EDD eligibility with mixed cash/on-the-books work history - can I file?
I've been working under the table (cash) for the past 3 years at various construction jobs. Before that, I had a regular W-2 job at a warehouse where they reported my income using my social security number for about 2 years. I recently got injured and can't do construction work anymore. Can I still file for unemployment based on those older W-2 jobs, or am I completely out of luck because of my recent cash-only work? I've never filed for unemployment before and don't really understand how the system determines eligibility. Will EDD even consider those older jobs or is there some kind of time limit?
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Connor O'Neill
Unfortunately, EDD looks at your base period, which is generally the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. If your W-2 work was more than 18 months ago, it won't be in your base period and won't count toward eligibility. Also, unreported cash work doesn't count toward UI eligibility at all since no UI taxes were paid on those earnings.
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Zainab Ismail
•Oh no, that's not what I was hoping to hear. So basically there's no way to qualify if my last 'official' job was 3 years ago? Is there any other program I might qualify for since I can't work right now due to my injury?
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Yara Nassar
dude u cant get unemployment for cash jobs bcuz the whole point is the employer has to pay into the system. no taxes = no benefits. sry but thats how it works
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Keisha Robinson
•This happened to my cousin too. He worked cash jobs for like 5 years and then couldn't get anything when he needed it. The system is designed to only help people who worked on the books.
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GalaxyGuardian
Since you mentioned you were injured, you might want to look into State Disability Insurance (SDI) or workers' compensation instead of unemployment. UI is specifically for when you're able to work but can't find a job, not for when you can't work due to injury. But both SDI and workers' comp typically require recent documented employment too, so you might face similar issues.
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Zainab Ismail
•Thanks for the suggestion. The problem is my injury happened at one of these cash jobs, so I'm guessing worker's comp is off the table too. I'll look into SDI but sounds like I might have the same problem there too.
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Paolo Ricci
The EDD system is COMPLETELY BROKEN!!! I know people who worked cash jobs for YEARS and still got unemployment during COVID. Meanwhile, people who followed all the rules get DENIED for no reason. It's all about who you talk to at EDD and whether they feel like helping you that day!!!!
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Connor O'Neill
•That was likely through the PUA program during the pandemic, which had different eligibility rules and is no longer available. Standard UI has always required documented W-2 wages in the base period.
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Amina Toure
I had a somewhat similar situation last year. You might still want to call EDD directly and explain your situation. Sometimes there are exceptions or alternative calculation methods they can use for the base period. It took me FOREVER to get through on their phone lines though - I was calling for weeks with no luck getting a real person. I eventually used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD rep within 20 minutes after trying on my own for weeks. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km At least then you'll get a definitive answer from EDD about your specific situation instead of just guessing what might apply.
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Zainab Ismail
•Thanks for the tip about Claimyr. I'll check it out because you're right - I should at least find out directly from EDD if there's any possibility. Better than just assuming I don't qualify without trying.
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Oliver Zimmermann
my brother in law had this exact issue!!! he did landscaping for cash then tried to get unemployment and they denied him. he filed an appeal but it didnt help because he couldnt prove his income. just a heads up that its probably not gonna work out for you sorry man
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GalaxyGuardian
If your injury is serious enough to prevent you from working, you might also want to look into state or county general assistance programs, or possibly SSI (Supplemental Security Income) if the disability is expected to last a year or more. These aren't related to EDD but could provide some support while you recover.
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Zainab Ismail
•I hadn't thought about those options. The doctor said I'll probably need at least 6 months of recovery, so not quite a year. I'll definitely look into the general assistance programs. Thank you for the suggestion!
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Keisha Robinson
I think you should just file anyway and see what happens. The worst they can say is no, right? My cousin's boyfriend got approved even though he had some gaps in his work history. Everyone's situation is different.
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Connor O'Neill
•While there's no harm in applying, it's important to be honest on the application. Gaps in work history are different from unreported cash work. EDD may investigate discrepancies, and misrepresenting employment history can lead to penalties.
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Zainab Ismail
Thanks everyone for the responses. I think I'll try to get through to EDD directly to ask about my specific situation, and also look into the general assistance programs that were suggested. Seems like regular unemployment probably won't work out, but at least I have some other options to explore now.
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