Can I extend my regular UI claim beyond 26 weeks in California? Running out soon

Unfortunately, there aren't any automatic extensions available right now for regular UI claims in California. The 26-week maximum is pretty firm unless there's a federal extension program in place (which there isn't currently). Your best options are: 1. Keep certifying until your claim balance hits zero 2. Continue your work search efforts - document everything! 3. If you find part-time work, you may still qualify for reduced benefits 4. Consider applying for other assistance programs like CalFresh I went through this last year and it was stressful, but focusing on expanding my job search really helped. Look into adjacent industries that might value your event planning skills - marketing, customer service, logistics, etc.

have u checked if ur eligible for PUA maybe?? i think thats for self employed ppl but maybe u could qualify somehow

The system is COMPLETELY BROKEN!!! I went through this exact situation last year and couldn't get a straight answer from anyone at EDD. Called 47 TIMES in one day and never got through. Then when my benefits ran out they just sent a cold letter saying "Your claim balance is $0.00" with zero guidance about what to do next. This state takes BILLIONS in taxes but can't help people who are genuinely struggling to find work?? THE WHOLE THING IS DESIGNED TO FAIL US when we need help the most!!!

I was in your exact situation about 4 months ago. The key thing to understand is that extensions only exist during special circumstances (like during the pandemic). Right now, there are no extensions available for regular UI claims in California. What worked for me was calling EDD directly to verify this information and see if there were any other programs I might qualify for. Of course, reaching them was nearly impossible until I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected to an actual EDD representative in about 25 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD agent confirmed no extensions were available but helped me understand my options for filing a new claim after my benefit year ended. Worth the call just for peace of mind and clear information.

Here's the official answer: There are currently no UI extensions available in California since we're not in a period of high unemployment that would trigger the federal extension programs (like EUC or Fed-Ed). However, you should know: 1. If you've worked AT ALL during your benefit year (even part-time), you might be able to file a new claim after your current one expires 2. There's a 1-week waiting period between claims, so plan accordingly 3. Make sure you're meeting all work search requirements and documenting everything 4. If your industry qualifies, look into Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) California's regular UI maxes out at 26 weeks, and that's firm until/unless the unemployment rate triggers federal programs again.

I just went thru this whole thing and sadly theres no extensions anymore like during covid. But one tip - make sure u open a new claim the DAY after ur benefit year ends (not just when ur 26 weeks run out). I waited 2 extra weeks and lost potential benefits cuz i didnt realize the difference between benefit year (12 months from when u first applied) and ur 26 weeks of actual payments!!!! The EDD website is super confusing about this.

Good luck getting any help from EDD! My benefits ran out and I couldn't even get anyone on the phone to explain my options. The whole system is designed to wear you down until you give up.

One important thing to mention - if you're getting close to the end of your benefits, make sure you're registered with CalJOBS (https://www.caljobs.ca.gov/) and actively using it. EDD sometimes checks this to verify your work search activities, and it can also help you find work in related fields. Also, consider reaching out to your local America's Job Center of California (AJCC) office. They often have resources, workshops, and counselors who can help with job transitions, especially when you're facing the end of UI benefits. They sometimes know about special programs or grants for people in specific industries too.

my cousin said if u made like a $1 mistake on ur application u can appeal it and get more weeks but idk if thats true

I'm in a similar situation but a few weeks behind you - currently on week 18 of my claim. Reading through all these responses is really eye-opening, especially about the difference between benefit year end and when the 26 weeks run out. That's something I never would have figured out on my own! For what it's worth, I've been diversifying my job search beyond just event planning. I found that my skills translate well to corporate communications, marketing coordination, and even some customer success roles. Have you looked into temporary staffing agencies? Some of them specialize in placing people with event/project management experience into short-term roles that could help bridge the gap. Also wanted to echo what others said about CalFresh - there's no shame in getting food assistance when you need it. The application process is actually pretty straightforward online. Hang in there! This whole situation is stressful but at least now you have a clear picture of what to expect and can plan accordingly.

