EDD work history requirements - how many months at current job needed for UI benefits?

dude ur good!! dont worry bout how long at the current job. edd looks at ur TOTAL earnings across ALL jobs during the base period (usually the 12-18 months before u file). its not about time at one place

The previous commenter is mostly right, but let me clarify a few important points. EDD determines eligibility based on your earnings during a specific "base period" - which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So your earnings from your previous 4-year job would absolutely count if they fall within that timeframe. However, there are a couple of other factors to consider: 1. You need to have been separated from your job through no fault of your own (laid off, hours significantly reduced, etc.) 2. If you quit, you'd need to prove you had "good cause" (unsafe working conditions, discrimination, etc.) Being at your current job for only 6 weeks won't disqualify you from receiving benefits based on your earlier earnings, but how you leave this job matters significantly.

Just wanted to add that I was only at my last job for about 2 months when they laid me off, and I still qualified for benefits! But I had worked steady for like 3 years before that so had plenty in my base period. The unemployment office doesn't care how long you've been at your most recent job - they just want to see that you didn't get fired for misconduct or quit without good reason.

I help people navigate the EDD system regularly, and I can confirm what others have said. Your benefit eligibility depends on: 1. Your total earnings during the base period (not time at any single employer) 2. Being able and available for work 3. Actively seeking work while on benefits 4. Being separated from your most recent employer through no fault of your own If you're let go during a probationary period, that typically qualifies as a layoff unless there's misconduct involved. Just be aware that if you're fired for performance issues, EDD may investigate whether it constitutes misconduct, which could affect eligibility. Also, make sure you understand what constitutes "good cause" before considering quitting. Document everything if you're experiencing a toxic workplace - times, dates, incidents, who was involved, etc. This documentation could be crucial if you need to prove good cause later.

I was in almost your EXACT situation last year! At my job for 8 weeks when they decided to "go in a different direction" 🙄 The unemployment process was a NIGHTMARE!!! I kept trying to call EDD to confirm I was eligible with such short employment but NEVER got through. Busy signals for 2 weeks straight!! Finally I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual EDD rep in like 30 minutes! They have this system that keeps dialing until it gets through. Saved me so much stress! They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD rep confirmed that my previous work history was what mattered for the base period calculation, not my short time at the last job. Got approved without any issues after that conversation.

Be careful with all this advice about quitting. I quit a toxic job without enough documentation and EDD DENIED my claim!!! Had to go through a whole appeal process that took MONTHS. Even if you have a legitimate reason to quit, EDD puts the burden on YOU to prove it was the employer's fault. They automatically side with employers in my experience. If you're having issues, try to get laid off instead of quitting. Or at least make sure you have TONS of evidence about the toxic workplace - emails, texts, HR complaints, everything! Just my 2 cents after a horrible experience with the system.

One other point worth mentioning: if you don't qualify based on the standard base period, EDD might be able to use an "alternate base period" which looks at more recent earnings. This helps people who haven't been in the workforce long or had gaps in employment. They don't automatically check this though - you'd need to specifically request they look at your alternate base period if the standard one doesn't qualify you for benefits.

Just want to throw in my experience. I had almost your exact situation back in 2023. Was at a company for 5 years, then took a new job that turned out to be terrible. They let me go after only 2 months. I was worried about qualifying but had no problems getting benefits based on my previous work history. As long as you've earned enough in your base period (which sounds like you would have with 4 years at your previous job), and you're not fired for misconduct, you should be fine.