EDD system won't let me file new claim after W-2 work - need to report 1099 income too?

ugh their system is so broken. this happened to me twice last year. you def need to call them - the online system sometimes doesnt register new w2 work correctly, especially if you had an existing claim. when you do call (good luck lol) just tell them about the w2 work. thats what matters for a regular UI claim. the 1099 stuff isnt relevant for qualifying unless your trying to get PUA which isnt a thing anymore anyway

You're getting this message because the EDD system hasn't received or processed your latest W-2 income data yet. This is actually a common issue with their automated system. To clarify: For regular UI eligibility, they primarily look at your W-2 wages during the base period (typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before filing). The 1099 income generally doesn't count toward your UI monetary eligibility, but you should still have that information ready. When you call, be prepared with: 1. Your W-2 employer details (company name, address, phone number) 2. Start and end dates of employment 3. Reason for separation 4. Total earnings during the base period They may ask about your 1099 work for verification purposes or to determine if you had any conflicting employment, but it won't help qualify you for a regular UI claim. Hope that helps!

I went through the exact same thing in January! It's definitely a system glitch. When I called, the representative manually reviewed my income and was able to process a new claim for me right over the phone. Regarding your question about the 1099 income - you should disclose it if they specifically ask about other sources of income during the application process, but it won't help qualify you for regular UI. Only your W-2 wages count toward your benefit calculation. Just be aware though - if you continue doing any 1099 work while collecting UI, you'll need to report that income during your bi-weekly certifications, and it will reduce your weekly benefit amount accordingly. Good luck getting through to them - it took me two full days of calling. I ended up using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to a rep much faster. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Totally worth it to avoid the endless busy signals.

Yes, it worked for me. Instead of spending days making hundreds of calls myself, I got through in about an hour. They basically continually call EDD for you using their system until they get through, then connect you directly with the EDD rep.

I HATE that stupid message!! The exact same thing happened to me, and when I finally got through to EDD, they said their system doesn't automatically detect new W2 income if you had a previous claim. The rep had to manually override it and take my info over the phone. BUT! Big important point - you should ABSOLUTELY mention ALL your income sources including 1099 work! I didn't mention my small Uber driving gig during my phone application, and it caused a huge headache later. They eventually found out through tax records and put a freeze on my claim until I had an eligibility interview where I had to explain why I "withheld information" (even though I didn't think it was relevant!). Just tell them everything upfront - they'll determine what counts toward your claim and what doesn't. Better to be completely transparent than get flagged for potential fraud later.

Yes, it got approved after the interview, but it delayed my benefits by almost 5 weeks. The interviewer was actually pretty understanding once I explained I didn't realize I needed to report the 1099 work, but it still was a huge hassle that could have been avoided if I'd just mentioned everything upfront. They said they care about having a complete picture of your work history, even if not all of it counts toward UI eligibility.

My suggestion: When you call EDD to file a new claim, just answer their questions as asked. Don't volunteer extra information unless they specifically request it. The EDD representatives know exactly what information they need for a claim and will ask for it. They'll likely ask if you had any other employment during the base period. When they do, THEN mention your 1099 work. But don't stress about it - the rep will guide you through the entire process. The real challenge is getting through on the phone! I spent 3 weeks trying before I finally got through. Start calling right when they open at 8am for the best chance. And be prepared to be on hold for 2+ hours once you do get through.

btw dont even bother with the main 800 number. use the technical support line (833-978-2511). way easier to get through and they can transfer you to claims if needed.

Quick update on what will happen when you do reach a representative. They'll likely: 1. Review your previous claim 2. Take information about your most recent W-2 employment 3. Ask if you've had any other work (this is when you should mention your 1099 gigs) 4. Calculate your new benefit amount based on your W-2 earnings only 5. Process your new claim over the phone After that, you should receive a series of notices in the mail confirming your new claim and benefit amount within 7-10 days. You'll also need to certify for benefits once the new claim is established. Regarding your W-2 documentation - having your paystubs ready is always helpful, especially if there might be a discrepancy between what you report and what they have on file. Better to have them and not need them than the other way around.

You know what really BUGS me?? The fact that in 2025 we still have to CALL and sit on hold for hours just to file a simple UI claim!!! Every other government system has been modernized but EDD is stuck in the dark ages. It's RIDICULOUS that their online system can't handle basic things like manually entering W-2 income. ARRRGGGH!!!! 😠😠😠