How to backdate my EDD claim when I missed filing for several weeks?

Yes, you can request to backdate your claim! I was in the same boat last year - waited almost 2 months to file because I was promised my construction job would restart. When it didn't, I called EDD and explained my situation. They have a process for this, but it's nearly impossible to reach someone on the regular line. I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a rep quickly - they got me connected in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days. There's a video demo of how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Once I got through, the rep submitted a backdate request for me, and I had to provide a good reason for filing late. They approved it about a week later.

To backdate your claim, you need to contact EDD directly and submit a formal backdate request. Be aware that they'll only approve it if you have what they consider a "good cause" reason. Valid reasons usually include: - You were misinformed by an EDD representative - You were physically or mentally unable to file - Your employer told you not to file yet - Natural disaster prevented filing - You didn't know you could file/were eligible Your situation might qualify under the last category. When you speak with a representative, explain clearly why you didn't file right away. Be honest but make sure to emphasize any factors that prevented you from understanding your eligibility or the importance of filing immediately.

DON'T GET YOUR HOPES UP!!! They've gotten SUPER strict about backdating since COVID!!! I tried to backdate my claim in February and they DENIED it even though I had documentation proving I couldn't file because I was in the HOSPITAL!! The rep I finally talked to (after 73 attempts calling) said they're rejecting almost all backdate requests now unless you have PROOF that the EDD website was down or an EDD employee gave you wrong information. The whole system is DESIGNED to deny benefits we're entitled to!!!

I think u can do it online now. Somewhere in ui online there's a contact option where u submit backdate requests. that's what the lady at the job center told me last week when i was there for the workshop thing

Professional advice from someone who worked with EDD claims for years: 1. Submit your backdate request through Ask EDD (https://askedd.edd.ca.gov/) - select "Unemployment Insurance Benefits" then "Claim Questions" then "Backdate the Effective Date of my Claim" 2. Alternatively, call the EDD directly at 1-800-300-5616. Be persistent as lines are often busy. 3. When explaining your reason, focus on why you didn't understand your eligibility or the filing requirements. "Not knowing you should file immediately" can be acceptable if explained well. 4. Be prepared to certify for all backdated weeks if approved. 5. The process typically takes 7-14 days for a decision. Backdating is not automatic - the success of your request depends entirely on your specific circumstances and how well you explain your reason for delay.

I just went through this last month. You MUST call and speak to a Tier 2 specialist to get your claim backdated. The Ask EDD method takes forever and often gets denied without proper review. When you call, make sure to ask specifically for a "backdate request form" to be submitted. Regular reps will often tell you they can't help. Keep asking to speak to a Tier 2 specialist who has the authority to process these requests. Good luck getting through though - took me 47 calls over 3 days.

i got mine backdated 4 months actually. they can go back up to 1 year i think. but u need good reason. i said i was taking care of my sick mom and didnt know i could claim while doing that. took like 3 weeks to get approval then all the $$ came at once. was like $13k it was crazy lol

To add to my earlier comment, here are the specific steps for filing through Ask EDD since the menu options have changed recently: 1. Go to https://askedd.edd.ca.gov/ 2. Select "Unemployment Insurance Benefits" 3. Now select "Claims Questions" 4. Then "Claim Filing" 5. There should be an option about "Effective Date" or "Claim Date" If you can't find it, another approach is to select the general inquiry option and clearly state in your message that you need to backdate your claim. Be very specific about the exact date you want to backdate to and your reason. But honestly, calling is usually faster if you can get through. The written requests tend to take 2-3 weeks just for a response.