Eligible for EDD after short-term contract job ends? Been with temp position since October

Yes, you can absolutely file for unemployment when your temp contract ends! That's considered a layoff due to 'lack of work' which is a qualifying reason for UI benefits. The key is that the employer is ending the relationship, not you choosing to leave. Make sure you have documentation showing your contract end date. When you certify, be honest that you knew it was temporary, but that doesn't disqualify you.

i was in the same boat last yr. temp job for 6 months, got ui after no problem 👍

To add to what others said - technically you need to have earned enough wages in your base period to qualify. Since you mentioned leaving a job before starting this temp position in October, those wages would count too (as long as they're within the base period). The EDD looks at earnings 5-17 months before you file, so having worked before this temp job will help your claim amount. Just make sure when you file you list ALL employers from the past 18 months.

Have they given ANY hints about keeping you? Sometimes companies drag their feet on converting temps. I'd recommend asking your manager directly about your status before worrying about unemployment. Nothing to lose at this point!

When my contract ended last year, I tried calling EDD to file my claim and got the DREADED "we're experiencing high call volume" message for DAYS!!! I was getting so stressed because I needed to file right away. Then I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual EDD rep in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Not saying you'll definitely need it, but if you run into phone troubles when trying to file or ask questions about your specific situation, it saved me so much frustration.

dont listen to these people!!! u CANT get unemployment if u KNEW the job was temporary when u took it!!! thats considered voluntary unemployment!!! my cousin tried and they DENIED him!!

Since you mentioned this is your first time filing, here are some tips for when your contract does end: 1. File your claim online through UI Online the same day your contract ends 2. Be prepared to list ALL employers from the past 18 months with contact info 3. When asked for separation reason, select "Laid Off/No Work" 4. For the question about whether you expect to return, select "No" 5. You'll need to certify every two weeks - set calendar reminders! 6. You MUST look for work while receiving benefits - document all job search activities Just be honest throughout the application. Temp work ending is a standard qualifying reason.

my advice: start looking for a new job ASAP don't wait till the contract ends. unemployment pays way less than working and it's stressful dealing with EDD.

In response to your question about work search requirements - EDD generally expects you to make at least 3 job contacts per week, but there's no specific number they enforce. The key is to document everything: application date, company name, position, how you applied, and any response. It's better to do more than less. Keep a detailed log in case they ever request proof of your work search activities.

Just wanted to add - when you do file your claim, make sure to keep copies of everything related to your temp contract (original job offer, any contract extensions, final termination notice, etc.). EDD sometimes requests documentation to verify your separation reason, especially with temp work since some people confuse it with quitting. Having that paperwork ready can speed up your claim processing. Also, if your temp agency finds you another assignment before your benefits start, you'd need to report that income - but crossing that bridge when you come to it! Good luck with everything!

Another thing to keep in mind - if your temp agency offers you a different assignment before your current contract ends, you might want to consider it even if it's not ideal. EDD can consider refusing suitable work as a disqualifying factor. But if no other assignments are offered and your current contract simply ends, you're definitely eligible. I've seen people in similar situations get approved without any issues. The main thing is being honest about your situation and having your documentation ready. Since you've been working since October, you should have enough quarters of earnings to qualify for a decent benefit amount too.

I went through this exact situation a few years ago with a 6-month contract that ended as scheduled. Filed for unemployment the day after my last day and was approved without any issues. The EDD representative I spoke with explained that temp contracts ending on their scheduled date are treated the same as layoffs - it's the employer ending the work relationship, not you choosing to leave. One tip: when you fill out the application, there's a section asking about "availability for work" - make sure to indicate you're available immediately and not waiting for your previous employer to call you back, since the contract is definitively over. Also, don't stress too much about the phone lines - I was able to file my initial claim entirely online through UI Online without needing to call. Good luck!

I was in a similar situation last year with a temp contract that ended right before the holidays. Filed for unemployment and got approved within about 2 weeks. One thing I wish someone had told me - make sure to save your last paystub and any final paperwork from your temp agency as PDF files on your phone/computer. EDD asked me to upload proof of my last day worked about 3 weeks into my claim, and I almost panicked because I had thrown away the physical copies. Luckily I had taken photos! Also, if you do get extended or offered another position at the last minute, you can always withdraw your unemployment claim before benefits start. Better to be prepared and not need it than scramble to file at the last second.

Hey Roger! I actually just went through this same situation about 6 months ago - had a temp contract that was supposed to end in March and I was freaking out about whether I'd qualify for unemployment. Turns out it was totally fine! Like others have said, when a temp contract ends as scheduled, that's considered a layoff due to lack of work, not you voluntarily leaving. One thing that really helped me was keeping a timeline of everything - when I started, what the original contract terms were, any emails about the end date, etc. When I filed my claim, having all that documentation made the process super smooth. Also, don't feel bad about filing even if there's a small chance they might extend you. You can always withdraw the claim if you end up staying, but it's better to have that safety net in place. The whole process was way less scary than I thought it would be. Most of it can be done online, and as long as you're honest about your situation (which it sounds like you're planning to be), you should be good to go. Wishing you the best of luck with both potentially staying on AND with unemployment if you need it!

