EDD benefit duration confusion: 26 weeks max or possibility for extension?
Hey everyone, I've been getting mixed information about how long I can collect EDD benefits. My HR dept said I get 26 weeks total in a benefit year, but my neighbor swears he got some kind of extension during his layoff last year. Can someone confirm exactly how many weeks of regular UI benefits we're eligible for in California? And what happens if I'm still unemployed after that? Is there still a federal extension program or did that end with all the COVID stuff? My industry (manufacturing) isn't looking great right now, so I'm trying to plan ahead financially. Thanks!
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Madison King
In California, your standard UI claim provides up to 26 weeks of benefits within a 12-month benefit year. This is the maximum for regular state unemployment insurance. As for federal extensions, those special programs (PUA, PEUC, etc.) ended in September 2021. Currently, there are NO federal extension programs available. The only extension currently possible is FED-ED, which only triggers when California's unemployment rate reaches certain high thresholds - and it's not currently in effect. If you exhaust your 26 weeks and are still unemployed, unfortunately there aren't additional benefits unless the state or federal government implements new programs (which typically only happens during widespread economic downturns).
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Vanessa Chang
•Thanks for clarifying! So basically I need to plan for just 26 weeks max. That's tough news but good to know. Do you know if the 26 weeks have to be consecutive or can they be spread out within that benefit year?
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Julian Paolo
ur neighbor probably got the pandemic extensions. those r gone now. its just 26 weeks, thats it. no more free money after that sry
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Ella Knight
•It's not "free money" - we PAY into this system through our employers!!! I've worked for 15 years and this is the first time I've needed to use unemployment. People like you make it sound like we're all just lazy looking for handouts. 🙄
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William Schwarz
I just went through this whole process!!!! The 26 weeks thing is TRUE, but what no one tells you is that if your weekly benefit amount is low, they stretch it out longer!!!! Mine was only $267/week (I was part time) so they calculated it would last like 35 weeks or something. Ask your EDD rep about that when you FINALLY get through to them. I had to call like 80 times.
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Madison King
•This is incorrect information. California EDD benefits are always capped at 26 weeks maximum, regardless of your weekly benefit amount. What you're describing sounds like partial unemployment, where you were working reduced hours while collecting benefits, which can make your claim last longer since you're not collecting your full weekly amount each week. But the total maximum benefit amount doesn't change - it's always your weekly benefit amount × 26 weeks maximum.
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Lauren Johnson
I had the same confusion when I filed last year. To clarify: standard UI in California is 26 weeks maximum within a 12-month benefit year. Your neighbor likely received benefits during the pandemic when multiple federal extensions were available (PEUC, PUA, etc.), but those programs ended in September 2021. Currently, there are no active federal extension programs. The only possible extension would be FED-ED, which only activates when California's unemployment rate reaches specific thresholds - and it's not currently triggered. If you're concerned about reaching your maximum benefit period, I'd recommend: 1. Intensifying your job search within your field 2. Consider adjacent industries where your skills transfer 3. Look into training programs - EDD sometimes offers extensions for approved training 4. Check if you qualify for other assistance programs like CalFresh Hope this helps!
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Vanessa Chang
•Thank you for the detailed response! Do you know if that 26 weeks needs to be consecutive? Like if I find temporary work for a month and then get laid off again, does that pause my 26-week clock or does it keep counting down?
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Jade Santiago
when i lost my job back in 2023 i got the regular 26 weeks. then nothing. its really not enough time to find a good job these days. i ended up taking something way below my experience level just to pay bills. the system is broken!!!
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Caleb Stone
•This is exactly what I'm worried about too. 26 weeks sounds like a lot until you're actually in the situation. Manufacturing jobs in my area have really dried up. Did you try asking for any extensions or was it just a hard cutoff at 26 weeks?
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Madison King
To answer your follow-up question - the 26 weeks don't have to be consecutive. If you find temporary work and then become unemployed again within your benefit year, you can reopen your claim and continue collecting remaining benefits until either: 1. You reach the maximum 26 weeks of benefits, OR 2. You reach the end of your benefit year (12 months from when you first filed) Whichever comes first. Just be aware that if you earn wages while receiving benefits, you must report them, and they will affect your weekly benefit amount for those weeks.
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Vanessa Chang
•That's really helpful to know! So basically I have a 12-month window to use up to 26 weeks of benefits. That gives me a bit more flexibility if I can find some temporary gigs along the way.
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Caleb Stone
Has anyone actually managed to talk to a real person at EDD lately? I have questions about my specific situation but it's IMPOSSIBLE to get through on their phone lines. Always "we're experiencing high call volume" then disconnect. So frustrating!
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William Schwarz
•Try Claimyr! I was in the same situation - calling EDD was making me lose my mind. I found this service called Claimyr that basically calls EDD for you and connects you when they get through. Saved me hours of redial hell. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Totally worth it because I finally got my questions answered about my benefit year and payments that were pending for weeks.
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Ella Knight
The 26 weeks is the standard, BUT there have been times when the government extends benefits during economic downturns. If there's a recession or significant job losses, they might implement extensions again. Nobody can predict if/when that will happen though. Just keep an eye on the news and EDD announcements. Honestly, the whole system is frustrating. I had to fight for every penny when I was on unemployment last year. The EDD website would constantly crash, phone lines always busy, and half the representatives gave conflicting information. Just prepare yourself for the bureaucratic nightmare if you need to file!
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Julian Paolo
•lol yea EDD site is trash. crashes every sunday when everyones trying to certify
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Madison King
One other important thing to know: If you exhaust your 26 weeks of UI benefits and are still unemployed, you can file a new claim after your benefit year ends (one year from your original filing date). However, you need to have earned wages in the period since your last claim to qualify for a new claim. Specifically, you need to have earned at least $1,300 in one quarter or $900 in your highest quarter with total earnings of 1.25 times your highest quarter during your new base period. This is why finding even temporary or part-time work can be helpful - it could potentially qualify you for a new claim after your current benefit year ends.
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Vanessa Chang
•Thanks again for all this detailed info. It's way more helpful than what I got from the EDD website. I'll definitely try to find at least some temporary work to make sure I can qualify again if needed. Really appreciate everyone's help!
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