Thank you all for sharing your experiences and advice - this has been incredibly helpful! I had no idea about the distinction between benefit year end vs. the 26-week limit, and that's going to save me from making a costly mistake. @Alana Willis - Yes, I'd definitely appreciate any info about the CalFresh application process. I've been putting it off because I wasn't sure if I'd qualify, but it sounds like it's worth looking into. @Zainab Mahmoud - Thanks for the encouragement! I actually hadn't thought about temp agencies, but that's a great suggestion. My event planning background does involve a lot of coordination and project management that could translate well. Do you have any specific agencies you'd recommend? I'm feeling a bit more prepared now knowing what to expect. Going to focus on expanding my job search, documenting everything for work search requirements, and maybe finally make that trip to the AJCC office. At least now I know I'm not missing some secret extension program - the uncertainty was almost worse than knowing the truth. Really appreciate this community having each other's backs during these tough times!

I'm in a very similar situation - week 24 of my claim and starting to panic about what comes next. This thread has been incredibly informative, especially learning about the benefit year vs 26-week distinction. I had no idea those were different things! One thing I wanted to add that might help others: I've been keeping a detailed spreadsheet of all my job applications, interviews, and work search activities. Not just for EDD requirements, but it's actually helped me see patterns in what types of roles I'm getting responses to vs. what I'm not. For event planning folks specifically, I've had some luck looking into roles at nonprofits, universities, and corporate training companies. They often need people who can coordinate logistics for conferences, workshops, and donor events. The pay might not be exactly what we made before, but it's something to consider while the industry recovers. Also want to echo what others said about reaching out to AJCC - I went to mine last week and they have a whole workshop series on career pivoting that's been really helpful. Plus they have partnerships with local employers that don't always post jobs publicly. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. It's reassuring to know we're not alone in this!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been following this thread - the information shared here is incredibly valuable! I'm currently on week 19 of my claim (also in events/hospitality) and had been desperately searching for info about extensions. While it's disappointing to learn there aren't any available, at least now I can plan realistically instead of hoping for something that doesn't exist. The distinction between benefit year end and the 26-week limit is something I never would have figured out on my own - that could have been a costly mistake down the road. Also really appreciate the practical suggestions about CalFresh, temp agencies, and the AJCC resources. For anyone else in event planning/hospitality reading this: I've also found some success looking into corporate wellness companies and employee engagement firms. They often need people who understand event logistics but in a more stable B2B environment. It's not exactly the same work, but the skills definitely transfer. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences. This community is a lifeline when the official resources are so hard to navigate!

As someone who just went through this exact situation 6 months ago, I want to add a few practical tips that helped me bridge the gap: 1. **Start your CalFresh application NOW** - don't wait until benefits run out. The approval process took me almost 3 weeks, and having that food security made a huge difference mentally. 2. **Check if you qualify for utility assistance programs** - LIHEAP helped with my electric bill, and many cities have emergency rental assistance programs. Search "[your city] emergency assistance" to find local resources. 3. **Consider gig work to supplement** - I picked up some freelance event coordination through Thumbtack and TaskRabbit. It's not steady income, but it helped cover some expenses and kept my skills sharp. 4. **Document EVERYTHING for taxes** - save all your UI tax documents and job search expenses. You might be able to deduct some of those costs next year. The period between when your 26 weeks end and when you can file a new claim (if eligible) is really tough, but there are resources to help bridge that gap. Don't be too proud to use them - that's exactly what they're there for. You've got this! The event industry will bounce back, and in the meantime you're gaining valuable experience navigating challenges that will make you stronger professionally.

