Reactivating EDD claim after brief return to work - possible without new filing?

You don't need a new claim! Just reopen your old one on UI Online. I did this 2x last year when my company kept doing these random 2-3 week shutdowns.

The previous commenter is correct. Since you're still within your benefit year (which runs for 12 months from when you first filed), you should reopen your existing claim rather than filing a new one. Here's how to do it: 1. Log into your UI Online account 2. Look for the option to "Reopen Claim" (should be on your homepage dashboard) 3. Complete the questionnaire about your work status and reason for separation 4. Submit the form 5. Once processed (usually 1-2 days), you'll be able to certify for benefits again Make sure to report your earnings for any partial weeks worked. And whenever you return to work, just stop certifying - no need to formally close your claim. If you're laid off again within your benefit year, just repeat these steps.

I HAD THE EXACT SAME THING LAST MONTH!!!! They told me I needed to file a new claim and it was a HUGE MISTAKE!!! Took 5 weeks to get paid bc they had to transfer everything back to my old claim. The EDD phone people don't even know their own rules sometimes!!!

Yeah finally got fixed but only after calling them like 37 times!! Most times it just said "we're experiencing high call volume" and hung up on me. Super frustrating!

Just to add some additional clarity to your situation: When you originally file a UI claim, you establish a benefit year (12 months from filing date). Within that benefit year, you can collect up to your maximum benefit amount. If you return to work and then face another temporary layoff within that same benefit year, you generally reopen your claim rather than filing a new one. The only time you would need to file a new claim is if: 1. Your benefit year has expired 2. You've exhausted your maximum benefit amount 3. You've earned substantial wages after your original claim was filed (typically 5-10x your weekly benefit amount) Since you mentioned having $4,200 left in your balance and your benefit year running until November 2025, reopening your existing claim is definitely the correct approach. Make sure to report your full-time work when you certify for the weeks between jobs, and be prepared to answer questions about your most recent separation from work. The system will adjust your claim accordingly.

Six weeks of full-time work typically wouldn't meet the threshold for "substantial wages" that would require a new claim. The standard is usually earning wages in at least 5-10 different calendar quarters since your original claim OR earning a total exceeding 5-10 times your weekly benefit amount. Since you only worked for about 5-6 weeks, reopening your existing claim is still the correct approach. The system will guide you through this when you select the "Reopen Claim" option in UI Online.

ur cousin probably had a different situation. maybe their benefit year ended or something? i've gone back n forth between work and unemployment like 3 times and never had to refile a new claim, just reopened the old one.

UPDATE: You were all right! I logged into UI Online this morning and there was a "Reopen Your Claim" button right on the homepage. I filled out the questions (took about 15 mins) and got a confirmation that my claim is being processed. They said I should be able to certify by Sunday! Thanks everyone for your help - this was stressing me out so much!

my sister did this and when she tried to actually certify it wouldnt let her!! she had to call and they fixed something on there end. just a heads up u might still have issues

i rember in 2024 edd changed the rules for reopening claims and you have to do a phone interview if you worked more than 4 weeks so don't be surprise if they schedule you for one