opening! I'm currently going through the exact same nightmare - got laid off from my marketing job two weeks ago and EDD's system keeps blocking me from filing because of some lingering issue from my 2021 pandemic claim. I've been employed steadily since early 2022 and have way more than enough wages to qualify, but their online portal just keeps giving me cryptic error messages about my "previous benefit year." What's really reassuring is seeing how many people have dealt with this same issue and that there's actually a clear path to resolution. I had no idea this was such a widespread problem with their system! I'm definitely going to try the 8:01 AM calling strategy tomorrow morning and come prepared with all the specific language everyone has shared - especially asking them to "clear any benefit year conflicts and file a new initial claim while I'm on the call." It's incredibly frustrating that EDD's system is this broken, but at least now I know I'm not alone and that there's hope for getting this resolved quickly once I reach an actual human being. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and specific tips - this community support is invaluable when dealing with government bureaucracy!