How to help my brother with learning disability apply for EDD - verification first or start claim?

You should actually start the UI claim first through UI Online (https://edd.ca.gov/en/unemployment), and THEN you'll be prompted to verify his identity through ID.me during the application process. Don't worry about setting up ID.me separately beforehand. If his hours were reduced, he might qualify for partial unemployment, but he needs to report ALL earnings when certifying. The EDD uses a formula where they deduct part of his earnings from his weekly benefit amount. Just make sure you can document why his hours were cut - EDD might ask for proof it wasn't voluntary.

Just adding to the above - since your brother has a learning disability, he might also qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI) depending on the nature of his disability. That's a completely different program from unemployment though, and you generally can't collect both UI and SDI at the same time. Something to consider if unemployment doesn't work out.

I actually just helped my mom file for unemployment last month. Start the UI claim first on EDD website, then during the application it will prompt you to verify through ID.me. Fair warning - the ID.me part can be frustrating! He'll need a smartphone for pictures and video verification. You can help him with the regular EDD application but for the ID.me verification, they might require him to join a video call with an agent where he'll need to answer questions himself. For the reduced hours question - yes, he can qualify for partial benefits as long as he earns less than his weekly benefit amount. When he certifies every two weeks, he'll report his work and earnings, and EDD will reduce his payment accordingly. Just make sure you have documentation showing his hours were reduced by the employer (not his choice). The whole process took about 3 weeks for my mom to get her first payment, FYI.

my cousin has autism and i helped him with EDD last year. for ID.me you can actually request accomodations! look for the accessibility options on their site. they can make adjustments for people with disabilities. my cousin was able to get help this way.

I had the WORST time trying to reach EDD when I had questions about helping my elderly father apply. Ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual rep after trying for days. They have a good video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD rep was actually super helpful about explaining the specific accommodations available for people with disabilities. They can assign a special case worker if needed. Just make sure you have documentation of his disability when you call.

One more thing - since your brother works limited hours, make sure you understand how the earnings reporting works during certification. EDD uses this formula: You can earn up to $25 or 25% of your weekly benefit amount (whichever is greater) without reduction. Then they reduce the benefit dollar-for-dollar for additional earnings. Example: If his weekly benefit amount is $250, he could earn up to $62.50 without reduction (25% of $250). If he earned $100 that week, his benefit would be reduced to $212.50 ($250 - ($100-$62.50)). Make sure to report gross earnings (before taxes) for the week they were earned, not when paid. This trips up a lot of people!

Also wanted to add - when you start the application, have these things ready: 1. His ID and Social Security card 2. Work history for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, phone numbers) 3. Last day worked at full hours 4. Reason for reduced hours (get documentation if possible) 5. Bank info if he wants direct deposit instead of the EDD debit card The application will time out after 30 minutes of inactivity, so having everything ready makes it easier!

i think u need permisson from him like a legal document saying u can do this stuff for him. my friend had to get like a form signed for her to help her mom with edd stuff. cant remember what its called tho

just a heads up the whole process is waaaaay slower now than before covid. i filed in jan and it took almost 2 months to get everything sorted out!! make sure ur brother has some $ to live on while waiting

I work at a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities navigate government services. A few additional tips for your brother's situation: 1. EDD has a disability services unit that can provide extra support during the application process. You can request this when you call or note it in the application. 2. For someone with a learning disability who's working reduced hours, make sure to emphasize that the hour reduction was involuntary (employer decision, not his choice). This is crucial for eligibility. 3. Keep detailed records of his work schedule before and after the reduction - pay stubs, schedule screenshots, anything that shows the change wasn't voluntary. 4. The ID.me verification can be challenging, but they do have live video agents who can walk him through it step by step. The accessibility accommodations mentioned earlier are real and helpful. 5. Consider applying for CalFresh (food stamps) as well if he's not already receiving it - reduced income from work hours often qualifies someone, and it can help bridge the gap while waiting for EDD approval. Good luck helping your brother navigate this! The system isn't easy but there are people and resources to help.