I'm going through something similar right now - my temp contract is set to end next month and I've been stressing about the same things you mentioned! Reading through all these responses has been super helpful. One thing I'd add is that you might want to check if your temp agency has any resources or guidance about unemployment benefits. When I called mine to ask about my contract status, they actually had a whole info sheet about filing for unemployment when assignments end. They deal with this situation all the time, so they're usually pretty knowledgeable about the process. Also, I've been keeping a folder (both physical and digital) with all my contract documents, timesheets, and correspondence - just in case I need to prove my employment dates and terms later. Better to be over-prepared than scrambling to find paperwork if EDD requests it!

Just want to echo what everyone else has said - you're definitely eligible for unemployment when your temp contract ends! I was in a similar situation two years ago with a 4-month marketing contract. Filed the day after it ended and had zero issues getting approved. One thing I'd recommend is starting to gather all your paperwork now while you still have easy access to everything at work - contract agreements, any email confirmations about your end date, contact info for HR/your manager, etc. Also make sure you have your temp agency's info readily available since you'll need to list them as an employer on your application. The online filing process through UI Online is actually pretty straightforward once you have all your employment details organized. And don't let anyone scare you about the "temporary" aspect - EDD deals with temp workers ending contracts all the time. It's literally one of the most common reasons people file for unemployment. You've got this!

I just want to add my perspective as someone who's been through the EDD system multiple times with different employment situations. You're absolutely eligible for unemployment when your temp contract ends - that's considered involuntary separation due to lack of work, which is exactly what unemployment benefits are designed for. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you should also prepare for the possibility of an eligibility interview. Sometimes EDD will call to verify details about your separation, especially with temp work since the circumstances can vary. Don't panic if this happens - it's routine! Just be honest about your situation: you took a temporary position knowing it had an end date, the contract is ending as originally scheduled, and you're now available for permanent work. Also, since you mentioned this is your first time filing, be aware that there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start, so factor that into your financial planning. The good news is that with your work history from before the temp job plus the wages from October through January, you should have a solid base period for calculating your benefit amount. Start gathering your documents now, file online the day your contract ends, and don't let anyone tell you that knowing it was temporary disqualifies you - that's simply not how the system works. Good luck!

I was in almost exactly your situation a year ago - temp contract from September through January, first time filing for unemployment, and super nervous about the whole process! Everyone here has given you great advice, but I wanted to add one more thing that really helped me. Since you mentioned your manager hasn't said anything about extending you, I'd suggest having that direct conversation ASAP - not just for peace of mind, but because if they do decide to extend you at the last minute, it's much easier to handle if you know before you file rather than after. When I was in your shoes, my manager finally told me two weeks before my end date that they couldn't extend due to budget constraints, which actually made filing for unemployment less stressful because I had that clarity. Also, don't underestimate how much the uncertainty itself can mess with your mental health. Even if you end up needing to file for unemployment, at least you'll have a plan and won't be scrambling. The fact that you're thinking ahead and asking these questions shows you're being smart about it. The temp-to-unemployment situation is way more common than you think - you're definitely not alone in this!

I've been following this thread as someone who might be in a similar situation soon, and I just wanted to say how helpful all these responses have been! One thing I'd add from my research is that California specifically recognizes "completion of temporary assignment" as a valid reason for unemployment benefits in their UI code. So Roger, you can feel confident that your situation is explicitly covered under state law. Also, I noticed a few people mentioned the work search requirement - just wanted to clarify that you need to be actively seeking work, but attending job fairs, networking events, or even informational interviews can count toward your work search activities, not just formal job applications. The key is documenting everything you do to find work. Hang in there - it sounds like you're being really proactive about planning ahead, which is exactly the right approach. Even if your contract doesn't get extended, you'll be prepared and know exactly what steps to take!

I'm a temp worker myself and have been through this process twice - you're absolutely eligible for unemployment when your contract ends! The EDD actually has a specific category for "end of temporary assignment" which makes it pretty straightforward. One tip that saved me a lot of stress: create a simple folder on your phone where you can quickly access photos of all your important documents (contract, paystubs, manager contact info, etc.). When you file online, having everything at your fingertips makes the process much smoother. Also, don't feel guilty about filing even if there's a small chance they might extend you - unemployment is literally designed for situations like yours where work ends through no fault of your own. You've been working and paying into the system, so you've earned the right to use it when you need it. The whole process is way less intimidating than it seems from the outside!