EDD multi-state claim question - worked in CA for 12 months but previously in Texas
I'm super confused about filing my unemployment claim since I have work history in multiple states. I've been working in California for exactly 12 months, but before that I was employed in Texas for about 2 years. On the EDD application there's a question asking if I've worked in another state during the last 18 months, which I technically have. If I answer 'yes' to this question, will California EDD make me file in Texas instead? Or can I still file my entire claim through California since my most recent work was here? I really don't want to deal with Texas unemployment if I don't have to. Has anyone dealt with multi-state claims before?
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Malik Jackson
You should be able to file in California since that's where you most recently worked. When you indicate you worked in another state, California EDD will likely request your wage information from Texas through something called a "combined wage claim." This lets them include ALL your wages (from both states) when calculating your benefit amount, which could actually increase your weekly payment. You won't need to file separately with Texas. EDD handles coordinating with the other state.
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LunarLegend
•That's such a relief! I was worried I'd have to deal with two different unemployment systems. So I just answer honestly about the Texas work history and California handles everything from there? That sounds WAY easier than I thought it would be.
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Isabella Oliveira
yes i had the same situation but with nevada instead of texas. just put yes on the form and edd will do all the work. took like 2 extra weeks for my claim to process tho fyi
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LunarLegend
•Thanks for sharing your experience! I can handle a couple extra weeks of processing time as long as I don't have to file multiple claims. Did they end up including your Nevada wages in your benefit calculation?
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Ravi Patel
WRONG INFORMATION ABOVE! I went through this exact situation last year and it was a complete NIGHTMARE!!! When I answered YES to working in another state, EDD told me I needed to file with my previous state first since I didn't have enough CA quarters. Ended up stuck between both states for MONTHS with no income. They kept sending me back and forth between systems!!!
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Freya Andersen
•I think your situation might have been different. If someone worked in California for their most recent 12 months (4 quarters), they should qualify for a California-only claim without needing wages from the other state. The system only directs you to file in a previous state if you don't have enough qualifying wages in California. Since the original poster has worked in CA for 12 months, they should be able to file in California without issues.
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Omar Zaki
I had a multi-state claim situation between CA and Arizona. My advice is to try calling EDD before you submit your application online to make sure you're filing correctly. The online system isn't always clear about multi-state claims and you might get conflicting information. I waited on hold forever trying to reach someone though...
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CosmicCrusader
•Try using Claimyr if you're having trouble reaching EDD by phone. It got me through to an agent in about 15-20 minutes when I was dealing with a similar issue. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km that shows how it works. Saved me days of redial frustration when I needed to sort out my multi-state claim between CA and Washington.
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Chloe Robinson
Just wondering... did u quit ur job in CA or were u laid off? cause that might affect ur eligibility more than the multi-state issue tbh
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LunarLegend
•Good point! I was laid off from my California job due to company downsizing. They gave me a formal layoff notice and everything, so I should be eligible based on that reason for separation.
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Freya Andersen
To summarize what others have said: 1. Since you worked in California for the past 12 months, you'll file your claim with California EDD 2. Answer "yes" to the question about working in another state during the past 18 months 3. California will determine if they need to include your Texas wages in what's called a "combined wage claim" 4. If your CA wages alone qualify you for a claim, they might just process it as a CA-only claim 5. If they need your Texas wages, they'll request that information from Texas (this can delay processing by 2-3 weeks) You only need to file one claim, and that's with California. The system is designed to handle multi-state work histories. Just make sure you report all employment accurately.
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LunarLegend
•Thank you for breaking it down so clearly! This makes me feel much better about the whole process. I'll file with California and make sure to answer the multi-state question accurately.
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