No work history for base period - EDD interview scheduled Monday - will I be denied?

The interview is actually a good sign! EDD is giving you a chance to explain your situation. They'll probably be looking at an 'alternate base period' for you since your standard base period doesn't have wages. The alternate base period uses your most recent completed quarter plus the three quarters before that instead of the standard calculation. During the interview, explain exactly why you have a gap in employment (family caregiving is a valid reason). Bring up your previous 5 years of work history. They might ask for documentation about your mother's health situation or your previous employment. Stay calm and just answer honestly. The EDD rep will guide you through the questions.

i had the exact same problem!!!! no base period wages but i was in school before getting my job at target (only worked 2 months). got interview scheduled and they DENIED me saying i didnt contribute enough to the system. this is such bs because we need help too right??

The other commenter is right about the alternate base period (ABP), but there are some important details to understand: 1. The ABP only looks at the 4 most recently completed quarters before you filed. If you haven't worked in those quarters either, you still won't qualify. 2. For the interview: have your mother's medical documents, any proof that you were her caregiver (if you have any), and documentation of your previous 5-year employment. 3. You need to have earned at least $1,300 in your highest quarter during the base period or alternate base period to qualify. 4. Family caregiving responsibilities CAN be considered good cause for leaving a job, but it doesn't change the base period wage requirements. The interviewer will explain all options available to you. Be completely honest about your work history and reasons for employment gaps.

I was in a similar boat last year. Took time off to care for a family member, then tried to get UI after a brief job. The interview was STRESSFUL. The EDD rep kept asking question after question about why I wasn't working during the base period. They ultimately denied me because I didn't have enough wages in ANY base period they could use. My advice - if they deny you, immediately look into other assistance programs like CalFresh or General Assistance while you job hunt. I wasted weeks waiting on EDD when I could have applied for other help sooner. Also, for the interview, write down all your employment dates, wage info, and reason for gaps BEFORE the call. They jump around with questions and it's easy to get flustered.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you don't have ANY wages in your base period OR your alternate base period, you almost certainly won't qualify for regular UI benefits. It doesn't matter how long you worked before that period. HOWEVER - there's an important exception that might apply to you. If you were receiving California State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL) during your base period while caring for your mother, those quarters might be excluded and EDD can look back further. Did you receive any SDI or PFL benefits during your time off? If so, DEFINITELY mention this in your interview as it could allow them to use older wages periods for your claim.

Try contacting Claimyr.com if you need to talk to EDD after your interview. I kept calling EDD for WEEKS after my interview with no luck - always 'max callers reached' messages. Claimyr got me through to an actual person in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km My situation was different from yours but the EDD rep I finally spoke to found a way to fix my claim that wasn't mentioned in my interview. Sometimes you just need to talk to someone different who knows all the rules.

After your interview, regardless of the outcome, you can also look into the Training Benefits Program if you're planning to attend training/school to gain new skills. This program can sometimes help people who don't qualify for regular UI if they enroll in approved training programs. Also, make sure to ask the interviewer about ALL options available to you. Sometimes they don't volunteer information unless specifically asked. And yes, if they deny you, you absolutely have the right to appeal within 30 days. The appeal form will come with the denial notice.

Just to add one more important detail - in the interview, they'll ask about your ability and availability to work. Make sure you clearly state that you are: 1. Physically able to work now 2. Available for full-time work 3. Actively looking for work 4. No longer needed as a caregiver Even if the base period wages issue is resolved somehow, they might still deny benefits if they think you have restrictions on your ability to work. They specifically look for reasons to disqualify people, so be very clear about your current availability.

sooooo did u have the interview yet??? plz update us!!