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EDD benefits running out - How to apply for extension in 2025?

So I got laid off from my construction job back in mid-November (company downsizing) and started getting EDD benefits in December after that whole waiting period thing. I've been applying to literally EVERYTHING in my field and even had 6 interviews, but the market is just awful right now. My benefit balance is getting scary low - showing only about 3 weeks left.\n\nDoes anyone know if extensions are still a thing in 2025? I know during COVID they had all those special programs, but what about now? Do I need to call EDD (ugh) or is there something in UI Online I'm missing? My rent is $2750 and I'm freaking out about what happens when the regular benefits run out. \n\nI've been doing everything right - applying to 3+ jobs weekly, keeping my work search records, certifying on time. Just can't land anything yet. Any advice on extensions would be seriously appreciated!

One important thing to add: make absolutely sure you continue to certify for benefits every two weeks, even if your balance is getting low. If for some reason an extension or additional program does become available, you need to have an active claim with consistent certification history.\n\nAlso, once your claim is exhausted, you'll receive a notice about applying for a new claim when your benefit year ends. Even if you haven't worked, you should still complete this application as it will trigger a review of your eligibility for any other programs.\n\nThe CTB program others mentioned typically takes 2-3 weeks for approval, so if you're interested in that route, start the application process at least a month before your benefits are set to run out. You'll need to select an approved training provider and program, and EDD will verify that it qualifies.

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This is really good to know - I'll definitely keep certifying. I'm looking into CTB programs now. Does anyone know if there's a list of approved training providers online somewhere? The EDD website is such a maze.

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Yes! The approved training provider list is buried on the EDD website but it exists. Go to edd.ca.gov and search for "ETPL" (Eligible Training Provider List). You can filter by location, training type, and even by occupation. Also, community colleges in California often have programs that qualify for CTB - things like welding, HVAC, electrical work, or even project management certifications. Since you're coming from construction, you might want to look into construction management or green building programs which are in high demand right now. Pro tip: call the training provider directly and ask if they're familiar with the CTB application process. Some schools have dedicated staff who help with the EDD paperwork, which can speed things up significantly.

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EDD claim balance depleted before benefit year ends - what are my options?

I'm in a tough spot and not sure what to do. My EDD unemployment claim balance just hit $0 last week, but my benefit year doesn't end until November 2025 (about 7 months from now). I was laid off from my position as a dental assistant and have been receiving benefits since December. I've been actively applying for jobs but healthcare hiring is really slow right now in my area. I got the notification that my claim balance is exhausted, but I'm confused about what happens next. Do I need to file a new claim even though my benefit year isn't over? Is there any way to get an extension? I tried calling EDD this morning but couldn't get through to an actual person. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

One thing no one mentioned - check with your previous employer about your COBRA health insurance options if you haven't already. You should have received information about this when you were laid off. Even though it's expensive, having health coverage is important while you're between jobs, especially in healthcare where some employers require current vaccinations/screenings.

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Thanks for mentioning this. I actually did sign up for Covered California instead of COBRA since it was much more affordable. Luckily my health insurance is covered through July!

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Ruby, I'm glad you were able to get through to EDD and found that error in your wage reporting! Even a small amount added back to your claim balance can help. Since you're expanding your job search, you might also want to check if any dental offices in your area are hiring for temporary or part-time positions - sometimes they need coverage for staff vacations or sick leave, and it could help you maintain connections in your field while you look for permanent work. Also, many dental offices post openings on Indeed or their websites rather than going through traditional job boards, so checking individual practice websites directly might uncover opportunities that aren't widely advertised. Hang in there - the healthcare job market can be slow but positions do open up!

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EDD account number not working - system won't accept it. Help!

So I've been trying to use my EDD account number for days now and it's not working. I double-checked it multiple times but the system just won't accept it. Anyone else having this problem? It's driving me crazy! I've been on hold for hours trying to get through to someone. Any advice on what to do? I'm worried about missing out on my benefits because of this stupid technical issue.

Same I tried today to add won't accept it

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Hey Diego, I feel your pain! I went through this exact same thing last month. What worked for me was actually logging out completely, clearing my browser cache, and then trying again with a different browser. Also, make sure you're not including any spaces or dashes in the account number - sometimes the system is picky about formatting. If that doesn't work, try accessing the site from your phone instead of computer. The mobile version sometimes behaves differently. Don't give up - I know how stressful this is when you need those benefits!

