EDD gave me a new EDDCAN before benefit year ended - can I restart claim when benefits exhausted?
I'm in a weird situation and hoping someone's dealt with this before. My benefit year runs from 08/15/2024 - 08/14/2025, but I just exhausted all my benefits even though there's still 4 months left in my benefit year. The twist is I got a notification with a NEW EDDCAN number saying I might qualify for benefits based on a different employer I worked for part-time during awards season (I'm in the entertainment industry). When I try to file online using this new EDDCAN, the system won't let me since my current benefit year isn't over yet. Has anyone successfully filed a new claim or reopened one BEFORE their benefit year ended? The online system is basically saying "nope, can't do it" but the notification suggests otherwise. I desperately need to get this sorted as I literally can't make rent next month if this doesn't work out. Is there a specific number I should call or approach I should take? The regular EDD line is completely useless.
24 comments


Jackie Martinez
You definitely need to talk to an actual perosn at EDD. The online system is notorious for not handling unusual situations like this. There's like a special department that deals with multiple employer claims or something.
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Monique Byrd
•Thanks - I've been trying 833-978-2511 for days but keep getting disconnected after waiting 30+ minutes. Is there a better number or time to call??
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Lia Quinn
This is actually a case of what's called a "split claim" situation. When you run out of benefits before your benefit year ends, but you have wages from another employer that weren't used in your original claim computation, you may qualify for additional benefits. However, you're right that the online system typically can't process this - it requires specialist intervention. You'll need to speak with a tier 2 specialist who can manually review your situation. The new EDDCAN suggests they've already identified potential eligibility based on those other earnings, which is a good sign!
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Monique Byrd
•That makes sense! Since I was working part-time during the awards season while collecting reduced benefits, those wages should count toward something. How do I reach a tier 2 specialist specifically?
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Haley Stokes
i had something kinda similar happen last year!!! i got a new eddcan but my benefit year wasnt over either. took me WEEKS of calling to get someone who actually knew what to do. most reps just told me to wait till my benefit year ended which was gonna be like 3 months!!!
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Monique Byrd
•Ugh that's what I'm afraid of. Did you eventually get it sorted out? Did they backdate your payments?
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Haley Stokes
•yeah eventually found one rep who knew what they were doing and fixed it all in like 20 minutes! got all my back weeks paid too. but honestly it was pure luck getting someone good
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Asher Levin
After reading your situation, have you tried using Claimyr? I was in a similar situation where I couldn't reach anyone at EDD for weeks. That service basically connects you to an EDD rep without all the constant busy signals and disconnects. I found their website at claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km In situations like yours where you need to speak with an actual person who understands complex claim issues, it saved me so much frustration. Just mentioning it since it sounds like you're in a time-sensitive financial situation.
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Monique Byrd
•Thanks for the suggestion! At this point I'm desperate enough to try anything. The video looks promising - did you end up getting connected to someone who could actually help with your issue?
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Asher Levin
•Yes! I got through to an actual EDD specialist in about 20 minutes instead of spending days trying to get past the busy signals. Made sure to call early morning though, as that's when they have more availability. The rep I got was able to handle my complicated claim situation that the website couldn't process.
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Serene Snow
I've been through this exact scenario. What you're experiencing is called a "subsequent claim" situation that happens when you have wages from multiple qualifying employers. Here's what you need to know: 1. The online system CAN'T handle this type of claim - it's a limitation in their system 2. The new EDDCAN means they've already determined you likely qualify for a new claim based on those other wages 3. You must call and speak with a Claim Filing specialist specifically 4. This is different from a standard reopened claim - it's actually initiating a new claim using different base period wages while your current benefit year is still active 5. When you call, use these exact words: "I need to file a subsequent claim using alternate base period wages from a secondary employer" Make sure you have documentation of all your work with that second employer during the relevant quarters. This will speed up the process tremendously.
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Monique Byrd
•This is incredibly helpful information! Thank you for the exact terminology to use - I'm sure that will help get to the right person faster. I have all my paystubs from the awards season work, so I'll have those ready.
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Issac Nightingale
DONT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THE REGULAR NUMBER!!! You need to call the Technical Support line at 855-327-7057 instead. When you get through, tell them you need to be transferred to a claims specialist for a "subsequent claim review." The tech support line has much shorter wait times and they CAN transfer you to the right department. I went through this whole mess in January and it was the only way I finally got it resolved.
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Monique Byrd
•Thank you!! I'll try that number first thing tomorrow morning. Did you have to do anything special to get them to transfer you or were they pretty understanding?
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Issac Nightingale
•Just be SUPER clear that it's a technical issue with filing a subsequent claim online and that you need a claims specialist. If they try to tell you to just wait until your benefit year ends, politely but firmly explain that you received a notification with a new EDDCAN number indicating eligibility. That usually gets them to transfer you.
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Romeo Barrett
why dont u just file a new claim when ur benefit year ends? seems like a lot of trouble for just a few months
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Monique Byrd
•I literally can't afford to wait 4 months with zero income - I'd be homeless by then. Plus, if I'm eligible for benefits now, why should I have to wait?
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Serene Snow
•The commenter above doesn't understand how the system works. If OP has received a new EDDCAN number, that means EDD has already determined there are qualifying wages that could establish a new claim. They shouldn't have to wait until their benefit year ends if they're eligible now.
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Lia Quinn
Just to add to the excellent advice already provided - when you do reach a specialist, ask them about your "Maximum Benefit Amount" on this potential new claim. Since it's based on a part-time job during awards season, the weekly benefit amount might be significantly lower than your previous claim. In some cases, it might make more sense to file a completely new claim after your benefit year ends if you have other, higher-paying work history that would factor into that calculation. But if you need income immediately, proceeding with the subsequent claim is your best option. Just be aware of the potential trade-offs.
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Monique Byrd
•That's a great point I hadn't considered. The awards season work was definitely lower-paying than my main industry work, but at this point, some benefits are better than none. I'll ask about the MBA when I hopefully get through to someone.
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Jackie Martinez
did u try going to the actual EDD office in person? sometimes thats the only way to get this stuff fixed when the online system doesnt work and u cant get thru on phone
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Monique Byrd
•I didn't even know that was an option! Is that something people can just do? Walk into an EDD office and get help with claims?
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Serene Snow
•Most EDD offices don't handle UI claims in person anymore - they primarily deal with job search assistance now. For UI claims, you generally need to call. The exceptions are some of the America's Job Centers of California (AJCC) locations that have dedicated UI representatives, but these are limited and often require appointments.
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Monique Byrd
UPDATE: I finally got through using the Technical Support number that was suggested! The tech support person transferred me to a claims specialist who knew exactly what to do. They confirmed I qualify for a subsequent claim based on my awards season work. The weekly benefit amount is lower ($247 vs my previous $450), but it's definitely better than nothing! They had to process it manually since the online system can't handle this situation. My new claim is being backdated to when my benefits exhausted, so I should get those weeks paid once everything processes. Thanks everyone for the help and specific advice - especially the technical support number and the exact terminology to use. That made all the difference!
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