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

Hi everyone! I just got accepted into a nursing program starting next month (so excited!!) but I'm still dealing with unemployment after being laid off from my medical assistant job. I'm worried about losing my benefits when school starts. Does anyone know if EDD allows you to collect unemployment while taking classes? Do I need special approval? My program is 4 days a week (Mon-Thurs) with clinical rotations on some weekends. I'm definitely still looking for part-time work and can accept jobs that fit around my class schedule. Do I need to report my school schedule when I certify? Will they automatically disqualify me? Any advice would be super helpful since I really need the benefits to survive while I'm training for a better career.

Amara Okonkwo

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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.

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Thank you so much for the detailed information! I had no idea about the CTB program. I'll make sure to answer 'yes' on my next certification. One follow-up question - will there be a gap in my benefits while they're processing my school approval? I'm worried about making rent if there's a delay.

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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

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Thanks for the warning! I'll definitely keep doing my work search requirements until I hear back about the CTB approval. Did it take long for your approval to come through?

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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.

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Dylan Hughes

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Having to call EDD is such a nightmare though. I spent 3 whole weeks trying to get through about my CTB approval. If you're planning to call, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they have this service that gets you through to an EDD rep usually within an hour instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. It saved me so much frustration when I was trying to get my school approved. Worth it when you absolutely need to speak to someone.

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NightOwl42

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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.

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This is incredibly helpful - thank you! I didn't know about the potential 26-week extension. My layoff was part of a hospital-wide staffing reduction, so hopefully that helps my case. I'll start gathering documentation about my program to submit with my CTB request.

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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.

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Dmitry Ivanov

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Ugh this is so typical of EDD. The left hand never knows what the right is doing. I had a similar experience where they approved me verbally but then their system showed I was disqualified. It took 3 months and an appeal to sort out. ALWAYS save screenshots of everything in your UI Online account and record the names of reps you talk to.

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Amara Okonkwo

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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.

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That makes sense. I'm definitely committed to completing the program - it's a competitive nursing program that I've been trying to get into for over a year! I'll make sure to keep EDD updated if anything changes with my schedule. Really appreciate all this guidance.

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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

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That's a great tip! I'll definitely highlight that nursing is an in-demand field when I submit my application. Thanks!

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