New claim after recent layoff - too soon for EDD benefits again?

No, that's not correct. If she already established a benefit year and then found work but got laid off again, she can potentially reopen her existing claim if it's still within the same benefit year (which lasts 12 months from when she first filed). She doesn't need to wait 6 months - that's not a rule. She should log into her UI Online account and look for the option to 'Reopen Claim' rather than filing a new one. If her previous claim is still active, this is the path to take. If her benefit year ended, then she would file a new claim instead.

this happened 2 me last year!! just log in and click REOPEN CLAIM if its still the same benefit year (like 12 months from when she first applied) they might make her do a phone interview to confirm the job seperation was not her fault

This is a common misunderstanding. Your wife can definitely claim benefits again. Here's how it works: 1. A benefit year lasts 12 months from initial filing 2. If she's still in the same benefit year, she'll REOPEN her claim (not file new) 3. If she earned wages during those 8 weeks, they won't affect her weekly benefit amount for this benefit year 4. When her current benefit year ends, any new claim would include those 8 weeks in the calculation She might need to complete an eligibility interview to verify the job separation wasn't her fault. They'll want documentation of the layoff.

I went through the EXACT same thing in January! Called EDD for THREE DAYS straight and couldn't get through - all I got was that stupid "we're experiencing high call volume" message and then it hung up. Eventually I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an EDD agent in about 25 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The agent confirmed I could reopen my claim since it was within my benefit year, and they even helped me do it while on the phone. Saved me so much stress!

i think ur confusing it with the rule about needing enough earnings in ur base period to qualify for a new claim. when her benefit year ends (12 months from first filing) she'll need to have earned enough in the base period to qualify for a new claim. but right now she should just reopen her existing claim

The whole system is DESIGNED to be confusing!!! They make it complicated on purpose so people give up trying to get benefits they EARNED and are ENTITLED to. I bet half the people who get laid off never even get their full benefits because the process is so frustrating. Your wife deserves every penny after being laid off twice in such a short time. Don't let EDD's bureaucratic nonsense stop you.

To answer your follow-up question - her weekly benefit amount will stay the same during this benefit year. The 8 weeks of work won't change her WBA until she files a completely new claim (after her current benefit year ends). However, any money she earned during those 8 weeks may affect the total remaining balance on her claim. Also, when she reopens, she might need to serve a one-week waiting period again if she already used all her benefits before getting the job. If she didn't exhaust her benefits, there might not be a waiting period.

One more important thing - make sure she reports those 8 weeks of employment accurately when reopening the claim. The EDD may cross-reference with employer tax records, and any discrepancies could cause delays or potential overpayment issues later. Also, she should be prepared to answer questions about why she left her previous job. Since it was a layoff, she should have no issues qualifying, but having documentation ready (like a layoff notice or separation letter) will make the process smoother if they schedule an eligibility interview.

My sister went thru this EXACT thing and they made her wait 5 WEEKS for an interview just to verify the layoff!!! Even tho she had the paperwork and everything!!! The system is such garbage. Make sure ur wife keeps certifying EVERY week even while waiting for the interview otherwise she'll have to backdate everything and that's a whole other nightmare!!!