Why would I need to file a new unemployment claim in California when my unemployment status has never been interrupted?

by Mike McLay
(Fresno, CA)

I was laid off from my previous position on February 6, 2009 and have been continuously unemployed and receiving unemployment insurance benefits ever since that date. My last extension expired on February 6, 2010. The last check I received from the California EDD (for the week of 2/6/2010) stated on the stub that I still had a claim balance of $3600.00 and stubs on checks prior to that stated that I was eligible for another extension and that the request for an extension would be automatically filed for me. However, I received an unexpected letter from the California EDD last week that told me I need to file a new unemployment claim. Why would I need to file a new claim when my unemployment status was never once interrupted over the past year?


Hi Mike,

I don't know except to say that a "benefit year lasts only for 12 months.

I'm not sure why the EDD can't automatically file the new claim for you, but I suspect it has something to do with the fact that the new "jobs bill" which extended unemployment extensions through the end of 2010 didn't pass until .. 3/10/10 .. and your current "benefit year" expired before that happened.

It's probably best to call the EDD and get your answer .. I and I'm others would be interested in the answer and anyone is free to update this question with a comment .. if they know something that might help explain this to Mike .. and me:)

The EDD unemployment extension page was updated on 3/12