Laid off after only 5 months at factory job - EDD eligibility question

You don't need to work a full year at your most recent job to qualify for unemployment. What matters is your base period, which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim.\n\nEDD looks at how much you earned during that base period, not how long you worked at your last job. If you earned at least $1,300 in your highest quarter during the base period, you might qualify. Or if you earned at least $900 in your highest quarter and total base period earnings of 1.25 times that quarter.\n\nSo with your 5 months at the factory plus the 3 months at the warehouse last year, you likely have enough earnings to qualify as long as you made enough money during those periods. Being laid off due to downsizing is definitely a qualifying reason to receive benefits.\n\nFile your claim immediately through UI Online on the EDD website. Don't wait!

Oh wow, that's a HUGE relief! I had no idea it was based on earnings not time at the job. I was making about $4,200/month at the factory and around $2,500/month at the warehouse so it sounds like I should be ok then? \n\nI'll definitely file online today. Really appreciate the quick response!

ya ur fine! my cousin only work 4 months at amazon before they let him go n he got benefits no prob. jus apply online n be honest bout why u got laid off. downsizing is 100% covered

Thanks for sharing about your cousin! That makes me feel better knowing someone in a similar situation got approved.

The law says EDD needs to see that you lost your job through no fault of your own (which layoff counts) and that you worked and earned enough wages in your base period. Base period can be confusing because it's not just the most recent quarters. If you apply in June 2025, your base period would be Jan-Dec 2024, NOT including 2025 at all! That tripped me up when I applied.

Wait, so my 5 months at the factory in 2025 might not even count toward my base period? That's really confusing... So they'd only look at my 3 months at the warehouse last year? Now I'm worried again.

Don't panic! There's a standard base period and an alternate base period. If you don't qualify under the standard one, EDD automatically checks if you qualify under the alternate base period, which uses more recent quarters. \n\nBut given your work history of 5 months at good wages plus 3 months last year, you should have enough earnings in your base period either way. The key thing is to apply ASAP. The EDD system will calculate this all automatically when you enter your work history.

I was in almost the exact same situation last year - worked just 4 months at a construction company before they laid everyone off. Applied for EDD and got approved within 2 weeks. \n\nOne piece of advice: if you need to call EDD to follow up on anything (which I did because they had a question about my previous employer), use Claimyr.com. It's the only way I actually got through to a human at EDD. They have a system that navigates the phone tree and waits on hold for you, then calls you when an agent is on the line. Saved me hours of frustration. There's a demo video here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km\n\nGood luck with your claim!

Thanks for the tip! I'll check out that service if I run into problems. Glad to hear you got approved with a similar work history!

EVERYONE LISTEN UP!!! The EDD system is DESIGNED to confuse you and make you think you don't qualify!! They WANT you to give up and not file so they can save money!! I've been through this 3 TIMES!! \n\nThe \

While I understand your frustration, this isn't entirely accurate. Base periods aren't designed to trick people - they're used in unemployment systems nationwide to establish consistent eligibility standards. \n\nBut your main point is correct - anyone who's been laid off should absolutely apply and let EDD make the determination. Self-disqualifying is the biggest mistake people make.\n\nThe OP with 5 months at a factory plus 3 months at a previous job should definitely have sufficient earnings to qualify assuming they were W-2 employees and not contractors.

OK fine but you can't deny they make the system needlessly complicated!! Why can't they just look at your most recent work history?? The whole \

im in the exact same boat!! worked at a shipping center for only 4 months before they shut down our location. i applied for unemployment 3 weeks ago and just got my first payment yesterday! $450/week which is way less than i was making but better than nothing. def apply ASAP and make sure u certify on time every 2 weeks. good luck!

That's really reassuring, thanks! Did you have any issues with the application process or interviews? I just submitted mine and I'm nervous about what happens next.

applying was pretty easy but i did have a phone interview where they asked about the layoff. just be honest about everything. they mainly wanted to verify i didnt quit or get fired for misconduct. since u were laid off due to downsizing ur in the same boat as me. should be fine! just have ur last day of work and manager name ready

My cousin's best friend's sister worked at a place for only TWO MONTHS and she got unemployment! I think it really depends on if Mercury is in retrograde when you file your claim TBH. Also did you know that if you worked in multiple states you have to file in EACH state separately? My neighbor tried to combine his jobs from California and Nevada and it was a HUGE mess. He had to drive to Carson City THREE TIMES to sort it out!!!

This is incorrect information. If you worked in multiple states, you don't file in each state separately. You file in one state (typically your state of residence) and they handle what's called a \

The Mercury retrograde thing was OBVIOUSLY a joke but whatever. And my neighbor DID have to go to Nevada multiple times to sort out his claim so that's a FACT not \

UPDATE: I just submitted my application! Thanks everyone for the encouragement and advice. The online form was pretty straightforward. It asked for my employment history going back 18 months, so I included both the factory job and my warehouse position. \n\nI'm a bit nervous about the certification process I've been reading about. Do I really need to show that I'm applying to 5 jobs per week? And how exactly do I prove that?

Great job filing! Yes, you do need to conduct work search activities each week, but it's not just limited to applying to jobs. Other qualifying activities include:\n\n- Submitting job applications/resumes\n- Going to job interviews\n- Registering with CalJOBS (definitely do this)\n- Contacting former employers about rehiring\n- Attending job fairs or networking events\n- Taking job skills workshops\n\nKeep detailed records of everything - company names, contact info, position, date of application, etc. EDD doesn't always ask for this documentation with every certification, but they can audit you and request proof later. If you're ever audited and can't provide records, you might have to repay benefits.\n\nWhen you certify every two weeks, you'll just check \

This is super helpful, thank you! I'll definitely start a job search log today. I already have a few positions bookmarked that I plan to apply for tomorrow. And I'll register with CalJOBS right away.