Can I apply for EDD benefits extension after regular UI runs out in 2025?

Extensions don't exist anymore like they used to during covid. Once ur regular UI claim is exhausted that's it unfortunately... I ran out in January and that was it for me. Some ppl might qualify for fed-ed but only if unemployment rate is high in California which it isnt right now.

The previous commenter is mostly correct. Regular UI extensions like Federal-ED only become available during periods of high unemployment as determined by specific economic triggers. As of 2025, California does not have any automatic extension programs active for regular UI claims. However, you do have options to consider: 1. If you qualify for any type of partial disability, you might be eligible for SDI (State Disability Insurance). 2. If you need to care for an ill family member, you could look into PFL (Paid Family Leave). 3. CalWORKs provides temporary financial assistance for families with children. 4. CalFresh (food stamps) can help with nutritional assistance. Most importantly, I'd recommend scheduling an eligibility interview with EDD to discuss your specific situation and get personalized guidance. They can advise you on any programs you might qualify for after your UI exhaustion date.

Dont waste ur time with the EDD phone lines!!!! I found this service called Claimyr that gets you connected to an EDD agent fast. Saved me SO MUCH frustration when I needed to talk to someone about my claim. Check their site claimyr.com - they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

Since you're in healthcare admin, have you considered looking into the Healthcare Workforce Development programs through EDD partnerships? They sometimes have training funds and job placement assistance specifically for healthcare workers. This won't extend your benefits, but it might help with the job search. The EDD WorkSource centers offer these services for free, and they can sometimes connect you with employers who are actively hiring. Also, make sure you're certifying correctly and answering all work search questions accurately. Even one mistake can cause payment delays or disqualifications. And double-check your certifications are being submitted successfully - the UI Online system sometimes has glitches that don't show confirmation pages.

my cousin said theres a secret extension u can get if u call and say the right things to the right person at EDD lol not sure if its true tho

LISTEN UP - the system is DESIGNED to make you give up!!!!! They WANT you to run out of benefits before finding a job. I worked for 22 YEARS paying into this system and when I finally needed help they gave me the bare minimum and then cut me off. The "work search requirement" is a JOKE - nobody is hiring but they pretend the economy is great. I applied to 200+ jobs and got ONE interview. EDD doesn't care if you become homeless!!!!!

Have you checked if you might qualify for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)? It's for people who lost jobs due to foreign trade impact. Not super common but worth looking into if your healthcare admin job was outsourced overseas. Also, don't forget to apply for CalFresh (food stamps) when you get to about 4 weeks left on your claim. You can get that process started before your UI actually runs out.

One important thing to understand: your benefit year is 12 months from when you first filed, but that doesn't mean you get benefits for 12 months. You only get benefits for the number of weeks your claim balance covers (usually 26 weeks at your weekly benefit amount). If you're only halfway through your benefits but already worried, you might want to look into part-time work. Even if it pays less than your previous job, you can still collect partial unemployment benefits if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount, and this would stretch your claim balance longer while giving you some income.

i went thru this last year!!!! so stressful. make sure ur putting aside money for TAXES on ur benefits cuz they dont withhold enough and i got hit with a huge tax bill i wasnt expecting. not helpful for ur actual question sorry lol just thought id mention it

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - I can really relate to your situation. I went through something similar last year when my UI benefits were running low. Here's what I learned: Unfortunately, California doesn't have automatic extensions right now like during the pandemic. BUT there are a few things you should definitely look into: 1. **CalWORKs** - Since you have two teenagers, you might qualify for temporary cash assistance. The income limits are higher for larger families. 2. **CalFresh** - Apply for this ASAP. You can get approved even while still receiving some UI benefits, and it helps SO much with grocery costs. 3. **Local food banks and utility assistance** - Many counties have emergency assistance programs for mortgage help and utilities. Check with 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local resources. 4. **Workforce development programs** - Some offer training stipends while you learn new skills. The healthcare admin field is tough right now, but don't give up. Consider temp agencies too - they sometimes lead to permanent positions and can help bridge the gap. Start applying for other assistance programs NOW while you still have some UI left. The process can take weeks and you want everything in place before your benefits end. Hang in there - you're not alone in this struggle. ❤️

I'm in a very similar situation and wanted to share what I've discovered through my own research. You're right to be concerned - California doesn't currently have the extended benefit programs that were available during the pandemic. However, I found out about something called the **Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)** programs that might help. These provide training funds and sometimes income support while you're learning new skills. Since you're in healthcare admin, you might qualify for training in high-demand areas like medical coding or healthcare data analysis. Also, don't overlook **General Relief** through your county - it's different from CalWORKs and sometimes available even if you don't qualify for other programs. The amounts are small but every bit helps. One more thing that helped me mentally: I started tracking my job applications in a spreadsheet with columns for follow-up dates. It sounds like you're already organized, but having that visual progress helped me feel more in control during the uncertainty. The job market is brutal right now, but your persistence with 178 applications shows incredible determination. Keep documenting everything - it'll be important for any future applications for assistance programs.

I'm facing the exact same situation and honestly, reading all these responses has been both helpful and terrifying. I exhausted my regular UI benefits 3 weeks ago and there really aren't any extensions available right now in California. What I wish I had done differently (and what might help you): Start applying for CalFresh and CalWORKs NOW, not when your benefits run out. The application process took me almost 6 weeks and I could have avoided some really scary weeks if I'd started earlier. Also, check with your local American Job Centers - they sometimes have emergency assistance funds that aren't widely advertised. I got a one-time $800 utility assistance through them that literally kept my power on. For the healthcare admin field specifically, I've had better luck with staffing agencies like Robert Half and Adecco. The pay isn't amazing but it's something, and some of their temp positions have turned into permanent offers for people I know. The mental toll of this is just as hard as the financial stress. You're doing everything right - 178 applications shows incredible persistence. Don't let anyone tell you you're not trying hard enough. The system is broken, not you. Hang in there. You're not alone in this struggle. 💪

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the uncertainty is absolutely awful when you have a mortgage and kids depending on you. I went through something very similar in 2024 and wanted to share what actually worked for me. First, the hard truth: there are no UI extensions available right now in California like there were during COVID. Once your regular benefits are exhausted, that's it for unemployment compensation. BUT - and this is important - you have more options than you might realize: **Start these applications NOW (don't wait):** - CalFresh (food assistance) - you can apply while still on UI - CalWORKs (cash assistance for families with children) - with two teens you likely qualify - Local utility assistance programs (call 211 for your area) **Job search strategies that helped me:** - Healthcare staffing agencies (Kelly Services, Maxim Healthcare) often have admin roles - Part-time work can actually extend your UI benefits if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount - Remote healthcare admin positions have more opportunities - expand your search nationwide **One thing I wish I'd known:** Document EVERYTHING about your job search beyond just the required activities. If you ever need to appeal anything or apply for other programs, that documentation becomes crucial. The system feels designed to make you give up, but you're clearly a fighter with 178 applications already. That persistence WILL pay off. You're doing everything right in an impossible situation. Hang in there - you're not alone in this fight. 💪