EDD won't let me file new claim after layoff - previous denied claim still shows open
Super frustrated right now! I had an unemployment claim back in April that got denied (something about insufficient wages in my base period), but when I check UI Online it STILL shows that claim as 'open' even though I'm not getting any benefits. Fast forward to now - I just got laid off last week due to budget cuts after working at a marketing agency for only 3 months. When I tried to file a new claim online, the system won't let me because it says I already have an active claim! I've called EDD like 20 times but always get the 'we're experiencing high call volume' message. What's my best option here? Do I need to somehow close the old denied claim first? Or is there a special way to file a new claim after a denied one? My savings are basically gone and rent is due in 2 weeks. Help!
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Lydia Bailey
You're dealing with what's called an 'invalid claim' situation. Even though your claim was denied, the system still shows it as open because technically the benefit year (12 months from filing) hasn't ended. You have two options: 1. Keep calling EDD until you get through. You need to speak with a Tier 2 specialist who can close the invalid claim and help you file a new one based on your most recent employment. 2. Submit a request through UI Online 'Contact Us' feature specifically asking them to cancel your current claim so you can file a new one. But honestly, this could take weeks to process. Your 3-month job should qualify you for a new claim IF you earned enough during that period and the quarters before that. Just know that your weekly benefit amount might be lower since it's based on your highest-earning quarter.
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Marcus Patterson
•Thanks for explaining the 'invalid claim' thing - that makes sense now. I've tried the Contact Us form already but haven't heard anything back yet (it's been 4 days). I'm worried about waiting weeks since I literally have bills coming due. Is there a specific time of day that works better for calling? I've been trying mid-morning but no luck.
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Mateo Warren
omg i had the EXACT same problem in feburary!!! so annoying. took me like 2 weeks to fix it and i almost got evicted. u gotta call right when they open at 8am sharp. dont bother with the online stuff it dosent work for this
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Marcus Patterson
•Ugh, two weeks?! I can't wait that long. I'll try calling right at 8am tomorrow. Did you have to explain the whole situation to them or is this a common issue they know how to fix?
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Sofia Price
I went through this exact situation last year. Let me tell you, calling at 8 AM won't necessarily help - I tried that for a week straight and couldn't get through. What worked for me was using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a system that calls EDD for you and connects you directly to an agent when one becomes available. Saved me days of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Once you get through to EDD, specifically ask for a Tier 2 specialist and explain that you need your previous invalid claim closed so you can file a new one based on your recent employment. They'll need to manually override the system to allow you to file a new claim.
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Alice Coleman
•Are you serious? There's actually a service that can get you through to EDD? That seems too good to be true considering how impossible it is to reach them. Has anyone else here used this Claimyr thing successfully? I'm desperate but also wary of giving my info to some random service.
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Owen Jenkins
THIS IS WHY THE EDD SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! They deny your claim but keep it "open" so you can't file a new one, then make it IMPOSSIBLE to reach anyone to fix their mistake!!! I bet if you were trying to PAY them instead of get benefits you'd get through right away. The whole system is designed to deny benefits by making it too frustrating to pursue. Sorry for the rant but this makes me so angry.
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Lilah Brooks
•While the system definitely has problems, I don't think it's intentionally designed to deny benefits. It's more about outdated technology and understaffing. But I agree it's incredibly frustrating.
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Lydia Bailey
Just to clarify something important here: Make sure when you do get through to EDD that you specifically ask them to check if you qualify for a new claim based on your most recent 3 months of employment. They'll need to look at your base period wages. If you worked only 3 months total in the last 18 months, you might not qualify for a regular UI claim yet. In that case, you'd need to ask about alternative programs or wait until you have sufficient wages in your base period. A trained EDD specialist should be able to evaluate your specific situation and give you options.
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Marcus Patterson
•That's a good point I hadn't considered. I did work part-time before the job I had in April (the one where my claim was denied), so hopefully between those wages and my recent 3-month full-time position I'll have enough in my base period. I'll make sure to ask them to check all my employment history.
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Mateo Warren
hey how did this turn out for u? were u able to get thru to edd? my cousin just got laid off and has the same problem with an old claim
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Marcus Patterson
•Update: I finally got through to EDD! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned here and got connected to an agent within an hour. The rep closed my old invalid claim and helped me file a new one based on my combined wages from the past 18 months. My weekly benefit amount is actually higher than I expected - $385/week. First certification is next Sunday. Tell your cousin not to waste time trying to call endlessly like I did!
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