When can I apply for EDD benefits before July furlough starts?
My company just announced we're all getting furloughed starting July 12th for about 2 months. This is my first time dealing with unemployment and I'm not sure when I can actually apply for benefits. Do I have to wait until my last day of work? Can I apply now since I already know the furlough is coming? Also wondering if furloughs qualify the same as layoffs for unemployment benefits? Pretty stressed about this whole situation since I've got rent and car payments to worry about.
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Connor O'Neill
u cant apply til ur acually not working anymore. my sister tried to do the same thing last yr and got denied cuz she was still getting paychecks
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Zainab Ismail
•Really? That's going to be cutting it close for me then. I'm worried about a gap between my last paycheck and when benefits start.
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Yara Nassar
You can actually apply for unemployment up to two weeks before your last day of work. EDD recommends filing as soon as you know your last day. Furloughs definitely qualify for UI benefits as long as your hours are reduced to zero. Make sure you have your employment information ready (company name, address, dates of employment). When you certify, be accurate about your last day worked. Benefits won't start until after your last day, but having your claim already processed will help avoid delays.
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Zainab Ismail
•Thank you! That's a huge relief. I'll gather all my paperwork and apply in late June then. Do you know how soon after filing I might see any money? I'm trying to budget for July.
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Keisha Robinson
When I got furloughed back in 2023 it took them almost 6 weeks to pay me anything!! They kept saying my identity verification was "pending" or something. Meanwhile bills were due and I was FREAKING OUT
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Zainab Ismail
•Oh no, that's exactly what I'm worried about! I can't go 6 weeks without income.
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GalaxyGuardian
EDD processing times vary, but there's typically a one-week unpaid waiting period after your last day worked. After that, if everything goes smoothly, you should receive payment within 7-10 days after you certify for your first eligible week. However, if your identity verification gets flagged or there are questions about your claim, it can take longer. Make sure you have these ready to avoid delays: - Valid ID (for ID.me verification) - Accurate employment history for the last 18 months - Your company's correct EDD account number (ask HR for this) - Proof of your furlough (any official documentation) Certify on time every two weeks once your claim starts. Missing certifications will delay payments.
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Paolo Ricci
•This is great advice. I'd add that you should set up your direct deposit or Money Network card preferences immediately after you file. That will avoid payment method delays. Also, if you're planning to return to the same employer after furlough, make sure to indicate that when filing.
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Amina Toure
I'm in the same boat! My company is doing rolling furloughs starting July too. Is anyone else having trouble getting through to EDD to ask questions? I've been calling for TWO DAYS and either get busy signals or it hangs up automatically saying "too many callers" 😡 How is anyone supposed to prepare properly?!?
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Oliver Zimmermann
•I was stuck in the same situation last month when I needed to fix an issue with my claim. After wasting days trying to call, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They basically call for you and connect you when they get through. Saved me so much frustration. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km
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Paolo Ricci
One thing nobody's mentioned - make sure you understand your work search requirements. Even though it's a furlough with a return date, you might still need to do work searches depending on how long the furlough is. I think if it's under 4 weeks you can get an exemption, but for 2 months you'll probably need to document job contacts. Also check if your employer is doing a "Work Share" program with partial hours instead of complete furlough - that's handled differently.
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Zainab Ismail
•That's a good point about work search. I'm supposed to go back in September, but I'll make sure to document everything just in case. Our furlough is complete - zero hours, not partial.
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Keisha Robinson
My cousin said the whole EDD system is messed up now and everyone is getting automatically flagged for interviews! Be prepared to wait FOREVER
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GalaxyGuardian
•That's not accurate. While some claims do get flagged for eligibility interviews, it's not automatic for everyone. Furloughs with definite return dates are actually some of the most straightforward claims, especially if the employer properly reports the furlough to EDD. The system has improved significantly since the pandemic overload.
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Yara Nassar
Just to clarify something important: when you apply before your last day, make absolutely sure to enter your correct last day of work. Don't put the application date as your last day worked. This is a common mistake that causes problems. The system will ask for your last day worked - that should be your actual final day at work (July 11th based on your post). And be careful with your first certification. If you work any days in that first certification period, accurately report those days and earnings or you could end up with an overpayment situation later.
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Zainab Ismail
•Thank you for pointing this out! I definitely would have been confused about how to handle the overlap between application and last day worked. I'll make sure to be precise with all the dates.
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