Self-employed and EDD confusion - can I even file for unemployment?

Self-employed individuals CAN file for regular unemployment in certain circumstances. It depends on how your business is structured and your employment history. Here are the key points: 1. If you paid into UI through a W-2 job in the last 18 months, you might qualify based on those wages (even if you're currently self-employed) 2. If you set up your business as an S-Corp and pay yourself a salary with UI contributions, you may qualify 3. However, if you're strictly 1099/independent contractor with no UI contributions, you typically wouldn't qualify for regular unemployment The pandemic programs that covered self-employed people (PUA) ended years ago, so those aren't available anymore. I'd recommend applying anyway - the worst they can say is no. The EDD will evaluate your specific situation.

ur not totally out of luck but its complicated. i went thru this last yr. if u had ANY w2 work in the last 18 months u might qualify. also matters how ur business is setup. sole prop is diff than llc etc

In my experience, it completely depends on HOW you were self-employed. I had an S-corporation and was paying myself a salary with proper payroll taxes (including unemployment insurance) and was able to claim when my business closed. But my friend who was a 1099 contractor couldn't get anything when her gigs dried up. The pandemic had special programs but those are gone now.

The answer is actually more nuanced than a simple yes/no. Self-employed individuals typically don't qualify for regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits because they don't pay into the UI system through payroll taxes like traditional employers do for their employees. However, there are exceptions: 1. If you previously worked as a W-2 employee in your base period (typically the 12-18 months before filing) and earned enough wages there, you might qualify based on those earnings 2. If your business is set up as an S-Corporation and you pay yourself a salary with proper payroll taxes including UI contributions 3. If you worked both as self-employed AND as a regular employee during your base period I recommend applying online through UI Online and being completely honest about your work situation. The EDD will determine if you qualify based on your specific circumstances. Make sure to have documentation of any W-2 employment ready.

You should definitely call EDD directly about this. I was in a similar situation (indie contractor + part time W2) and tried figuring it out online for WEEKS! Finally got through to an actual person who explained everything clearly in 10 minutes. Honestly though, calling EDD is its own special nightmare. I wasted 3 days getting busy signals and disconnects. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me get through to an agent without the endless redial game. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Totally worth it because the agent I spoke with was able to look at my specific situation and tell me exactly what I qualified for based on my work history.

i think everyone is missing something important here!! even if u dont qualify for regular ui there might b other programs u can get. have u looked into disability or paid family leave? not the same thing but if ur desperate for $$ dont rule them out

I went through this exact situation in 2025. Here's what you need to know: 1. Regular UI is only available if you paid into the system (either through W-2 work or if you set up your business as a corporation and pay UI taxes) 2. The base period for calculating benefits is divided into quarters, so that W-2 job from 14 months ago might still count, depending on when you apply 3. Your benefit amount would be based on your highest-earning quarter during the base period 4. If you apply and get denied, make sure you appeal within 30 days if you think they made a mistake My situation: I had W-2 work for 4 months before going fully self-employed, and I qualified for a small weekly benefit based just on those W-2 wages. Applied in February 2025 and was approved by March.

this is confusing me too! i thought there was some special program for self employed ppl now? or maybe that was just during covid? anyone know for sure???

One important thing to understand: Even if you qualify based on previous W-2 work, your benefit amount will ONLY be calculated using that W-2 income, not your self-employment earnings. This often catches people by surprise. For example, if you made $15,000 at your W-2 job over 6 months, but then made $75,000 self-employed over the next year, your benefit calculation will only use that $15,000 figure, resulting in a much lower weekly benefit than you might expect. Also, you need to be able to certify that you're available for and actively seeking full-time work each week. Being self-employed and looking for new clients can complicate this requirement. Make sure you understand what will be required of you if you do qualify.

