Is there a time limit to file for unemployment with California EDD?

Ok so I'm not totally disqualified but I might get less money because I waited? That's rough. My March and April were actually pretty light on hours because work was slowing down before they let me go. Would that affect the calculation badly?

It depends on exactly which quarters fall into your base period now vs when you were laid off. The standard base period for California EDD looks at the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. I'd honestly just go ahead and file through UI Online right now and see what benefit amount they calculate. You can always ask EDD to use the alternate base period if the standard one gives you a low number.

This is correct info. The alternate base period uses the four most recently completed quarters and can sometimes work out better depending on your work history. Worth knowing that option exists.

Wait seriously?? I thought they would pay back to when I lost my job. Oh man that's like 8 weeks of benefits I just lost by not filing sooner. I feel sick right now.

yeah unfortunately thats how it works. file TODAY dont wait another day. the sooner you get your claim in the sooner your benefit year starts and the sooner you can actually get paid

exactly what they said. go to UI Online right now, it takes maybe 30 minutes to complete the application. every day you dont file is another day you wont get paid for

I've been trying to get through to EDD for weeks so this is actually really helpful. I'll check out that video. Did they help you figure out specific claim stuff or just general questions?

I had questions about my specific benefit amount calculation and they were able to look up my account and go through everything with me. Way more useful than trying to navigate the website alone when you have a specific situation.

gonna save this link. been struggling to get through to EDD about a different issue and its been a nightmare

Is the waiting week still a thing? I thought they got rid of it at some point during covid

It came back after the pandemic era provisions ended. Yes as of right now there is a one week unpaid waiting period for new California EDD claims. You still have to certify for it, you just don't receive payment for that first week.

Confirmed. The waiting week is back in effect. First week of an active claim is always unpaid regardless of your reason for separating.

This is exactly my situation. How long did your claim take to get approved after you filed?

Mine went into adjudication for about 3 weeks because of some questions about my separation reason. If your layoff is straightforward - like they eliminated your position or cut staff - it usually goes faster. Make sure when you fill out the application you're very clear that it was a layoff and not a quit or termination for cause.

It was definitely a layoff, they closed the whole department. I'll make sure I explain that clearly. Thanks for the heads up about adjudication, I'll be prepared for a possible wait.

Yeah I'm going to file today after reading all this. Just needed to make sure I wasn't completely ineligible first.

Wait is it three per week now? I thought it used to be one job search activity per week

The standard requirement is three job search activities per week for most claimants. Some exceptions exist like if you're on standby status or in an approved training program. But for a standard UI claim yes you should be doing and documenting at least three per week.

Correct. And keep a log with dates, employer names, contact method, and position applied for. EDD can ask to see this at any point and you want to have documentation ready.

I feel you on this. That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier in this thread - claimyr.com. It solved this exact problem for me when I was going through the same cycle of getting hung up on repeatedly. There's a walkthrough at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10 if you want to see how it works before trying it. Specifically for adjudication situations talking to a live rep can actually move things along faster.

I just watched that video and I'm going to try it today honestly I have nothing to lose at this point. Thank you

The phone system is genuinely awful. I've started calling right when they open at 8am and even then sometimes it's busy immediately. Good luck to you

This is super practical thank you. I actually have all of that info available. Going to sit down and do it tonight.

Direct deposit is way faster than the debit card. Set up direct deposit when you apply if you can.

Agreed on direct deposit. EDD debit card payments sometimes have additional delays compared to direct deposit to your bank account.

A 6-month delay itself wouldn't cause a denial. More likely his base period wages didn't meet the minimum earnings threshold after that much time passed, or there was some other issue with his specific situation. The delay itself doesn't trigger an automatic denial in California - it just affects which wages EDD looks at for calculating your benefit amount.

ohh ok that makes sense. yeah he had been between jobs a lot so maybe his earnings were too low

Yeah low base period wages is a very common reason for denial especially if someone has gaps in employment. Different issue from filing late though.

That makes sense. So I just certify from this week going forward and I can't claim anything for March April or May regardless.

Exactly. Your benefit year starts fresh from your filing date. Those earlier weeks are gone unfortunately but at least you know going forward you're good as long as you're certifying on time and meeting the job search requirements.

The calendar timing of your base period quarters matters more than the season per se. But if you had higher wages in certain quarters (like if your industry has seasonal patterns), filing at a time that captures those high-earning quarters in your base period can increase your weekly benefit amount. For most people it's not a significant factor but in seasonal industries it can be.

Interesting, I work in retail which is definitely seasonal so that's good to know. Might think about timing if I ever need to file.

Good thing to be aware of. For most standard W-2 employees the difference is small but it's worth understanding if your income varies significantly by quarter.

Good tip. I'll use my main email and set up notifications.

the UI Online inbox and your regular email can have different notices so check both. some stuff only shows in the online portal not your email

Yes exactly - UI Online messages and email notifications don't always mirror each other. Both are important to monitor.

This is really reassuring to hear. Thank you. I feel a lot better about where I'm at after reading through this whole thread.

Good luck! The first few weeks of waiting are the hardest. After that it becomes more routine.

I moved recently actually - is it easy to update my address in UI Online?

Yeah you can update it in your profile settings once you have an account. Do it as soon as you file. I'd also call EDD to confirm the update went through because address changes sometimes need to be verified, especially if your claim is already active.

For address changes specifically, updating in UI Online should be sufficient but yes confirming with EDD directly adds a layer of security. The last thing you want is for an important notice to go to a wrong address during adjudication.

Oh wow glad it worked out! That's actually really helpful to know you can use it for adjudication issues specifically

The missing notice thing is SO common with EDD adjudication. Notices get sent to wrong emails or old addresses and claimants have no idea their claim is stalled waiting on them. Good that you got it sorted out.

Yeah I was completely unaware. My claim had literally been sitting there for three weeks waiting on me and I had no clue. The system for notifying people is terrible.

Thanks to everyone in this thread. I filed tonight. Took about 25 minutes. The application was pretty straightforward. Now I just wait I guess.

Nice! Now make sure you know your certification dates - you'll certify every two weeks and missing a certification can cause payment delays or gaps. Set a reminder on your phone.

Good move filing today. Your benefit year is officially started. Check UI Online in a week or so for any status updates and respond to anything EDD sends you within the deadline they specify. Good luck with the job search.