I'm in almost the exact same boat - week 23 of my UI claim and starting to get really anxious about what happens in a few weeks. This thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I had no idea about the difference between benefit year end vs the 26-week limit - that's such crucial information that isn't clearly explained anywhere on the EDD website. Like others have mentioned, I'm also in events (corporate conferences) and the industry is still pretty rough. I've been so focused on trying to find another full-time event planning role that I hadn't really considered pivoting to adjacent fields. The suggestions about corporate wellness, employee engagement, and nonprofit work are really helpful - those industries would definitely value our project management and coordination skills. I'm definitely going to look into the AJCC office in my area and start the CalFresh application process sooner rather than later. Better to have it approved and not need it than to need it and not have it ready. Thanks to everyone who's shared their real experiences here. It's so much more helpful than the generic info you find elsewhere. At least now I can make a realistic plan instead of just hoping for an extension that doesn't exist!

I'm currently on week 20 of my UI claim (also in events - wedding and social event planning) and this entire thread has been absolutely invaluable! I've been losing sleep worrying about what happens after week 26, and while I'm disappointed to learn there are no extensions available, at least now I can stop hoping for something that doesn't exist and make a real plan. The benefit year vs 26-week distinction is HUGE information that I never would have figured out on my own - thank you @Sergio Neal for explaining that! My claim started in February, so I'll hit my 26 weeks in August but can't file a new claim until next February. That's a long gap to prepare for. I've already started looking into some of the suggestions here - registered for CalFresh yesterday and have an appointment at my local AJCC next week. The idea about temp agencies and looking into corporate wellness/employee engagement companies is really smart. I've been so focused on traditional event venues that I hadn't considered how my skills could translate to corporate internal programs. One thing I wanted to add: for anyone else in wedding/social events, I've found some success looking into roles at hotels and resorts for their group sales and event services departments. It's not exactly the same work, but they value the client management and logistics experience. The hospitality industry seems to be recovering faster than pure event planning. This community is amazing - thank you all for sharing real, practical advice instead of just generic platitudes. It's making this stressful situation feel much more manageable!

I'm also navigating this exact situation - currently on week 21 of my UI claim and feeling that familiar anxiety about what comes next. This thread has been incredibly enlightening! Like so many others here, I had no clue about the difference between benefit year end and the 26-week limit. That's such critical information that should be clearly explained upfront by EDD but somehow gets buried in confusing bureaucratic language. I'm coming from the nonprofit events world (fundraising galas, donor recognition events) and the sector is still pretty shaky. Reading through everyone's experiences and advice has given me a much clearer picture of what to expect and actual steps I can take instead of just worrying endlessly. Already planning to visit my local AJCC office next week and start the CalFresh application process. The suggestions about looking into corporate wellness companies, employee engagement firms, and even hotel group sales departments are brilliant pivots I hadn't considered. We really do have transferable skills beyond traditional event planning! One thing I wanted to add for anyone else in nonprofit events: I've noticed that many corporate foundations and larger nonprofits are hiring "Development Coordinators" or "Donor Experience Managers" - roles that essentially involve event planning but with different titles. Might be worth expanding search terms to include those types of positions. Thank you all for creating such a supportive space to share real information and practical advice. It's made this stressful situation feel much more manageable knowing we're not alone in figuring this out!

I'm currently on week 25 of my UI claim and honestly feeling pretty panicked about running out in just one week. This thread has been absolutely incredible - I wish I had found it months ago! Like everyone else, I had no idea about the benefit year vs 26-week distinction and that's going to save me from making a huge mistake. I'm in the entertainment events space (concerts, festivals) which has been absolutely devastated. Reading all these suggestions about pivoting to corporate wellness, employee engagement, and nonprofit development roles is giving me hope that there are actually opportunities out there if I expand my search beyond traditional event planning. The practical advice here is gold - I'm starting my CalFresh application today and scheduling an appointment with my AJCC office for next week. Better late than never! I've been putting off both because I kept hoping I'd find a job before my benefits ran out, but clearly that's not realistic at this point. One thing I wanted to share that might help others: I discovered that some entertainment venues are hiring "Guest Experience Coordinators" and "Operations Managers" - basically event planning skills but focused on the venue operations side. Theme parks, concert venues, and sports facilities often need people who understand crowd flow, vendor coordination, and timeline management. It's not the same as producing events, but it uses a lot of the same skill set. Thank you all for being so generous with sharing your real experiences. This community is providing the support and information that EDD should be giving us but isn't. At least now I feel like I have a plan instead of just counting down the days in terror!

