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Important information about EDD

Important information about EDD

En Español

May 2021

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

Unemployment Insurance, (UI) Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) have helped millions of Californians over the course of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Sadly, all across our district and state, far too many have had a hard time communicating with the Employment Development Department (EDD) and Bank of America regarding the monies they are owed. Whenever possible, my office has stepped in to help. In addition to requests regarding pending claims, my office has received a number of calls and emails regarding benefits that have expired or may expire soon.

Please know that COVID-19 unemployment benefits are still available. You might just need to reapply to get them. Here is what you need to know:

Unemployment insurance claims last for 12 months after they are filed. This is called a benefit year. If you became unemployed when businesses closed or reduced staff in March 2020, your benefit year is over.

  • When your benefit year ends, expect to file a new claim if you are still unemployed (even with a federal extension or money left on your claim). This applies to you if you have:
    • Unemployment Insurance
    • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation
    • Compensation Extensions
    • Federal-State Extended Duration Extensions
  • If you have Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, you do not need to file a new claim, as EDD automatically checks these for eligibility at the end of the benefit year.
  • EDD should notify you when your benefit year is about to end. This notification includes information on how to file a new claim.
    • You can also log into your Unemployment Insurance (UI Online) account and view your claim summary.
    • You can also refer to your Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award (Form DE429Z) for your claim ending date.
  • The easiest way to file a new claim is online through the EDD website: ca.gov/unemployment/apply.htm. When you apply online you will be sent to the ID.me website to verify your identity. All claims are reviewed for fraud prevention.
  • When you file a new claim, EDD will let you know if you qualify and what steps to take.
    • If you qualify, EDD is required to move you to a new claim. You will receive an email and text from EDD when your claim is processed. This usually takes two to three weeks.
    • You may receive a notice saying that your new claim is not valid, but you may still receive benefits.
    • You may qualify for a federal extension. If so that notice will arrive separately. EDD may also add a federal extension to your claim in the future.
  • For more information, please visit EDD’s Benefit Year End Page: ca.gov/About_EDD/coronavirus-2019/benefit-year-end.htm
    • Please also check out EDD’s YouTube video regarding the benefit year end: com/y5sd28cz

Please know that my office has helped hundreds of households with their EDD claims, and I’m working to ensure that you get what you’re owed from EDD and Bank of America.

Whether opening or renewing claims, far too many Californians who have lost work or had their work hours reduced as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic have not received the funds they are owed. Despite completing the ID.me verification process and following instructions from EDD and/or Bank of America, many claimants have still faced delays.

A district resident named Daisy reached out because her elderly Spanish-speaking mother’s claim was flagged as potentially fraudulent and frozen in May of last year. Daisy tried everything, but no new money was deposited in her mom’s Bank of America EDD account. My team stepped in and everything worked out. Daisy paid it forward by sharing the story of her mom’s experiences with EDD with the press, so that others East and Northeast LA could know where to go to get help.

My office has sought to proactively assist all those who have struggled with their claims, but we have also found ourselves confronted with delays caused by technological glitches at EDD, and an increase in the number of claims. My office will continue to assist everyone that asks for our support. That said, my priority is to leverage my position as the Chair of Budget Subcommittee #4 on State Administration to ensure that EDD can fulfill its mission and meet your needs.

Last, but not least, please know that there are text messaging scams from strange numbers claiming to be EDD or Bank of America. Here is how you can protect yourself:

  • Never click on a hyperlink in an unexpected text message claiming to be from EDD or Bank of America.
  • Verify whether a State of California Employment Development Department text message is legitimate by checking your UI Online account, or an official mailed notice to see if it contains the same information.
  • Text messages asking people to reactivate a card by clicking a link are scams.
    • EDD and Bank of America never text message people to reactivate a card.

I want to make sure that you receive the EDD monies you are owed and that you get all the help you need at this time. I’ve put together a list of resources to help you prepare and file your state and federal taxes for free a51.asmdc.org/caleitc so you can apply for California Earned Income Tax Credit, the Young Child Tax Credit, and the Golden State Stimulus. I’ve added a vaccination site map to my webpage, a51.asmdc.org/covidvaccine, to help you and everyone over age 12 in your household get one. Use this map to find a COVID-19 testing site, and visit HousingIsKey.com to find out how you can get help with back rent and overdue utilities.

Please email me or call my office, 213-483-5151, if you have questions or need any support.

Wendy Carrillo signature

Wendy Carrillo
Assemblymember, 51st District