EDD system showing my old 2020 claim when trying to file after being fired - stuck on hold for hours

The old claim showing up is a common glitch in the UI Online system. It happens when you had a previous claim that wasn't properly closed out in the system. As for the 2-week waiting period, that's partially correct but misunderstood by your HR person. There's a one-week unpaid waiting period for all UI claims, but you can absolutely FILE your claim immediately after separation.\n\nHere's what I recommend:\n1. Try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then log back in\n2. If that doesn't work, try using a different browser altogether\n3. If the system still shows your old claim, you'll need to speak with a tier 2 specialist who can manually reset things on their end\n\nDon't wait to file your claim - do it ASAP, then deal with the technical issues separately.

Thank you! I tried clearing my cache but it's still showing the old claim. I'll try Firefox instead of Chrome tonight. Do you know if there's a better time to call? I'm getting desperate to reach someone who can actually help.

omg same thing happened 2 me last month!!! old claim from 2021 kept showing up and i cudnt click ANYTHING. so frustrating!!!! i ended up having 2 call like 50+ times before i got thru. they told me something about my account being 'locked in review status' whatever that means lol

50+ times?? That's insane. Did they eventually fix it for you? I'm worried about missing out on benefits while this gets sorted.

yep they fixed it but took like 3 days after i talked to them for it to actually work again. something about resetting the account on their end. good luck!!!

I've called EDD literally hundreds of times over the years and learned all their tricks. The system is DESIGNED to frustrate you into giving up.\n\nYour HR person is WRONG about waiting 2 weeks. You can file immediately after separation, but there's a standard 1-week waiting period before benefits start. That's totally different than when you can FILE.\n\nAs for the old claim showing up - that's because their ancient computer system doesn't properly close out old claims. It's especially bad if you had a pandemic claim (PUA, PEUC, etc). An EDD rep has to manually fix this for you. KEEP CALLING.

Thanks for confirming I can file now! I did have a PUA claim back in 2020 during the worst of the pandemic shutdowns, so that makes sense. I just wish there was a better way to reach them than spending hours on hold only to get disconnected.

If you're struggling to get through to EDD on the phone, you might want to try Claimyr. I was in a similar situation with an old claim causing problems and spent days trying to reach someone. A friend recommended this service and it got me through to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a system that basically calls EDD for you and then connects you when they get through. Check out their website at claimyr.com - they have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km\n\nOnce I got through to an actual tier 2 specialist, they were able to reset my account and clear the old claim data in about 10 minutes. Saved me days of frustration.

does this actually work?? im gonna try it 2morrow, spent all day trying 2 get thru again & nothing

It worked for me and three other people I know who've used it. Just make sure you're ready with all your claim info when they connect you.

I've never heard of this service before. I'll check out the video. At this point I'd try anything to avoid another day of calling and getting nowhere.

Can I just say how much I HATE the EDD phone system?!? I went through exactly what you're describing last year. Spent HOURS AND HOURS on hold only to get disconnected or transferred to nowhere. It's like they intentionally make it impossible to get help.\n\nMy issue was similar - had a claim from 2021 that somehow got stuck in the system, and I couldn't file a new one after getting laid off. The only thing that worked was physically going to an EDD office. I don't know if that's an option for you, but at least there they can't hang up on you.

I didn't even think about going to an office in person! Do you know if I need an appointment or can I just show up? There's one about 30 minutes from me.

When I went, they were doing walk-ins but the line was CRAZY long. Got there 30 min before opening and still waited 2+ hours. But at least I got the issue fixed that day! Call ahead to check their current policy though.

Thanks for the tip! I'll try calling them tomorrow morning to check about walk-ins. 2 hours waiting in person sounds a lot better than endless phone calls going nowhere.

Your situation has a few things going on:\n\n1. Regarding the old claim - this is a known technical issue with UI Online that requires intervention from a tier 2 specialist. When you had a previous claim (especially from the pandemic period), the system sometimes fails to properly recognize it as exhausted/closed, creating this conflict.\n\n2. About the waiting period - your HR person is conflating several different things. You can and SHOULD file immediately after separation, but there are some relevant timeframes to understand:\n - 1-week unpaid waiting period (standard for all claims)\n - 10-day response window for employers after you file\n - If you were fired for misconduct, there may be additional eligibility determination needed\n\n3. For the UI Online glitch, you'll need to speak with a rep who can manually update your account status. The fastest ways to get help are:\n - Call right when they open (8:00 am)\n - Try the online UI Message Center (though with a locked account, this might not work)\n - Visit an America's Job Center/EDD office in person\n\nDon't wait to file - that advice from HR is incorrect. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim can begin processing.

Thank you for this detailed explanation! This makes a lot more sense than what my HR person told me. I'll try calling right at 8am tomorrow and if that doesn't work, I'll try visiting an office in person. I appreciate your help!

wait but i thought u cant get unemployment if ur fired?? dont u have to be laid off? im confused

This is a common misconception. You can receive unemployment benefits if you were fired, UNLESS it was for misconduct. Being fired for performance issues, not being the right fit, or most other reasons still qualifies you for benefits. The employer may contest it, but unless they can prove misconduct (which has a specific legal definition), you should still be eligible.

oh wow i didnt know that! thx for explaining

I was let go because they said my position was being eliminated, but then they called it a termination on my paperwork. From what I understand, I should still qualify since it wasn't for misconduct.

As a follow-up to my earlier comment, I wanted to add that if you're able to get through to EDD, specifically ask for a tier 2 specialist. The first-level representatives often can't help with this particular issue of an old claim blocking a new one. \n\nWhen you do reach someone, explain that you need to have your previous claim properly closed out in the system so you can file a new claim. Use those specific words. That will help get you to the right department faster.\n\nAlso, try calling their technical support line instead of the main UI line: (855) 327-7057. Sometimes it's easier to get through there, and they can often help with UI Online issues or transfer you to someone who can.

Thank you for that specific phone number! I'll try that one tomorrow. And thanks for the exact wording to use - that's really helpful. I'll update here if I manage to get this resolved.