EDD portal won't let me file new claim - stuck in loop with old COVID claim

This is a common issue with UI Online when there's an old claim in the system. You don't need a new account, but you DO need to speak with an EDD representative to close out or reset your old claim before you can file a new one. They basically have to clear out the old COVID-era claim from their system. Unfortunately you can't fix this through the portal yourself - trust me, I tried every possible link and button when I had this same problem in December.

same thing happened 2 me last month!! so annoying right? i kept clicking around for like an hour thinking i was doing something wrong lol

I experienced this exact issue in February. The EDD system doesn't automatically clear expired claims from the COVID era, which creates this frustrating loop. Here's what you need to do: 1. Call the EDD at 1-800-300-5616 2. Request that they manually close your previous claim 3. Once they've done that, you'll be able to file a new claim through the portal Important: Make sure you have your previous claim information handy when you call (dates, claim ID if you have it). And be prepared - it might take multiple calls to get through due to high call volume. I recommend calling right when they open at 8AM.

Definitely a system glitch. Happened to my cousin and she had to call EDD like 20 times before getting thru. Their website is stuck in 2005 I swear

Try Claimyr - it totally saved me when I had this exact problem with my old COVID claim blocking a new application. I spent THREE DAYS trying to get through on my own with no luck. Claimyr got me connected to an EDD agent in about 25 minutes who cleared out my old claim so I could file a new one. They have a demo video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Seriously, check out claimyr.com - it was worth it to not waste days of my life redialing EDD constantly.

THEY DO THIS ON PURPOSE I SWEAR!!! The EDD system is DESIGNED to be confusing and keep people from filing new claims. I went through the exact same thing in January and had to call SIXTY-FOUR TIMES over THREE DAYS before I got a human on the phone. And guess what? The rep fixed my "portal issue" in literally 2 minutes!! It's all a tactic to discourage people from collecting benefits they're entitled to. The whole system is broken by design!!!!

One more tip that might help - if you're still unable to get through on the phone, you can try visiting an EDD office in person. They can often resolve these portal issues on the spot. Here's a link to find your nearest office: https://www.edd.ca.gov/office_locator/

My brother said if u call at exactly 8:01 am you have a better chance of getting through. worked for him last month

Just to clarify something important: Once you do get through to EDD and have them clear your old claim, you'll need to complete a new application process. Make sure you have the following ready: 1. Your employment history for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, phone numbers) 2. Last date worked and reason for separation from each employer 3. Your driver's license or state ID 4. Your citizenship status and right to work verification After filing, you'll likely need to complete ID verification through ID.me if you haven't done so since 2021. The whole process has changed a bit since the COVID era.