I'm currently on week 17 of my claim (also in event planning - corporate retreats and team building events) and this thread has been absolutely eye-opening! Like so many others here, I had no idea there was a difference between benefit year end and the 26-week limit. That's such crucial information that could have cost me dearly if I hadn't stumbled across this discussion. The event industry has been so unpredictable - I keep getting my hopes up about potential contracts that end up getting canceled or postponed indefinitely. Reading everyone's experiences here is helping me realize I need to start planning for the reality of my benefits ending rather than just hoping something will come through at the last minute. I'm definitely going to start my CalFresh application this week and look into my local AJCC office. The suggestions about corporate wellness companies and employee engagement firms are brilliant - I never thought about how team building and corporate retreat planning skills would translate perfectly to those industries. One thing I wanted to add for fellow event planners: I've noticed some companies hiring "Program Managers" for internal training and development programs. It's essentially event planning but for employee education and development initiatives. The logistics, vendor management, and participant experience skills all transfer directly. Thank you all for creating such a supportive community and sharing real, actionable advice. It's making this whole situation feel much less isolating and scary!

I'm currently on week 16 of my UI claim (wedding and special event planning) and this entire thread has been like finding a goldmine of information! I've been quietly worrying about what happens after week 26 for months, and like everyone else here, I had absolutely no clue about the difference between benefit year end and the 26-week limit. That distinction alone could have saved me from making a costly mistake down the road. The wedding industry has been particularly brutal - so many couples are still postponing or drastically downsizing their events, and the few jobs that do come up have dozens of qualified planners competing for them. Reading through all the suggestions about pivoting to corporate wellness, employee engagement, and hotel group sales has really opened my eyes to opportunities I hadn't considered. I'm definitely going to start my CalFresh application this week and schedule an appointment with my local AJCC office. The recurring theme in this thread about starting these processes early rather than waiting until the last minute is clearly the smart approach. One thing I wanted to add specifically for wedding planners: I've noticed some success looking into roles at event rental companies and wedding venues as "Client Experience Coordinators" or "Event Services Managers." These positions value our vendor relationships, timeline management, and client hand-holding skills. It's not the same as being an independent planner, but it keeps you in the industry while providing more stable income. Thank you all for being so generous with sharing your real experiences and practical advice. This community is providing the kind of honest, actionable information that you just can't get anywhere else. It's making this scary situation feel so much more manageable!

I'm on week 14 of my UI claim (corporate event marketing) and this thread has been absolutely invaluable! Like so many others here, I had no idea about the benefit year vs 26-week distinction - that's going to save me from a potentially expensive mistake later on. The corporate events sector is still really shaky, especially for marketing events and trade shows. Companies are being much more cautious about their event budgets, and when they do move forward, they're often handling things internally rather than hiring external planners. Reading all the suggestions about pivoting to employee engagement, corporate wellness, and internal program management roles has really shifted my perspective. I've been so focused on finding another "event marketing" role that I wasn't considering how my skills in stakeholder management, project coordination, and vendor relations could translate to other corporate functions. I'm planning to start my CalFresh application next week and reach out to my local AJCC office. The consistent advice in this thread about starting these processes early rather than waiting until benefits run out makes total sense - better to be prepared than scrambling at the last minute. One thing I'll add for others in event marketing: I've seen some companies hiring "Internal Communications Specialists" and "Employee Experience Coordinators" for roles that essentially involve planning internal company events, town halls, and employee recognition programs. The skills are nearly identical but the job security is much better than client-based event work. Thank you everyone for creating such a supportive space and sharing real, practical advice. This community is providing better guidance than any official resource I've found!