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EDD denied my claim then scheduled another interview - confused about voluntary quit after hours reduction

I'm completely lost with my EDD situation. I had to quit my retail job after a sudden policy change about my hours. For context - I had an approved reduced schedule (20-25 hours weekly) to care for my mom who's recovering from heart surgery. My direct supervisor approved this arrangement through December, but suddenly corporate HR said I needed to return to 40 hours immediately or resign. Since I couldn't abandon my caregiving responsibilities with zero notice, I had to quit. Here's where it gets weird: I had my eligibility interview last week (the interviewer was incredibly dismissive and kept cutting me off). Then yesterday I received TWO letters dated the same day (8/14) - one saying my claim was DENIED due to voluntary quit without good cause, and another saying I have a SECOND interview scheduled for 8/29 to "provide additional information and clarify circumstances." The UI Online portal shows my claim as denied, but why schedule another interview? Is this some weird system error? Has anyone experienced getting a second interview after already being denied? What additional information could they possibly need if they've already made their decision?

dont listen to the pesemists on here EDD mess things up ALL THE TIME!!! my freind got 3 denials and then suddently got aproved with back pay. just keep fighting and tel your story about youre mom needing care. the system is designed to wear people down so they give up on gettin benefits they deserve

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thiss right here 💯 its all about persistence with EDD. they hope people just give up after first denial.

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I went through something very similar last year - got denied, then got a second interview letter on the same day as my denial notice. It was confusing but turned out to be legitimate! In my case, the second interview was with a different adjudicator who was much more thorough and actually listened to my situation. The key things that helped me get approved were: 1. Having all my documentation organized (sounds like you already have the texts and schedule approvals - that's perfect) 2. Clearly explaining the timeline of events and emphasizing that the employer changed the terms AFTER approving your arrangement 3. Focusing on the fact that you had no reasonable alternative given your caregiving responsibilities Don't get discouraged by the initial denial - it seems like the system sometimes auto-denies voluntary quit cases and then flags them for human review. Your situation with the approved reduced schedule being suddenly revoked definitely sounds like it could qualify as good cause. Make sure you're prepared to explain exactly when your schedule was approved, who approved it, and how suddenly it was changed. The "no reasonable alternative" angle is crucial here. Good luck with your second interview!

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EDD overpayment appeal hearing - timeframe for decision?

I had my EDD overpayment appeal hearing last week (Feb 10th) and I'm freaking out about how long it'll take to get a decision. The judge said he'd mail his decision but didn't say how long it would take. They're claiming I was overpaid $5,780 because I supposedly didn't report all my earnings correctly in 2024, but I definitely did! I've been stressing about this for months and just want it to be over. Has anyone gone through an appeal hearing for overpayment? How long did it take to get the decision letter after your hearing? I keep checking my mailbox every day and it's making my anxiety worse. Thanks in advance for any info!

For those following this thread with similar concerns, there are actually three possible outcomes of an overpayment appeal: 1. Full reversal - The overpayment determination is completely eliminated 2. Partial reversal - The overpayment amount is reduced 3. Affirmation - The original overpayment determination stands In addition, if you do receive an unfavorable decision, remember that EDD is required to offer reasonable payment plans for overpayment recovery. They can't demand the entire amount immediately if you can demonstrate financial hardship. Standard payment plans can be as low as $25 per month depending on your situation.

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That's good to know about the payment plans. Obviously I'm hoping for option #1, but it helps to know what to expect if things don't go my way. I really appreciate all this information!

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I'm going through a similar situation right now - had my overpayment appeal hearing 3 weeks ago and the waiting is absolutely killing me! They're claiming I owe $4,200 for unreported earnings from 2023. Reading through all these responses is actually really helpful because I had no idea about the timeline or what to expect. The judge at my hearing was pretty neutral and didn't give any hints about which way it might go. I brought all my documentation including screenshots of the EDD website being down when I was trying to report, but you never know if it's enough. Thanks for posting this question - it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with this stress and uncertainty!

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