EDD suddenly disqualified my reopened claim - no explanation or notice!
I'm seriously freaking out right now. I got laid off from my marketing job at the end of January and immediately tried to file for unemployment. When I logged into UI Online, it showed my old claim from May 2024 was still active (even though I never received benefits because I voluntarily quit that job). The system only gave me the option to 'reopen' my existing claim instead of filing a new one. I carefully entered all the information about my most recent employer where I was laid off and thought everything was good to go. My UI Online account shows I have an active claim period from 01/28/2025 through 01/26/2026 with a weekly benefit amount of $450 and a total claim balance of $11,700. Last night I certified for my first two weeks and was excited to finally get some financial relief. This morning I checked my account and it shows 'DISQUALIFICATION' for both weeks! No explanation, no message, no letter, nothing! Just a big red 'disqualified' status. The only mail I've received was the initial claim confirmation. What the heck happened? Am I missing something obvious? Do I need to appeal this or is there some way to fix the issue myself before calling? I'm completely out of savings and need this resolved ASAP!
19 comments
Giovanni Greco
This happeend to me 2 months ago! EDD system is so messed up. When u reopen an old claim that was disqualified, it sometimes just carries over the old disqualification without even reviewing ur new info. U definitely need 2 call them asap and explain that u got laid off (not quit) from the new job. They'll probably have to manually review ur claim.
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Amara Eze
•Thank you for responding! That makes sense about the old disqualification carrying over. I've been trying to call all morning but keep getting the automated message that they're experiencing high call volume. Is there any specific number or time of day that worked for you?
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Fatima Al-Farsi
This is a common issue with the EDD system. When you reopen a previously disqualified claim, the system often automatically applies the previous disqualification without reviewing your new circumstances. Here's what you need to do: 1. Call EDD directly to explain that you were laid off (which is a qualifying event) from your most recent employer 2. Request that they review your most recent separation reason 3. Ask them to remove the disqualification and reprocess your certification You may also need to provide proof of your layoff (such as a separation letter or final pay stub). The key is getting through to a representative who can manually review your claim details. Don't wait for a notice since the system may not automatically generate one in these cases.
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Amara Eze
•Thank you for the detailed steps! I have my termination letter and final pay stub ready. Just need to actually reach someone at EDD now...
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Dylan Wright
the edd computers just pull whatever u did last time and apply it again. u need a real person to fix it. but good luck getting thru on phone lol took me 3 weeks of trying
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Amara Eze
•3 WEEKS?! I can't wait that long... I have rent due next week! There has to be a faster way to reach them.
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Dylan Wright
•ya i kno it sucks. but once u do get thru they can usually fix it right away if u have proof u were laid off
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Sofia Torres
After dealing with a similar situation (different circumstances, same frustrating disqualification), I finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an EDD representative within 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They basically call EDD for you and transfer you once they get through. Check out their website claimyr.com or their demo video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Once I got through to an actual person, they removed the disqualification pretty quickly after verifying my new employment situation. For claim issues like yours where the system is wrongly applying old information, you really need to speak with a rep who can manually review everything.
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GalacticGuardian
•Does this actually work? I'm skeptical about these services since there's so many scams out there related to unemployment. Has anyone else used this?
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Amara Eze
•Thank you! I just watched the video and am going to give this a try. At this point I'm willing to try anything to avoid weeks of calling with no success.
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Dmitry Smirnov
Similar thing happened to me. When I finally got through to EDD, they told me that reopening a claim doesn't erase the previous determination. What you need to do is file an appeal using the DE 1000M form. You can access this through UI Online under the "More Services" menu or download it from the EDD website. On the appeal form, clearly explain that you were laid off from your most recent employer (include company name and dates) and that this is different from your previous disqualification. Include your termination letter as evidence. While the appeal is processing, KEEP CERTIFYING FOR BENEFITS each week. If your appeal is successful, they'll pay you retroactively for all the weeks you certified. The appeal process takes about 2-3 weeks for them to schedule a hearing.
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Amara Eze
•Thank you for mentioning the appeal form! I'll start that process right away while I also try to reach them by phone. And good reminder about continuing to certify - I probably would have stopped doing that thinking it was pointless.
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Ava Rodriguez
YOU GOT DISQUALED BECUZ THE COMPUTER IS STUPID!!! The EDD computer thinks ur trying to claim benefits on ur old claim where u quit (which is a big NO-NO for benefits). The IDIOTS at EDD dont review anything manually anymore!! They just let the computer run everything and we all suffer!!! I had to CALL THEM 156 TIMES IN ONE DAY to finally get through last month for a similar problem!!!!!
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Amara Eze
•156 times?! That's absolutely insane. The system is clearly broken if that's what it takes to get help.
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GalacticGuardian
When you reopen a claim, you should receive a Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award letter that shows your benefit calculation and a Notice of Unemployment Insurance Claim Filed with the details from your application. Did you receive either of these? If not, there might be an issue with your mailing address in the system. Also, while trying to get through on the phone, check your UI Online inbox for any messages - sometimes they send digital notices that don't come in the mail. And double-check that you answered all the certification questions correctly, especially if you reported any income during those weeks.
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Amara Eze
•I did receive the Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award letter about a week after reopening my claim, but nothing about a disqualification. I've checked my UI Online inbox repeatedly and there's nothing there either. And I'm 100% sure I answered the certification questions correctly - I had no income to report for those weeks and was available and looking for work each day.
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Fatima Al-Farsi
I wanted to follow up with an important point: When you call EDD, make sure to specifically request that they perform a "new determination of eligibility based on your most recent employer separation." Use those exact words. This tells the representative that you need them to override the previous disqualification and make a new decision based on your layoff. Also, if your claim is showing that you have a benefit amount and claim balance already calculated, that's a good sign - it means the system recognizes you have sufficient wages in your base period to qualify. This is truly just an issue of the old disqualification being carried over incorrectly.
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Amara Eze
•Thank you for that specific wording! I'll definitely use that exact phrase when I finally reach someone. And yes, my claim does show a weekly benefit amount and total claim balance, which is why the disqualification is so frustrating - I know I should qualify based on my earnings and layoff situation.
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Amara Eze
UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD! Used that Claimyr service and it actually worked - was connected to a representative in about 15 minutes. The rep confirmed exactly what many of you said - the system had automatically carried over my previous disqualification without reviewing my new circumstances. She removed the disqualification after verifying my layoff details and reprocessed my certifications. She said I should see the payment status change to "paid" within 24-48 hours and receive funds on my EDD debit card shortly after. For anyone facing a similar situation, definitely call as soon as possible and specifically ask them to review your most recent separation reason. Thank you all for your help and advice!
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