EDD unemployment for self-employed after asbestos found in flooded office?

You might be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) if your county has been declared a disaster area due to the flooding. However, for regular UI benefits, self-employed individuals generally don't qualify unless you've paid into the UI system through an employer or elected to participate in the optional coverage program. Did you have any W-2 employment during your base period (roughly the 12-15 months before your claim) or did you opt into the Self-Employed Elective Coverage program when you started your business?

have u check if ur buisness insurance covers loss of income? mine did when i had a similar thing happen at my barber shop few yrs ago. not edd but still money

Unfortunately, standard unemployment insurance typically doesn't cover self-employed individuals unless you voluntarily opted into Self-Employed Elective Coverage through EDD (which few small business owners actually do because the premiums are high). Instead of EDD, I would look into: 1. SBA disaster loans if your area gets declared a disaster zone 2. Filing a claim against the building owner's insurance for business interruption 3. Checking if your renter's agreement has any clauses about alternative arrangements You might also qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI) if you can document health impacts from potential asbestos exposure, but that would require medical documentation.

I went through something kinda similar when wildfires shut down my area last year and I couldn't operate my mobile dog grooming business. EDD was IMPOSSIBLE to reach when I had questions. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually get through to a real person at EDD. They have this service that connects you with an EDD rep without waiting in those endless phone queues. Saved me hours of frustration! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

@jessdrake1990 It's totally legit! I was skeptical too but it worked for me. They just help you skip the phone queue so you can actually talk to someone at EDD. Worth it when you're desperate to get answers about your specific situation.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS!!!! We pay taxes like everyone else but get ZERO SUPPORT when disasters happen. During COVID they finally gave us PUA but now we're back to nothing. I had a similar issue in 2022 when my shop had to close for repairs and EDD basically told me to go pound sand because I'm self-employed. It's complete BS!!!

One more thing to consider - if you've paid into State Disability Insurance (SDI) through your self-employment taxes, you might qualify for Paid Family Leave if you need to relocate temporarily to find work or deal with this crisis. It's not unemployment but it could provide some temporary financial relief. Also, document EVERYTHING related to the flood and asbestos situation. Take photos, save all emails from the property management, and get the remediation timeline in writing. This will be important for any insurance claims or potential legal action.

I would definitely contact EDD directly about your specific situation. While standard UI typically doesn't apply to self-employed individuals, there are occasionally special programs or exceptions, especially in cases involving public health hazards like asbestos. The regulations around unemployment can be complex and situation-dependent. One more thing to consider: if you incorporated your business and paid yourself as an employee with W-2 wages (rather than operating as a sole proprietor taking owner draws), you might actually qualify for regular UI benefits.

did u check if the asbestos thing counts as a public health emergency? my cousin got some kinda special assistance when his restaurant had to close for a similar health code thing last year, wasn't regular unemployment tho something else

Update: I spoke with my landlord and they're going to file a claim with their insurance that might cover some displaced business costs! Also contacted the county health department about the asbestos situation - they're sending an inspector to evaluate if it qualifies as a public health concern that might open up some emergency assistance. Thanks everyone for the suggestions - still figuring this out but at least I have some directions to pursue now. Will update when I know more about what help is available.