When to reapply for EDD benefits - before or after benefit year ending Dec 28th?

I was in your exact position last year! DO NOT apply before your benefit year ends - the system won't let you submit a new claim until your current benefit year is completely over. I tried applying 3 days early and it just gave me error messages. You have to wait until the day after your benefit year ends (so Dec 29th in your case). Just be prepared for the gap - it took them almost 3 weeks to process my new claim even though I had all my documents ready. Have some savings ready if possible.

The previous response is correct - you cannot submit a new application until your benefit year has officially ended. The system is programmed to reject overlapping benefit years. What you can do to prepare: 1. Gather all your employment information for the past 18 months 2. Have your ID documents ready for any potential ID verification 3. Set a calendar reminder for December 29th to submit first thing You'll likely experience a 2-3 week gap in payments while the new claim processes. This is normal but frustrating. If you've been on unemployment for the full year, they'll also review if you've earned enough wages in the past year to qualify for a new claim.

wait do you HAVE to reapply?? i thought it automatically renews if ur still eligible? my cousin didnt reapply and still got benefits after the year

I went through this last month and learned something important: if you try calling EDD on the day after your benefit year ends to check on your new application status, you'll NEVER get through. The phone lines are completely jammed. I spent 5 days calling non-stop! Finally I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an EDD rep who was able to check my application status and tell me what was missing. Saved me weeks of waiting. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Definitely wait until the 29th to apply, but be prepared for the waiting game.

Just adding my experience - i filed exactly 1 day after my BYE (benefit year end) date and it went smoothly. but yes theres always a gap. took them 16 days to process my new claim, no interview required. but my friend had to do phone interview bc she had different employers during her base period. PS make sure your work search records are up to date before applying! they randomly asked me for mine

The EDD system is intentionally difficult to navigate and they WANT you to make mistakes. They rejected my reapplication because I applied 2 days too early even though their own website doesn't clearly state you must wait until after the BYE date!!! I had to appeal and it took 2 MONTHS to fix. THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO DENY BENEFITS!!!

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! Sounds like waiting until December 29th is definitely the way to go. I'll make sure I have all my documents ready to submit right away. Fingers crossed it processes quickly, but I'll prepare for a 2-3 week gap just in case. Really appreciate all your insights!

one thing nobody mentioned - if your weekly benefit amount on the new claim is $40+ lower than your old claim, you might qualify for something called the DNCP (deferred new claim payment) where they use your old wba instead. ask about it if your new amount is way lower