EDD eligibility for unpaid 2-week company holiday closure - can I file?

Yes, you can absolutely file for unemployment! This is considered a temporary layoff situation even if they're calling it a 'holiday break.' You're being sent home without pay through no fault of your own, which is exactly what UI benefits are designed for. Make sure you file your claim as soon as you know the exact dates of the shutdown. When you certify, report that you were temporarily laid off but are still attached to your employer and will be returning on a specific date. You will need to be available for work during this period (theoretically willing to take temp work if offered).

i had somthing similar happen at my retail job last year during slow season. boss shut down for 10 days. applied for edd and got approved but it took like 3 weeks to get my first payment so apply asap dont wait

The EDD system is BROKEN!!! I filed for a 2-week temporary layoff last year and they STILL haven't processed my claim correctly!!! Now they're saying I was overpaid and OWE THEM MONEY!! Be careful filing for such a short period - the bureaucracy is NOT designed for this!!!

File your claim online through UI Online as soon as you know your last day of work. You can actually apply up to a week before your last day. The key details for your situation: 1. When asked about separation reason, select "Temporary Layoff" (not fired or quit) 2. Indicate you have a definite return date 3. Report any vacation/PTO they might pay out during this time 4. You must certify that you're able and available to work during this period For a small employer like yours, they might not have experience with this, so don't be surprised if they initially contest it. The EDD will make the final determination based on the facts. This type of temporary reduction in work is precisely what partial unemployment benefits cover.

my cousin works at a salon and they do this every year. she gets unemployment no problem. just make sure u answer all the questions honestly when u certify each week!!

I had the exact same situation last December with my marketing firm! Filed for UI and got approved, but reaching EDD to confirm everything was a NIGHTMARE. After trying for days (literally 46 calls), I used Claimyr.com to get through to an actual EDD agent. They have a service that connects you with EDD without the endless redials - totally worth it for peace of mind. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The agent confirmed that company shutdowns like this are 100% covered under temporary layoff provisions, even for small businesses. Saved me so much stress!

To answer your question about when to file - you can file up to a week before your last day of work. As for employer notification, yes, they will be notified because EDD will verify your employment status with them. But legally, they cannot retaliate against you for filing a legitimate UI claim. This is a standard procedure during temporary layoffs, and many businesses expect it.

remeber that first week is waiting period so u only get paid for the second week. so for a 2 week shutdown u only get 1 week of actual benefits.

Just wondering - did your employer give you any advance notice about this shutdown? Because if they sprung this on you at the last minute, that could potentially affect other aspects of your employment rights beyond just UI benefits. California has some requirements about schedule changes and reductions in hours, though small businesses sometimes have exemptions.

will ur company let u use vacation days???

As a final piece of advice - make sure you set up your UI Online account completely and opt for the EDD debit card (Money Network) or direct deposit. Complete your profile entirely including adding your resume to CalJOBS (just a formality in your situation, but required). When you certify each week, answer honestly that you're still attached to your employer but temporarily laid off, available for work, and actively looking for work during this period. The system sometimes flags accounts for eligibility interviews if anything seems inconsistent.

Direct deposit is generally faster than waiting for the card to arrive in the mail for first-time claimants. The first payment to a new Money Network card can take 7-10 days to arrive by mail, whereas direct deposit typically processes within 24-48 hours after the payment is authorized. However, once you have the card, future payments to it are just as fast as direct deposit.