Laid off twice in 6 months - can I reopen my EDD claim or need to file new?

u need to file a new claim bc its been more than a year since ur 1st claim probably? idk for sure tho

You'll need to file a new claim since you worked and earned wages after your initial claim period. Even though it was only 6 weeks at the new job, those earnings will be considered for your new base period calculation. When you file, the system will automatically determine if you qualify for a new claim based on those earnings or if you should continue with your previous claim through what's called a "conditional payment" process. Just make sure when filing to accurately report your employment history and earnings from the startup. The EDD will review and determine the best benefit path for you based on whichever calculation gives you the highest weekly benefit amount.

Wait I'm confused about something... if you only worked 6 weeks at the new job, did you earn enough in your base period to qualify for a NEW claim?? I thought you needed to earn at least $1,300 in your highest quarter to qualify? Did you make that much in just 6 weeks?? Wouldn't you be better off trying to get the remainder of your old claim?? The whole system makes NO SENSE!

You need to file a new claim because you earned wages after your initial claim was filed. Here's exactly what will happen: 1. When you file, EDD will calculate if you earned enough at your 6-week job to qualify for a new claim 2. If you didn't earn enough (likely scenario), they'll perform something called a "Back to Prior Claim" process 3. This means you'll continue receiving benefits from your previous claim if you still have a balance 4. If your benefit year from the first claim has expired, they'll calculate based on a combination of your previous and new wages In my experience, 6 weeks of work usually isn't enough to qualify for a completely new claim unless you were earning a very high salary. But you definitely need to file to determine this officially.

Ugh I HATE the EDD system!! I got laid off THREE TIMES in 2024 and every single time it was a nightmare trying to get my benefits. The system is designed to be confusing and frustrating. I spent WEEKS trying to get through to a representative last time and kept getting the stupid "we're experiencing high call volume" message. The whole thing is set up to make people give up!!!

Just went through this!!! Filed a new claim after working just 2 months at a job after my first unemployment period. They ended up just continuing my old claim but I HAD to file the new claim first. Good luck!!

One important thing to remember: when you file the new claim, you'll need to list all employers from the past 18 months. Make sure you have the correct employer information for both your long-term previous employer and the startup that just let you go. Having accurate information about company names, addresses, and your earnings will prevent delays in processing. Also, be prepared to explain why you left each job (laid off in both cases). This helps establish that you're eligible for benefits through no fault of your own.

last time i filed they asked for paystubs from my last job so have those ready 2

I just wanna say that it's absolutely RIDICULOUS that the EDD makes this so complicated! Why can't they just have a simple "I got laid off again" button that figures all this out automatically??? I swear the system is DESIGNED to deny people benefits they deserve!!

One last piece of advice: After you file, keep certifying every two weeks without fail, even if your claim status shows as pending for a while. Many people make the mistake of waiting until they see an approved claim before certifying, but you should start right away. This ensures you'll receive backpay for all eligible weeks once your claim is processed. Also, check your UI Online account daily for any notices or requests for additional information that might need your attention.