Can I claim EDD benefits for unpaid apprenticeship training starting in May?

Unfortunately, this is likely going to be a problem. When you apply for UI benefits, you need to be: 1) unemployed through no fault of your own, 2) able and available for work, and 3) actively seeking employment. Voluntarily leaving your current work to enter an unpaid apprenticeship doesn't meet the first requirement, and being in full-time training might make you unavailable for work in EDD's eyes. The key issue is that you're choosing to leave work to enter training rather than being laid off or terminated. Also, while in the apprenticeship, you would need to be available to accept suitable work if offered, which sounds like it might conflict with your training program.

my sister did somthing like this last year but i think she got approved because her job ended first then she started school. maybe you could wait until ur last job actually ends? then apply saying ur job ended not that ur quitting

The EDD is JOKE anyway!!! I lost my job 4 months ago cuz the company moved operations to Arizona, applied for benefits and STILL WAITING for my first payment!!!! The whole system is designed to make it IMPOSSIBLE to get help when you need it!!! 😡😡😡

You might want to look into the California Training Benefits (CTB) program instead. It's specifically designed for people who want to learn new skills while receiving unemployment benefits. However, there are specific requirements: 1. Your training needs to be approved by EDD 2. You typically need to already be eligible for UI benefits through a qualifying job loss 3. The training must be for a high-demand occupation The key advantage of CTB is that you can receive benefits while training without having to look for work during that time. But you'd still need to qualify for UI first, which means you'd need to have lost your previous job through no fault of your own. Since you mentioned you're voluntarily leaving your current situation, that's going to be the main hurdle. Is there any chance you're being laid off or that your contract work is legitimately ending (not just because you're telling clients you're transitioning)?

You need to be completely honest in your application. If EDD asks about all your recent work, you must disclose everything. If some contracts are naturally ending without renewal options, those might qualify you, but EDD will likely ask about all recent work during your phone interview. One option might be to delay starting your apprenticeship until after you've established a legitimate UI claim. For example, if your current contracts are ending naturally, apply for UI, get approved, and then enroll in the apprenticeship and apply for the California Training Benefits program.

what about asking the apprenticeship if they can write you a letter saying you were laid off from your current job? i know someone who did that and it worked for them getting unemployment

im in trade school right now (hvac) and i get unemployment but thats because i got laid off from my warehouse job first. the key thing was i didnt quit, they laid me off. then i applied for ui and after i got approved i started school. i also had to apply for the training program thing where they waive the job search requirement. so if ur current work is actually ending (not just u quitting) then yea u might qualify. but if ur straight up quitting to do the apprenticeship then probably not

One thing nobody's mentioned - have you checked if your apprenticeship program itself offers any kind of stipend or financial assistance? Many union or state-sponsored apprenticeship programs have some form of support, especially for the unpaid training periods. Might be worth asking the program administrators directly about this. Also, if you're struggling to reach EDD to discuss your specific situation (they really are the only ones who can give you a definitive answer), I'd recommend using Claimyr. I was in a complicated situation with my claim and needed to talk to a specialist at EDD. Used claimyr.com and got connected to an agent who could actually help. Their video explains how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

Another option to consider is whether you qualify for any workforce development programs through your local America's Job Center of California (formerly known as One-Stop Career Centers). They sometimes have funding available for people transitioning careers through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). It's not unemployment insurance, but it might provide some financial support during your training period. Worth checking out if EDD benefits don't work out!

I went through something similar when I transitioned from retail to nursing school a couple years back. Here's what I learned: timing is absolutely everything with EDD. Since you mentioned some of your contracts are naturally ending, focus on those. Document everything - when each contract actually ends, what the terms were, whether renewal was even offered. If you have legitimate contract endings (not just you declining renewals), that could form the basis of a valid claim. The apprenticeship starting in 3 weeks actually gives you a small window. If your natural contract endings happen soon, you could potentially file for UI, get approved, then immediately apply for the California Training Benefits program before your apprenticeship starts. Just know that CTB approval can take time, so start that process ASAP. Also, don't overlook other support options while you figure out the EDD situation. Check if your apprenticeship program has connections to grants or stipends, look into local workforce development programs, and see if you qualify for any trade-specific scholarships. Sometimes there are resources specifically for people entering skilled trades that aren't widely advertised. Good luck with the electrical program - that's such a solid career path!

I'm actually going through a similar transition right now - laid off from my office job last month and starting a welding program next week. One thing my workforce counselor told me is that you might want to check if your apprenticeship program is registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. Registered apprenticeship programs sometimes have different rules when it comes to UI eligibility. Also, since you're a contractor, make sure you've been paying into the UI system properly. Sometimes contractors think they're covered but actually haven't been contributing to unemployment insurance. You can check your wage history online through your EDD account to see what's on file. The California Training Benefits program that Dylan mentioned is legit - I'm hoping to get approved for it myself. But like Edwards said, start that process NOW if you're going to try it. The paperwork alone takes forever, and they want detailed info about your training program, career goals, labor market data, etc. One last thought - if your apprenticeship is through a union, they might have emergency assistance programs or know about other funding sources. Worth asking!