EDD eligibility after church employment - they didn't pay UI taxes

Unfortunately, most religious organizations are exempt from paying UI taxes, which means their employees typically can't collect benefits based on that employment. HOWEVER - you might still qualify if you had other employment during your base period! The EDD looks at a specific time period (base period) to determine eligibility, not just your most recent job. If you worked somewhere that DID pay UI taxes in the quarters before your church job, you might still qualify for something.

The base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So it depends exactly when you file. If you file in May 2025, your base period would be Jan-Dec 2024. Since you've been at the church since March 2023, your previous job earnings probably won't be in your base period anymore. But it's ALWAYS worth applying anyway! The worst they can do is say no.

Churches r exempt from UI taxes becus of separation of church and state. its BS if u ask me cause u still work just as hard but get no safety net. the system is rigged against workers!!

I was in almost exactly your situation in 2023! Worked for a religious nonprofit that didn't pay UI taxes. I couldn't get regular unemployment, BUT I did qualify for Disability Insurance (SDI) when I needed it because that comes out of OUR paychecks, not the employer's contributions. Check your paystubs - if they took out SDI, you at least have that protection if you ever get sick or need to care for a family member. Not helpful for your current situation though, sorry.

To add some additional information: if you were fired for reasons that weren't misconduct (which sounds like your case), and IF you had sufficient wages in your base period from a covered employer, you could potentially qualify. The key questions are: 1. When exactly did you work at the retail job in 2022? 2. What were your quarterly earnings there? 3. When exactly are you planning to file your claim? Even if your base period doesn't include enough covered employment, I still recommend applying. The application process has been streamlined, and the EDD will make the determination based on all your information.

if they didnt pay in you dont get benefits thats just how it works sorry man. churches can opt out of the system because of religous freedom. its dumb but thats the law. when i was job hunting i had to start driving uber just to pay bills

Based on the dates you provided, if you file in May 2025, your base period would be January through December 2024, which unfortunately wouldn't include your retail job from 2022. However, you should absolutely still apply. The EDD system will determine if you have enough wages in your base period from any covered employer. If you're having trouble getting through to EDD to check on your claim status (which is common), I recently discovered a service called Claimyr that connects you directly to an EDD representative without the usual wait time. It saved me hours of redial frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

One more thing to consider - if you worked ANY other job (even part-time) during 2024 at an employer who paid UI taxes, those wages could help you qualify for at least some benefits. Even a small amount of covered employment might make you eligible for a minimal benefit amount. The application will ask for ALL your employers during the past 18 months, so make sure you include everything.

That holiday work might be exactly what helps you qualify! Even a small benefit amount would make you eligible. And once you're in the system with an active claim, it's easier to get help from EDD if your situation changes. Good luck with your application, and please update us when you hear back!

I'm sorry to hear about your situation! Getting fired from a job is stressful enough without worrying about unemployment benefits. I went through something similar a few years ago when I worked for a small nonprofit that also didn't pay UI taxes. It's definitely worth applying even if you're not sure you'll qualify - the EDD will review all your work history during the base period. From what others have shared, that holiday retail work you mentioned could be key! Also, don't forget to look into other resources while you're job hunting - food banks, utility assistance programs, and local churches (ironically) often have emergency assistance funds for people in tough spots. Wishing you the best of luck with your application!

Hey Kolton! I went through almost the exact same thing when I got laid off from a religious school in 2021. The church exemption is so frustrating when you're on the receiving end! One thing I learned that might help - even if your regular UI claim gets denied due to the church employment, you can sometimes qualify for federal programs like Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (though that's expired now) or other special assistance programs during economic hardships. Also, while you're waiting to hear back from EDD, definitely check with your local workforce development office. They often have emergency funds or can connect you with temporary work opportunities that pay immediately. Many of them also offer free resume help and job placement services. The waiting period for EDD can be brutal, so having multiple irons in the fire really helps. Keep us posted on how your application goes!