Can I extend my regular UI claim beyond 26 weeks in California? Running out soon
I'm on week 22 of my regular UI claim and getting really nervous about what happens when I hit the 26-week mark. My industry (event planning) is still struggling and I haven't been able to find full-time work yet. Is there any way to extend unemployment benefits in California beyond the standard 26 weeks? I've heard rumors about extensions but can't find clear info on the EDD website. Has anyone successfully extended their claim recently? What's the process like? Do I need to apply for something different or will it happen automatically? Feeling stressed about bills piling up with no income after month 6!
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Alana Willis
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.
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Justin Trejo
•Thank you for the honest answer. Disappointing to hear but at least I know what to expect now. Did you have any luck with CalFresh? I've never applied for food assistance before.
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Tyler Murphy
have u checked if ur eligible for PUA maybe?? i think thats for self employed ppl but maybe u could qualify somehow
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Alana Willis
•PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) ended back in 2021. That program doesn't exist anymore, unfortunately. There's no equivalent program currently available.
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Sara Unger
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!!!
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Butch Sledgehammer
•Same thing happened to me! That $0 balance letter is so depressing.
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Freya Ross
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.
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Justin Trejo
•I'll check that out! I've been trying to get through to EDD for almost a week with no luck. Even if they just confirm what I already suspect, at least I'll know for sure. Thanks for the recommendation.
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Leslie Parker
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.
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Justin Trejo
•Thanks for such a detailed response. I've had a few small gigs (helping with 2 small events) during my benefit year, but not much. Would that be enough to qualify for a new claim? Or does it need to be more substantial work?
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Leslie Parker
•For a new claim, you need to have earned at least $1,300 in one quarter during your base period OR at least $900 in your highest quarter and 1.25 times that amount in the entire base period. So it really depends on how much those gigs paid and when exactly you worked them. The EDD will calculate this for you when you file a new claim.
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Sergio Neal
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.
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Justin Trejo
•Omg thank you for pointing that out! I didn't realize there was a difference between benefit year end and when the 26 weeks run out. My original claim started in January, so my benefit year wouldn't end until next January, but my 26 weeks will be up in July. So you're saying I should wait until January to file a new claim?
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Sergio Neal
•Yep thats exactly right!! U cant file a new claim til ur benefit year ends in January, even tho ur payments stop after 26 weeks in July. Its super dumb but thats how the system works. After ur 26 weeks end in July, ur kinda in this weird limbo period until January when u can file again. Unless u find a job obviously which i hope u do!!!
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Butch Sledgehammer
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.
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Freya Ross
•It's definitely frustrating. I had the same experience until I used Claimyr to get through. The system is overwhelmed but if you can actually reach someone, they can sometimes help with specific questions about your claim status and options.
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Alana Willis
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.
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Justin Trejo
•I am registered with CalJOBS but honestly haven't been using it much because the listings seemed out of date. I'll start checking it more regularly. And thanks for the AJCC tip - there's an office about 20 minutes from me that I've never visited. I'll check them out next week!
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Tyler Murphy
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
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Leslie Parker
•This is absolutely NOT true and could actually get someone in trouble for fraud. Please don't spread misinformation. There's no loophole that gives you more weeks by claiming you made a mistake. The maximum weeks are set by law, not by application details.
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