Can I collect EDD benefits while attending college classes? Need clear answer!

The short answer is: maybe, but you need to request and get approval through the California Training Benefits (CTB) program. When you certify, you need to answer 'yes' to the question about attending school or training. This will trigger EDD to send you DE 2402 form (Training Benefits Program Notice). You should complete this ASAP. If approved, you'll be able to collect benefits while attending school without having to look for work. BUT - and this is important - you must be approved FIRST before you stop your work search. Your nursing program likely qualifies since healthcare is in-demand, but don't assume anything until you get official approval.

this happened to me last year when i started my welding certificate!! you have to apply for CTB like the other person said but ALSO make sure u keep looking for work until ur approved or they will disqualify u and the appeal process is a nightmare

Yes you can get benefits while in school BUT ONLY if you're attending an eligible training program that EDD has pre-approved. Not all schools/programs qualify. And you have to be available to work. Like if your only available to work weekends that's probably not enough for them. You have to be available for full time work in your field to qualify. I would suggest calling and talking to them directly because every case is different.

I work as a career counselor and have guided many clients through this process. Here's what you need to know about CTB (California Training Benefits): 1. You must request CTB approval by answering "yes" to school attendance on your certification 2. Continue your work search requirements until you receive official CTB approval 3. Your program needs to be on the approved training provider list (most accredited nursing programs are) 4. Make sure your program is at least 12 hours per week (yours sounds like it is) 5. You can potentially get up to a 26-week extension of benefits if your training qualifies Additionally, if your job loss was due to a mass layoff or industry decline, you might qualify under the special CTB provisions with fewer restrictions. Nursing is considered a high-demand field, which works in your favor.

My sister tried to do this last year and it was a complete disaster. EDD kept saying different things every time she called. First they said she was approved then they said she wasn't then they wanted more documentation. She ended up with an overpayment notice for $4,200!!! Be really careful and get EVERYTHING in writing.

One more important detail - if you get approved for CTB, you should know that you're still required to make satisfactory progress in your training program. This means regular attendance and passing grades. If you drop out or fail your classes, you could lose eligibility and potentially face overpayment issues. Make sure to report any changes to your training schedule right away.

btw when u apply make sure u mention that nursing is on the states in-demand occupation list!!! my friend did that and got approved way faster than i did for my program

Just wanted to add that you should also check if your school has a financial aid office that can help with the CTB paperwork. When I applied for training benefits for my pharmacy tech program, the financial aid counselor had dealt with EDD before and knew exactly what documentation they needed. She even helped me word my application to emphasize how the program met EDD's requirements. Also, keep copies of EVERYTHING - your acceptance letter, course schedule, program curriculum, etc. EDD loves their paperwork trail. Good luck with nursing school - we need more healthcare workers!

I went through this exact situation two years ago when I started my RN program! Here's what worked for me: Submit your CTB application as soon as possible - don't wait until your first day of classes. I made that mistake and had a stressful few weeks wondering if my benefits would continue. Also, when you fill out the DE 2402 form, be very specific about your program details - include the school's accreditation info, total hours per week, and graduation date. EDD approved mine in about 3 weeks. One thing nobody mentioned yet - if you do any clinical rotations at different locations, make sure to report those schedule changes to EDD right away. They consider clinical time as part of your training, so any major schedule shifts need to be documented. Your nursing program should definitely qualify since healthcare is a priority sector in California. Just stay on top of the paperwork and you should be fine!

I'm currently in a similar situation - just got laid off from my job at a medical office and I'm starting a dental hygienist program in the fall. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful! I had no idea about the CTB program before this post. One question I have - has anyone had experience with EDD requiring proof that you're still actively looking for work even after CTB approval? I'm worried they might expect me to be available for full-time positions that would conflict with my class schedule. My program is going to be pretty intensive (30+ hours per week including labs) so I'm realistically only going to be available for evening or weekend shifts. Should I be concerned about this when I apply for CTB? Thanks for starting this thread - it's been incredibly informative!

As someone who works in EDD processing, I want to clarify a few things that might help everyone here. The CTB program is definitely your best bet for collecting benefits while in school, but there are some nuances people should know: 1. The "able and available" requirement still applies even with CTB approval - but it's interpreted more flexibly for students in approved programs. You just need to show you could accept suitable work that fits around your training schedule. 2. Processing times can vary wildly depending on your local office. Some get approved in 2-3 weeks, others can take 6-8 weeks. Submit your DE 2402 form immediately after answering "yes" to school attendance. 3. Make sure your program meets the minimum 20 hours per week requirement for CTB. Most nursing programs easily exceed this, but it's worth double-checking. 4. Keep detailed records of your class attendance and grades. EDD can request progress reports at any time, and poor attendance or failing grades can result in benefit termination. One pro tip: If your program has an internship or externship component, that actually strengthens your CTB application because it shows direct job preparation. Good luck to all the future healthcare workers here - your timing is perfect given the current demand!

I'm actually an EDD case worker and wanted to jump in with some additional guidance that might help. A few key points that haven't been fully covered: First, regarding the gap in benefits while your CTB application is processing - you should continue certifying as normal and keep doing your work search activities. If your CTB gets approved, it will be retroactive to when you first reported attending school, so you won't lose those weeks of benefits. Second, for nursing programs specifically, make sure your school is listed in EDD's Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). Most accredited nursing programs are, but it's worth verifying on the CalJOBS website before you submit your application. Third, document everything related to your layoff from the medical assistant position. If it was due to healthcare industry changes or facility restructuring, that can actually work in your favor for CTB approval since you're retraining within the same industry. One thing I always tell claimants - when you fill out the DE 2402 form, attach a personal statement explaining how your nursing training directly relates to your previous work experience and current labor market conditions. EDD likes to see a clear career progression plan. Also, don't just rely on online submissions. If you can, drop off your CTB paperwork in person at your local office and ask for a receipt. This creates a paper trail and often speeds up processing. Feel free to ask if you have any other questions about the process!