Hey Raj! I was in a very similar situation last year - lost my main freelance client and had to navigate this whole mess. Based on your situation with the W-2 job 14 months ago, you should definitely apply! A few things that might help: - That $34k over 7 months you mentioned should put you in decent shape for benefits (way better than my situation) - When you apply, be super clear about the timeline of your W-2 work vs self-employment - Keep detailed records of EVERYTHING - job applications, client outreach, networking events, etc. You'll need to report 3 work search activities per week - Don't let the mixed advice scare you off - only EDD can give you a definitive answer for YOUR specific case The worst part is honestly just getting through to someone at EDD if you have questions. But definitely worth applying first and seeing what happens. Good luck!

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who's been self-employed for 8 years. The key thing everyone's mentioned is absolutely correct - it all comes down to whether you paid into the UI system. Since you had that W-2 job 14 months ago, you're actually in a better position than most purely self-employed folks. Here's what I'd suggest: 1. Apply online ASAP - don't wait. The process takes time and you want to get in the queue 2. Gather all your W-2 documentation from that design agency job 3. Be prepared to explain your work timeline clearly (W-2 job → transition to freelance → client loss) 4. Document your job search efforts starting NOW (both traditional employment AND new client outreach) One thing I haven't seen mentioned - if you do qualify, you can still do some freelance work while collecting benefits, but you MUST report any income during your bi-weekly certification. They'll reduce your benefits accordingly, but it's better than nothing. The EDD system is frustrating but don't let that discourage you from applying. Your situation with prior W-2 work gives you a real shot at qualifying. Worst case scenario, they say no and you're in the same position you're in now.

I'm actually going through something similar right now! Lost my biggest consulting contract last month and have been trying to figure out the unemployment situation. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful - sounds like having that W-2 history is key. One thing I wanted to add that I learned from my research: if you do qualify, make sure you understand the "suitable work" requirements. As a graphic designer, you might be expected to apply for design jobs even if they pay less than what you were making freelancing. EDD can be pretty strict about this, so just be prepared that you might need to consider taking a traditional employment role if offered. Also, I found it helpful to start keeping a spreadsheet of all my job search activities right away - including dates, company names, positions applied for, and any follow-up. Makes the bi-weekly certification process much easier. Hope you get approved! The fact that you had recent W-2 income definitely puts you ahead of those of us who have been purely self-employed.

As someone who just went through this process successfully, I wanted to share some practical tips that might help you navigate this: First, that W-2 job from 14 months ago is definitely your lifeline here. Make sure you have all your pay stubs and tax documents ready when you apply. The EDD will need to verify those wages to calculate your benefit amount. A few things that helped me: - Apply online early in the morning (like 6-7 AM) when the system is less congested - When describing your work history, be very clear about the transition from W-2 to self-employment - include exact dates - Start your job search documentation NOW, even before you apply. You'll need to show 3 activities per week once benefits start One reality check: your weekly benefit will probably be much lower than what you were making freelancing, but it can definitely help bridge the gap while you rebuild your client base or look for traditional employment. Also, if you get initially denied, don't panic. A lot of mixed employment situations get flagged for manual review. You can appeal and provide additional documentation. The process isn't perfect but it does work for people in your situation. Good luck with your application! Based on what you've shared, I think you have a solid chance of qualifying.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been through the EDD system multiple times over the years. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like you're getting solid advice about your W-2 work potentially qualifying you. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is the importance of timing your application strategically. Since you lost your biggest client recently, apply as soon as possible - benefits are calculated based on your "claim date" and there's typically a one-week waiting period before payments start. Also, regarding the work search requirements that others have mentioned - EDD has gotten stricter about this post-pandemic. Make sure you're genuinely open to taking traditional employment if offered, not just going through the motions. They do audit work search activities and can require proof of your applications/interviews. The silver lining in your situation is that losing 70% of your income from one client actually strengthens your case that you're genuinely unemployed through no fault of your own, rather than just choosing to wind down your business. That's an important distinction for EDD. Best of luck with your application! Based on what you've shared, you definitely have grounds to apply and shouldn't let the confusing information online discourage you.

