Terminated after 39 years at age 65 - Can I still file for EDD or forced to take Social Security?

Yes, you absolutely CAN file for unemployment! Being eligible for Social Security does NOT disqualify you from receiving EDD benefits. The two systems are completely separate. You were terminated through no fault of your own (position elimination), so you meet the basic eligibility requirement. File your claim right away, and when certifying, make sure you report that you're able and available for work. Your benefit amount will be based on your highest-earning quarter during your base period. With 39 years at the same company, you'll likely qualify for the maximum weekly benefit amount. Standard UI benefits can last up to 26 weeks in California.

my dad went through EXACTLY this!! company let him go at 64 after 31 yrs... he got unemployment for like 6 months while job hunting. ended up finding something part time too. def file for EDD right away!!!

I'd be looking into whether there's an age discrimination case here too. 39 years of service and suddenly terminated at 65? That seems suspicious. Many companies try to push out older workers to save on benefits/salary. While you pursue unemployment (which you definitely qualify for), might be worth consulting with an employment attorney about potential age discrimination. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects workers 40 and older.

u should apply 4 both honestly!! get unemployment now and then u can apply 4 ss when edd runs out. thats wut my neighbor did. edd is only like 6 months anyway

I've helped several clients in your situation navigate this exact scenario. Not only can you collect unemployment, but you should also know that if you find part-time work while receiving benefits, you can still receive partial unemployment as long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount. This is called working "reduced hours." Also important: When you file your claim online, make sure you have your last 18 months of employment information ready, including employer name, address, dates worked, and reason for separation. And if you have trouble reaching EDD by phone (which is common), I recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they have a service that helps connect you with an EDD representative much faster than calling directly. They even have a video demo: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Keep us posted on how your claim goes!

THE EDD SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO CONFUSE OLDER WORKERS!! I went through this exact nightmare last year. They make you jump through so many hoops and the online system is NOT user-friendly for people who aren't tech experts. I had to get my daughter to help me file. And then they'll make you do those stupid "job search requirements" even though everyone knows age discrimination is REAL in the job market. It's humiliating after working loyally for decades. But yes, you can and SHOULD get unemployment. Don't let them force you onto Social Security early - that's exactly what the system wants so they can pay you less for the rest of your life!!!

My mom just went thru this! She got laid off at 66 (worked at hospital for 25 yrs) and EDD gave her benefits no problem. They dont care about your age or SS eligibility, just that you lost your job through no fault of your own and are able/willing to work. Good luck!

One more important thing that hasn't been mentioned: if your employer offered you any type of severance package, you need to report that when you file. Depending on how the severance is structured, it might affect when your unemployment benefits can begin (but not your eligibility overall). Also, make sure to sign up for CalJOBS as part of your EDD claim - it's required for receiving benefits and will help with your work search requirements.

btw when you do file make sure u have your last paystub and all ur work info ready. the website will ask for tons of details and its super annoying if u have to keep stopping to look things up! and write down your password somewhere safe cuz if u forget it getting back into ur account is a NIGHTMARE

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation after 39 years of loyal service - that must be incredibly shocking and stressful. As someone who recently went through a similar experience (though not quite as long tenure), I can tell you that everyone here is absolutely right about filing for unemployment immediately. What really helped me was creating a checklist before starting the application: gather your Social Security card, driver's license, last few paystubs, employer contact info, and bank account details for direct deposit. The online application took me about 45 minutes to complete, and I made sure to save screenshots of each page in case I got kicked out of the system. One thing I wish someone had told me: even though you're eligible for Social Security, when they ask during the application if you're "able and available for work," answer honestly based on your actual situation. If you're actively looking for work (which it sounds like you are), then you ARE available for work regardless of your SS eligibility. You've got this! Don't let them push you into early retirement if that's not what you planned. Take advantage of the unemployment benefits you've earned through decades of paying into the system.

I'm really sorry to hear about your sudden termination after such dedicated service - that's truly unfair, especially at this stage in your career. I wanted to add something that might be helpful: while you're navigating the EDD process, consider reaching out to your local One-Stop Career Center (now called America's Job Centers). They offer free services specifically for older workers, including resume updating, interview skills refresher courses, and connections to employers who value experienced workers. Many locations have programs specifically designed for workers 50+ who are dealing with age discrimination in hiring. You can find your nearest center at careeronestop.org. Also, don't forget that you may be eligible for COBRA health insurance continuation from your former employer - make sure to explore that option if you were receiving health benefits. You've earned these safety nets through decades of work, so don't hesitate to use them while you figure out your next steps!

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation - being terminated after 39 years of dedicated service must be incredibly devastating and disorienting. The good news is that everyone here is absolutely correct: you can definitely file for unemployment benefits regardless of your Social Security eligibility. These are two completely separate programs. Here's what I'd recommend doing right away: 1. File your EDD claim online as soon as possible - don't wait! The sooner you file, the sooner your benefits can start. 2. When filing, make sure you clearly state that your position was eliminated due to "lack of work" or "company restructuring" - this establishes that the termination was through no fault of your own. 3. Be prepared for the work search requirements - you'll need to actively look for work and report your job search activities when you certify for benefits every two weeks. One thing to consider: at 65, you might find that some employers are more interested in hiring you for part-time or consulting work, which could actually work well with the partial unemployment benefits system in California. Many people your age successfully transition to more flexible work arrangements. Don't let anyone pressure you into taking Social Security early if you had planned to wait until 67. Those extra two years can make a significant difference in your lifetime benefits. Use the unemployment period to explore your options - you might even find something better than what you had before! Stay strong and know that you have every right to these benefits after nearly four decades in the workforce.

I'm so sorry this happened to you after nearly four decades of loyal service - what a shocking and unfair way to be treated! But I'm glad you found this community because everyone here has given you excellent advice. I just wanted to add one more perspective as someone who works in HR: definitely document everything about your termination while it's fresh in your memory. Write down exactly what was said, who was present, any reasons given, and details about the "restructuring" they mentioned. If you received any written communications about the termination, keep copies. This documentation could be valuable not just for your unemployment claim, but also if you decide to explore the age discrimination angle that Emma mentioned. Also, don't feel embarrassed about needing help with the EDD website or job searching after so many years - that's completely normal! The job market and application processes have changed dramatically. Consider it a learning adventure rather than a setback. You have decades of valuable experience that many employers would appreciate, even if the initial search feels daunting. You've clearly built a strong work ethic over 39 years, and that same determination will serve you well in navigating this transition. Wishing you the best of luck with your unemployment claim and whatever comes next!

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation after 39 years of dedicated service - that's absolutely heartbreaking and infuriating. But I'm so glad you found this supportive community! Everyone here has given you fantastic advice about filing for unemployment (which you absolutely should do immediately), but I wanted to share something that might help with the overwhelming feeling of starting over at 65. My father-in-law went through something very similar at 63 after 35 years with his company. He was devastated at first, but it actually ended up being one of the best things that happened to him. While collecting unemployment, he took time to really think about what he wanted to do next instead of just jumping into the first opportunity. He ended up finding a part-time consulting role in his field that paid better per hour than his old job, gave him flexible scheduling, and let him travel to interesting projects. He's been happier and less stressed than he was in his final years at the old company. The key is not to rush into anything just because you feel pressure. You've earned these unemployment benefits - use them as breathing room to explore options you might never have considered before. Sometimes what feels like an ending is actually a new beginning in disguise. Stay strong, and don't let them push you around after all those years of loyal service. You've got this! 💪