EDD wage requirements for reapplying after prior UI claim - confused about earnings threshold

To qualify for a new UI claim, you need to have earned enough wages during your base period. For EDD, the base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. You need to have earned at least $1,300 in your highest quarter OR at least $900 in your highest quarter plus 1.25x your highest quarter earnings in the total base period. So if you've only earned $4,800 over 5 months, whether that's enough depends on how those earnings were distributed across quarters. If most of that $4,800 was earned in one quarter, you might qualify.

i went thru this last yr. u need 1300 in a quarter at minimum. but remember base period is weird its not just last few months. if u worked b4 ur last claim that might count too. edd looks at earning from like a year ago too

The base period system can be confusing, but here's how it works for claims filed in 2025: If you file in January-March 2025: Your base period is October 2023 through September 2024 If you file in April-June 2025: Your base period is January 2024 through December 2024 If you file in July-September 2025: Your base period is April 2024 through March 2025 If you file in October-December 2025: Your base period is July 2024 through June 2025 The key question is when your previous claim ended (5 months ago) and when exactly you earned that $4,800. If that $4,800 falls within your base period and meets the minimum earnings requirements, you should qualify.

Based on what you've shared, if you file in May 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024. If you were on unemployment for much of that period, you might not have enough earnings in that base period to qualify for a new claim. However, California does have an Alternate Base Period (ABP) that can be used if you don't qualify under the standard base period. The ABP uses the most recent 4 completed quarters. So in your case, that would include your recent $4,800 in earnings. You won't know for sure until you apply and EDD reviews your earnings, but it sounds like you might qualify under the ABP if not the standard base period.

I was in a similar situation and tried calling EDD to get clarity about my qualifying wages, but spent DAYS trying to get through. I eventually used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. The rep explained exactly how my wages qualified and helped me understand if my claim would be approved. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Turns out I did qualify using the Alternate Base Period since my standard base period didn't have enough wages. The phone rep was actually super helpful once I got through to them.

whatever you do, DONT close your current claim to open a new one!!! apply for the new claim when your benefit year ends. i made that mistake thinking i needed more money and had to wait 3 MONTHS to get paid again while they sorted it out!!

One more thing to consider - even if you qualify for a new claim, the weekly benefit amount might be lower than your previous claim if your earnings during the new base period are lower than what you earned before your original claim. Also, when you apply, make sure to accurately report all employment since your last claim. EDD cross-checks with employer tax records, and discrepancies can lead to delays or disqualifications.

Did ANYONE else notice that the EDD website completely changed their explanation of base periods?? I swear last year they had a calculator that would tell you if you qualified, and now it's gone. The whole system feels designed to confuse people and deny claims. Every time I think I understand the rules, they seem to change them!

To summarize what we've discussed for your situation: 1. You need at least $1,300 in your highest quarter OR $900 in your highest quarter plus 1.25x that amount total 2. Your base period would be January 2024-December 2024 if filing now 3. Since you were on unemployment during part of that period, you might need to use the Alternate Base Period 4. The ABP would include your recent $4,800 in earnings 5. You should apply and let EDD determine if you qualify 6. Consider using a calling service if you need to speak with an EDD representative for clarification Finally, once you apply, make sure to certify for benefits every two weeks even while your claim is pending determination.