Can you get more California EDD unemployment benefits when your claim runs out?

That's really disappointing to hear. I had no idea the extended benefits were tied to the unemployment rate. So there's literally nothing else I can qualify for through EDD?

This is mostly right but worth noting that if OP had any wages from a different base period they might be able to open a completely new claim depending on their work history. Definitely worth calling EDD to ask specifically about their situation.

Good point, I should've mentioned that. A new benefit year claim is possible if you've worked enough hours in the new base period. The base period calculation can be tricky so speaking with an EDD rep directly is the right move.

The federal extensions from COVID era ended a while back. Right now there's no active extension program unless the Extended Benefits trigger gets hit at the state level, which requires unemployment rates to spike significantly.

ohh ok i didn't realize that changed. that's rough for OP

Wait so I might actually have enough wages for a new claim? I did work a few months before my layoff and then had a short contract job during my claim period. I'll look into that Claimyr thing because getting through to EDD by phone seems impossible.

same experience here, claimyr worked for me when i literally could not get through on my own after 3 weeks of trying

Is the new claim thing based on the last 18 months of wages or something different? My situation is similar and I never knew this was possible.

The base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. So if you worked during your benefit year that work could potentially count toward a new claim's base period depending on timing. An EDD agent can calculate this for you exactly.

Honestly this is so true. I work with a legal aid organization and we see this constantly - people don't know their options when benefits run out and just assume they're done. There are sometimes other pathways people miss entirely.

Yeah getting zero communication from EDD about next steps is really frustrating. I didn't know what to do at all.

And good luck reaching anyone to explain it to you!! The phone system is a complete disaster. I spent probably 15+ hours across multiple days just trying to get through to ask a simple question.

This is incredibly helpful, thank you. I didn't know about Trade Adjustment Assistance at all - my company did move some operations overseas so that might actually apply to me.

If your layoff was connected to foreign competition or offshoring your employer would need to have applied for TAA certification with the Department of Labor. You can check the TAA petition database online to see if your employer's layoff is listed. If it is, the benefits can be substantial including job retraining funding.

wow i had no idea TAA was even a thing. i got laid off when my company outsourced to india and never heard anything about this

Do you know if part time or gig work counts toward those wage thresholds? I have some 1099 income from during my claim period and I'm wondering if that helps.

1099/gig work is tricky - for regular UI the wages need to have had UI taxes paid on them, which gig work typically doesn't. However California does have a separate program history with PUA for gig workers though that's expired. For traditional W2 work yes any qualifying wages count regardless of part-time or full-time status.

Okay that makes sense. So my part time W2 job I had for three months would count but my DoorDash earnings probably wouldn't. Good to know.

That's really encouraging to hear. Did you have to do anything special to apply for the new claim or did you just go through the regular UI Online application process?

just filed online same as a regular new claim application. edd system automatically calculates if you qualify based on wages in their system

Good point about the certification schedule. I was really diligent about that with my original claim and I'd definitely keep that up with a new one.

wait does the weekly benefit amount reset or does it carry over from the old claim?

It completely resets. The WBA for any new claim is calculated based on the wages in the new base period, so if you only worked part-time temp jobs during your benefit year your new WBA will reflect those lower earnings, not your previous full-time salary.

This is why I keep recommending Claimyr - I was in exactly this situation, hundreds of wasted calls, before I found it. The service does the waiting and navigating for you and then calls you when an agent is on the line. Check claimyr.com or the demo video at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10 if you're hitting the phone wall. Saved me so much time and frustration.

I've heard of Claimyr but was skeptical. Does it actually work consistently? I feel like anything involving EDD has a 50% chance of being a dead end.

I was skeptical too honestly but it worked for me on the first try. Got connected to an agent within a couple hours when I had been trying for weeks on my own.

also worked for me, I used it when I had an adjudication issue. real agent picked up and actually resolved my problem in one call

You generally need to wait until after your benefit year ends before filing a new claim. Your benefit year end date is on your award letter and in UI Online. Filing before that date typically won't work. Plan ahead though - don't wait weeks after your year ends to file.

Okay that's helpful, so I should watch my benefit year end date not just my balance. Those might be different dates right?

Correct - your balance could hit zero before your benefit year technically ends, or in some cases the year could end while you still have a small remaining balance. The benefit year end date is what matters for filing a new claim.

Good question! Your benefit year is a 12-month window during which you can collect benefits. Your balance is the total dollar amount you can receive during that year. So you could use up all your money (balance = zero) before the 12 months is up, OR the 12 months could end while you still have some balance left. Either way once both the year AND the balance are exhausted your current claim is done.

ohhhh ok that actually makes a lot of sense. so you could theoretically still have money left but your year expires and you lose it?

Exactly - your remaining balance doesn't roll over. Whatever you didn't collect when your benefit year ends is gone. This is why it's important not to skip certification weeks unnecessarily.

I've actually been thinking about retraining. The warehouse/logistics field I was in has been really affected by automation and I'm wondering if I should pivot. How do you access the CalJOBS training resources?

You'd start at the CalJOBS website and register there if you haven't already. You can search for retraining programs and also get connected with workforce development specialists who can help you identify what programs might qualify. Some approved training programs let you continue collecting UI while in school which is a huge benefit even if your balance has run out - there might be exceptions worth asking about.

I don't have a disability situation but that's good info to have. I didn't realize SDI and UI were completely separate programs.

Yeah a lot of people think they can't access SDI if they're on UI or vice versa. They're funded by different payroll deductions and administered separately. Worth knowing for future reference.

This is accurate - SDI comes from the employee's SDI payroll deduction while UI comes from employer taxes. Completely different funding sources and eligibility criteria. You can technically receive both under certain circumstances but the details are complex.

Yes you absolutely can appeal and you have 30 days from the date on your denial notice to file the appeal. Go to UI Online and look for the appeal option, or you can mail/fax a written appeal to the address on your notice. In your appeal include copies of your pay stubs showing the wages EDD may have missed or miscalculated.

ok good to know. do i need a lawyer for this or can i do it myself?

You don't need a lawyer for a standard wage calculation appeal - you're just providing documentation of your earnings. If it escalates to a formal hearing it gets more complex but start with the basic appeal and evidence first. Free legal help is also available through Bay Area Legal Aid, Bet Tzedek, and other organizations if you need it.

Yes, job search requirements apply to any active UI claim in California. You need to make three job search contacts per week and keep a record of them in case EDD audits your certification. This applies to both new and continuing claims.

ugh ok. my friend will be disappointed lol

That's a great outcome! Glad you found out you have qualifying wages. This is exactly why it's worth making the effort to actually speak with an EDD agent rather than just assuming benefits are done.

This is actually really heartening to hear. Both that you found a solution AND that Claimyr worked. Going to try it myself because I have a pending issue I've been trying to resolve for weeks.

Thanks for the update! This whole thread has been really helpful for those of us in similar situations. Filing my new claim next week when my benefit year ends.

saved this comment, super helpful summary

good summary. would add that checking your UI Online account for your base period wages can give you a rough idea before you call - if you see wages listed in those quarters you likely qualify

Also worth bookmarking the EDD FAQ on base period wages at edd.ca.gov - the explanation there with the specific dollar thresholds is helpful for understanding whether your wages are likely to qualify before you go through the process of filing.