Hey Raj! I just went through a very similar situation a few months ago - lost my main freelance writing client and was scrambling to figure out if I could get any unemployment support. Like you, I had worked a W-2 job before going fully freelance, and I'm happy to report that I did qualify for benefits based on those wages! Here's what I learned from my experience: 1. **Apply immediately** - Don't wait. Even if you're unsure about qualifying, let EDD make that determination. There's a waiting period, so time matters. 2. **Your W-2 job from 14 months ago is likely still in your base period** - This is calculated differently than you might expect, so don't assume it's too old. 3. **Be completely transparent** - When filling out the application, clearly explain your work timeline: W-2 employment → transition to self-employment → loss of major client. Don't try to hide or minimize anything. 4. **Document everything starting NOW** - Keep records of all job search activities (both traditional job applications AND client outreach). You'll need to report 3 activities per week once benefits start. 5. **Expect a lower benefit amount** - It'll be calculated only on your W-2 wages, not your freelance income, but honestly any financial cushion helps when you're rebuilding. The EDD website is definitely confusing, but don't let that deter you. Your situation with recent W-2 history actually puts you in a much better position than purely self-employed folks. Good luck - I'm rooting for you!

I'm in almost exactly the same boat! Lost my main freelance marketing client two weeks ago (about 60% of my income) and have been stressed about whether I can even apply for unemployment. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - sounds like my situation might be similar to yours. I also had a W-2 job about 15 months ago at a marketing agency before going full freelance. Based on what everyone's sharing here, it sounds like we both might actually have a shot at qualifying! The advice about applying early in the morning and keeping detailed job search records is really valuable. One thing that's giving me anxiety though - has anyone had experience with how EDD views it when you're actively trying to rebuild your freelance business while also looking for traditional employment? I don't want to do anything that might jeopardize potential benefits, but I also can't just completely stop trying to find new clients while I wait to hear back about unemployment. Thanks to everyone who's shared their experiences - this thread has been way more helpful than anything I could find on the official EDD website!

I'm a former EDD claims examiner and wanted to add some clarity to this discussion since there's been some confusion in the responses. You absolutely CAN qualify for unemployment benefits as a self-employed person if you have sufficient W-2 wages in your base period. Your situation with the W-2 job from 14 months ago is actually quite promising - that timeframe likely falls within your base period depending on when exactly you apply. Here are the key facts for your situation: **Base Period Calculation**: EDD looks at the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you apply in March 2025, they'll typically examine wages from Q4 2023 through Q3 2024. **Minimum Earnings**: You need at least $1,300 in your highest quarter OR total base period wages of at least $900 with 1.25x your highest quarter earnings to qualify. **Benefit Calculation**: Your weekly benefit amount will be roughly 60-70% of your average weekly wages during your highest earning quarter (up to the maximum of $450/week in 2025). **Work Search Requirements**: You must be able and available for full-time work and actively seeking employment. Both traditional job applications AND legitimate freelance client outreach count as work search activities. **Reporting Freelance Income**: You can absolutely continue freelance work while collecting benefits, but you MUST report any earnings. Benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar after the first $25 earned per week. My advice: Apply immediately through UI Online. Be completely honest about your work history and current situation. The system will automatically calculate your eligibility based on your reported wages. Don't let online confusion stop you from applying - let EDD make the official determination. Your case sounds very straightforward for approval based on what you've described. Good luck!

