Moving to Texas - will EDD cut off my unemployment benefits?
I suddenly had to move out of California to Texas due to a family emergency. I've been here for almost a week now and it looks like I'll need to stay here indefinitely to help my elderly parent. I'm still certifying for my CA unemployment benefits, but I'm worried about what happens now. Can I legally continue collecting California EDD benefits while physically living in another state? Do I need to report my move somewhere in UI Online? Will they cut me off when they realize I'm no longer a California resident? I'm still actively job searching, just doing it from Texas now. Really stressing about this since these benefits are my only income right now.
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Collins Angel
You're totally fine! You can continue to receive CA unemployment benefits even if you move to another state. Your claim is based on where you worked and earned wages, not where you currently live. Just make sure you update your mailing address in your UI Online account (under Contact Information) so you receive any important mail from EDD. You'll also need to continue meeting all other eligibility requirements like being able and available for work and conducting work searches.
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Avery Davis
•That's such a relief! I was panicking thinking I'd lose everything. So I just need to update my mailing address and keep certifying like normal? Are there any special work search requirements for out-of-state claimants?
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Marcelle Drum
WRONG INFORMATION ABOVE!!! I moved to Nevada last year and EDD CUT ME OFF immediately!!! Said I wasn't "available for California work" anymore and disqualified me. You HAVE TO TELL THEM you're still available to work in California or they WILL stop your payments!!! The system is designed to deny benefits any way they can!!!!
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Tate Jensen
•That's not entirely accurate. Moving out of state doesn't automatically disqualify you. What likely happened in your case is that during certification, you indicated you weren't available for work in California. When you certify, make sure to answer that you're able and available for work. The key requirement is being available to accept suitable work - whether that's remote work or work in the state where your claim is based (with the understanding you'd relocate back if needed).
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Adaline Wong
my cousins friend moved to oregon n still got her bennies for like 6months so i think ur good
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Gabriel Ruiz
•Every situation is different though. The rules depend on whether you're planning to move back, if you're looking for work in both states, and how you answer the certification questions. Just because it worked for someone else doesn't mean it will automatically work the same way for everyone.
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Misterclamation Skyblue
I moved to Arizona during my claim last year. The important thing is to update your address right away in UI Online. And when you certify, make sure you say YES to being able and available for work. If they ask additional questions about your availability for California work during phone interviews, just explain that you're willing to work remotely or relocate back for the right opportunity.
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Peyton Clarke
•This is basically what happened to me too when I moved to Oregon. They sometimes will schedule a phone interview to verify your work availability after you change your address. I missed mine because the letter went to my old address! Had to deal with weeks of no payments. So frustrating!
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Collins Angel
One thing to be aware of is that some states have agreements with California about unemployment claims. You might eventually need to transfer your claim to Texas if you plan to stay there permanently. But for now, just update your address in UI Online and continue certifying normally.
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Avery Davis
•How long can I keep claiming on my California claim before I would need to transfer it? And would transferring mean I'd get Texas benefit amounts instead of California?
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Tate Jensen
To avoid any issues, make sure you update your contact information ASAP. You might get flagged for an eligibility interview after changing your address. These interviews are to verify you're still meeting all requirements. If you can't get through to EDD on the phone to ask questions (which is common), I recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get through to an EDD agent when I needed to explain my own relocation situation. They have a video demo of how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km - saved me hours of redial frustration.
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Avery Davis
•Thank you for this! I've been trying to call EDD for two days with no luck. I'll check out that service. I really want to talk to someone directly about my situation so I don't mess anything up.
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Gabriel Ruiz
Just to add some clarity: Interstate claims are common and legal. You're claiming against the wages you earned in California, so you can continue receiving benefits from California while living in Texas. The main requirements are: 1. Update your address in UI Online 2. Continue to be able and available for work 3. Continue doing your required work searches 4. Accurately report any earnings If you're staying in Texas indefinitely, you should be conducting work searches in Texas now (not California). Document all your work search activities carefully in case EDD requests proof.
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Adaline Wong
•wait so do u have to look for jobs in cali or texas?? im confused
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Tate Jensen
To answer your follow-up question: You should be looking for work in the area where you currently reside (Texas). EDD understands that people relocate, and they expect you to be looking for work wherever you are living. Just make sure you keep detailed records of your work search activities.
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Avery Davis
•That makes sense. I'll be sure to document everything carefully. Just updated my address in UI Online too. Feeling much less anxious about this now. Thanks for all the help everyone!
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