EDD reporting confusion: Got settlement check dated weeks ago - report on next certification or backdate?
I'm totally confused about how to handle this settlement check I just received. My former employer sent me a $2,800 check for "breach of service" that's dated 10/23/2025, but I only received it in the mail today (11/06/2025). The problem is I already certified for the week ending 10/28 and reported $0 income since I didn't have the check yet. Should I report this on my next certification for this current week even though the check is dated from the previous period? Or do I need to go back and correct my previous certification somehow? I really don't want to get flagged for fraud or anything, but I also don't want to delay my benefits by making a mistake. Has anyone dealt with settlement checks while on unemployment? Help!
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Sofia Martinez
I went through something similar last year. You need to report the income for the week you RECEIVED the check, not the date on the check. So report it when you certify for the period including 11/06. That's what the EDD representative told me when I called about my situation.
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Dylan Mitchell
•Thanks! That actually makes me feel better. So I don't need to go back and try to fix my previous certification? I just report it for this current period?
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Dmitry Volkov
actualy no ur supposed to report income for the period it was EARNED not when u got paid. if the check says breach of service u need to figure out what period that was for. probably not just one week, maybe call ur old work and ask!
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Ava Thompson
•This is WRONG information. Settlements are different from regular wages. EDD specifically says to report lump sum payments in the week you RECEIVE them, not when they were earned. Don't confuse the person more!
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CyberSiren
I'd just call EDD and ask them directly. This sounds like a specific situation where getting the official answer is important. You don't want to have an overpayment issue later or get your claim flagged.
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Dylan Mitchell
•I tried calling 3 times already but can't get through! It's so frustrating because I need to certify again in a few days and I want to do it right.
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Miguel Alvarez
If you're having trouble getting through to EDD, you might want to try Claimyr. I was in the same boat - couldn't get through for days and was stressing about reporting some income correctly. Claimyr got me connected to an actual EDD rep in about 20 minutes. Their website is claimyr.com and you can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Definitely worth it for peace of mind on something like this where you need an official answer.
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Dylan Mitchell
•Thank you! I hadn't heard of this service before. I'm going to check out that video right now because I really need to talk to someone at EDD before I submit my next certification.
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Zainab Yusuf
Settlement checks are considered "severance pay" according to EDD guidelines, and should be reported in the week received, not when dated. This is directly from the EDD handbook. You report it on Question #6 during certification for the week of 11/06. Make sure to keep documentation showing when you actually received it (like the envelope with postmark) in case there's any question later.
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Connor O'Reilly
•my brother got a settlement check 2 and he just reported it when he got it. edd never said anything about it being wrong so ur probably fine
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Ava Thompson
Just want to add - when you report it on your certification for this week, make sure you write "SETTLEMENT PAYMENT" in the explanation box. That way they know it's not regular wages. Also, depending on the amount, your benefits might be reduced or eliminated for that week, but it shouldn't affect future weeks unless the settlement amount is huge.
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Dylan Mitchell
•Oh, I didn't know about writing "settlement payment" in the explanation box - that's a good tip! The check is for $2,800 so I assume I won't get benefits for that week, which sucks but at least I'll be following the rules.
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Dmitry Volkov
but wait isnt that unfair if the settlement was for like a whole year of something but they take ur whole weekly benefit away? thats messed up system
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Zainab Yusuf
•That's actually a good point, but it's just how the system works. EDD doesn't prorate settlements across the time period they represent - they count in the week received. It can seem unfair, but the alternative would create a lot of verification issues for them. Always best to follow their reporting rules even if imperfect.
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Sofia Martinez
Just as an update in case anyone finds this thread later - I spoke with an EDD rep and confirmed that settlement/severance is reported in the week you RECEIVE it, not when it's dated or earned. So the original advice I gave was correct. Also, keep the envelope it came in as proof of when you received it in case EDD questions the timing.
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Dylan Mitchell
•Thank you SO MUCH for following up! I was able to connect with EDD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned, and they told me the exact same thing. I reported it for the week I received it, and everything went smoothly. Appreciate everyone's help on this!
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