Wow, this entire thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I'm actually in a somewhat similar situation - I'm a freelance photographer who lost two major clients recently, and I've been terrified to even look into unemployment because I assumed self-employed people were automatically disqualified. Reading Miguel's breakdown as a former EDD claims examiner really clarified things for me. I had a W-2 job at a photography studio about 16 months ago, and based on the base period calculation he explained, that might still be within the window depending on exactly when I apply. What's really encouraging is seeing how many people in mixed employment situations (W-2 + freelance) have successfully navigated this process. The key takeaways I'm getting are: 1. Apply ASAP and let EDD make the determination 2. Be completely transparent about work history 3. Document all job search activities from day one 4. You CAN continue freelance work while collecting benefits if you report income honestly For those who have been approved - did any of you face any complications during the process, or was it pretty straightforward once you applied with your W-2 documentation? I'm trying to set realistic expectations for how long this might take to resolve. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - this community has been way more helpful than any official government resource I've found!

Reading through this entire thread has been such a relief! I'm a freelance web developer who just lost my biggest client last week (represented about 65% of my income), and I was completely panicking thinking I had no options since I'm self-employed. Like many of you, I had a W-2 job about 13 months ago at a tech startup before going fully freelance. Based on Miguel's excellent breakdown of the base period calculations and everyone's shared experiences, it sounds like I might actually qualify for benefits! A few questions for those who've been through this process: 1. When you applied, did you need to provide any documentation upfront, or did EDD request it later? 2. How long did it typically take to get an initial determination after applying? 3. For the work search requirements - did anyone have success counting things like updating portfolios, attending networking events, or reaching out to past clients as valid activities? I'm planning to apply first thing Monday morning after gathering all my W-2 documentation this weekend. This thread has given me so much more confidence that I'm not just wasting my time. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - especially Miguel for the insider perspective on how the system actually works! It's amazing how much clearer this all becomes when you get real advice from people who've actually navigated the process rather than trying to decode the confusing official websites.

Hey CyberNinja! Great questions - I'm also planning to apply Monday morning so this is perfect timing. From what I've gathered reading through everyone's experiences: 1. **Documentation**: Most people said they didn't need to upload docs initially when applying online, but you should definitely have your W-2s, pay stubs, and employment dates ready. EDD requests documentation later if needed for verification. 2. **Timeline**: From the experiences shared here, initial determinations seem to take anywhere from 1-3 weeks, though some mixed employment cases get flagged for manual review which can add time. The key is applying ASAP since there's that one-week waiting period. 3. **Work search activities**: Several people mentioned that legitimate networking, portfolio updates, and client outreach all count as valid activities. The key word everyone emphasized is "genuine" - it has to be actual work-seeking behavior, not just busy work. What's been really encouraging is seeing how many people with similar backgrounds (recent W-2 work + current freelancing) have successfully qualified. Your timeline of 13 months for the W-2 job sounds even better than some of the success stories shared here. I'm feeling so much more optimistic after reading all these real experiences. Let's both apply Monday and hopefully we'll have some good news to share back with this community soon! The collective wisdom here has been invaluable.

This thread has been absolutely incredible - thank you to everyone who shared their experiences! As someone who's been freelancing for a few years now, I had no idea that having W-2 history could still make you eligible for unemployment benefits. I'm actually in a very similar boat to many of you - I'm a freelance social media manager who just lost two major clients this month (about 55% of my income), and I had a W-2 marketing coordinator job about 11 months ago before going fully freelance. Reading Miguel's breakdown as a former EDD claims examiner was particularly enlightening - the base period calculation makes so much more sense now. What really stands out to me from all these responses is how important it is to: 1. Apply immediately rather than second-guessing eligibility 2. Be completely transparent about your mixed employment history 3. Start documenting job search activities right away 4. Understand that you CAN continue freelance work while collecting benefits if you report honestly I'm definitely going to apply this week armed with all this great advice. It's such a relief to know that losing clients as a freelancer doesn't automatically disqualify you if you have recent W-2 wages to fall back on. This community has provided clearer guidance than hours of trying to navigate the EDD website! For anyone else reading this who's on the fence about applying - based on all the success stories shared here, it seems like the worst they can say is no, but many people in mixed employment situations are actually qualifying. Thanks again everyone!