How to file for EDD before layoff date? Need to avoid gap in income!

Yes, you can actually file for unemployment right after your last day of work (not before). Don't wait! The EDD typically has a one-week unpaid waiting period after you file, so the sooner you submit your claim after your last day, the better. You'll need your last employer's info including their address and your dates of employment. Also gather your pay stubs showing your earnings for the past 18 months, and be prepared with your personal info (ID, SSN, etc.). FYI - When you file, make sure to list the reason as 'laid off/lack of work' since this is a straight layoff situation. This helps your claim go through faster since there won't be any eligibility issues to investigate.

same boat last year! waited 2 days after layoff to file & took almost 3 weeks to get 1st payment... def file asap after ur last day!!

You can't officially submit your claim before your last day, but you can prepare everything ahead of time. Create your UI Online account now and familiarize yourself with the system. Gather all your documents (pay stubs, employer info, etc.). When May 15th arrives, submit your claim that evening or first thing on May 16th. Also, make sure you know exactly when your last paycheck will arrive. Some companies might pay you through the end of the month or include severance, which could affect your benefits start date.

You should file immediately after your last working day regardless of severance. Just make sure to report the severance pay when you file your claim. EDD will calculate when your benefits should start based on that information. If you wait to file until after severance ends, you're just delaying the whole process unnecessarily. One important thing - make sure you get a copy of your layoff notice or something in writing showing the layoff date and reason. Sometimes EDD contacts employers to verify the reason for separation, and having documentation speeds things up if there's any confusion.

my brother had to go through this last year and he spent 5 DAYS trying to reach someone at EDD to fix his claim!! apparently their phone lines are always jammed

honestly i think the whole system is DESIGNED to make people give up!!! i had to file THREE times last year because they kept saying my identity verification failed even though i uploaded every document they asked for. complete nightmare and no way to talk to a real person!!!!!

Im going thru this right now. laid off in april and just got my first payment yesterday. make sure u have ur employment history ready for the past 18 months cuz thats what they ask for. and the id.me verification part was confusing but u need to do it with ur phone camera

Since you mentioned having only 2 weeks of savings, I'd recommend speaking with your utility companies, landlord, and any creditors BEFORE you're laid off. Many have hardship programs or will arrange payment plans if you're proactive and contact them before you miss payments. Regarding the EDD claim itself, complete the claim application as soon as possible after your last day. Be extremely careful about answering all questions accurately - errors can cause delays. After filing, you'll need to certify for benefits every two weeks. Set calendar reminders for certification dates because missing them delays your payments. Also, make sure your UI Online account is fully set up with direct deposit information to get payments faster. The debit card option (Money Network) typically takes longer.

Thank you all for the advice! I'm going to create my UI Online account today and get all my documents organized. Sounds like I need to be ready to file the exact day of my layoff, report my severance correctly, and be super careful about certification dates. I'll also reach out to my landlord ahead of time to see if they can work with me if there's a payment gap. Really appreciate all the help!

good luck!!! the system is frustrating but once its set up its fine just dont miss certification days