EDD benefits after exhausting initial 26 weeks - can I reapply in 2025?
I exhausted my regular UI benefits last month after being laid off from my accounting job of 8 years. The 26 weeks went by so fast, and I'm still struggling to find work despite applying to literally hundreds of positions. My savings are almost gone, and I'm getting desperate. Does anyone know if I can file a new claim next year? I understand there's a benefit year, but I'm confused about what happens when that year is over. If I'm still unemployed in 2025, can I start a new claim? Or am I completely out of options until I work again? The EDD website is so confusing about this specific situation.
16 comments
Ethan Taylor
ur screwed until u work again lol. gotta earn enough wages to qualify for a new claim. been there done that
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Aisha Khan
•Are you sure? That's really depressing news. How much do I need to earn to qualify again?
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Yuki Ito
The previous comment isn't entirely accurate. To qualify for a new UI claim after your benefit year ends, you need to have earned enough wages in the base period for the new claim. Specifically, you need to have worked and earned at least $1,300 in one quarter of your base period, OR earned at least $900 in your highest quarter and 1.25 times that amount in the entire base period. Since you've been unemployed for the full 26 weeks, you would need to find some work and earn enough wages to establish a new claim. Even part-time work can help you qualify if you earn enough. Have you looked into other assistance programs like CalFresh or CalWORKs in the meantime?
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Aisha Khan
•Thank you for the detailed explanation. That makes sense, but it's tough news. I haven't applied for CalFresh yet, but I think I will now. Do you know if temp work would count toward those earning requirements?
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Carmen Lopez
I went thru this exact thing 2 years ago!!! After my benefits ran out I couldnt believe they just cut me off completely. The system is designed to force you into ANY job, even if it pays way less than what you had before. Its SO frustrating!!!
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Andre Dupont
To directly answer your question: Yes, temp work absolutely counts toward qualifying for a new claim. Any work where you receive a W-2 will help you establish wage credits for a future claim. One thing to consider: have you spoken with an EDD representative about possible extensions? While federal extensions aren't currently available, it's still worth checking if you might qualify for any special programs based on your specific situation. When I needed to reach EDD about my claim status, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent quickly instead of dealing with busy signals and disconnections. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. I was skeptical but it actually worked and saved me days of frustration. Even if there aren't extensions available, an EDD rep can explain exactly what you need to qualify for a new claim and might know of other resources to help in your situation.
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Aisha Khan
•Thank you so much for this information. I'll definitely look into temp work options. I've been trying to call EDD for three days with no luck - I'll check out that Claimyr service. At this point, I'm willing to try anything that might help me get through to someone who can give me specific guidance.
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QuantumQuasar
I'm in a similar boat and wondering if anyone knows - does UBER/DoorDash/gig work count toward establishing a new claim? or does it HAVE to be W-2 employment?
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Zoe Papanikolaou
•Gig work is 1099 not W2 so it doesnt help for regular UI. You need real employment with actual taxes taken out. Sorry.
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Yuki Ito
•That's partially correct. Traditional UI requires W-2 wages. However, if you work as an independent contractor (1099), you would report that income differently. The rules around gig work in California have been changing due to AB5 and Prop 22, so whether rideshare/delivery gig work counts toward UI can be complicated. I recommend speaking directly with an EDD representative to understand how your specific situation would be evaluated, as the rules have been evolving.
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Jamal Wilson
When my benefits ran out after 24 weeks (they cut me off 2 weeks early for some reason), I panicked too. I ended up taking a part-time job at Target for 6 months, which I HATED but it paid bills. When I got laid off again, I was able to file a new claim because I had earned enough wages during those 6 months. The key thing is getting ANY job that reports wages to EDD, even if it's not in your field. I know it sucks, especially after 8 years in accounting, but sometimes you have to take a step back to eventually move forward again. Good luck!
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Aisha Khan
•Thanks for sharing your experience. It helps to hear from someone who's been through it. I think I need to broaden my job search beyond accounting positions. It's not what I wanted, but I need to be practical at this point.
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Zoe Papanikolaou
my friend said fed-ed extensions might come back cuz of the economy getting worse have u heard anything about that??
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Yuki Ito
•There are currently no active federal extension programs like Fed-ED or pandemic extensions. These programs require specific federal legislation. While economic conditions can trigger certain extension programs, nothing has been announced or implemented for 2025 at this time. I would not count on extensions and instead focus on finding qualifying work to establish a new claim when your benefit year ends.
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Ethan Taylor
honestly the whole edd system is a joke they expect u to live on nothing after benefits run out its like they want ppl to be homeless
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Andre Dupont
Just to clarify something important: A "benefit year" is the 12-month period starting from when you file your claim. During that year, you can collect up to 26 weeks of benefits. Once your benefit year ends, you can file a new claim, but you must have earned enough qualifying wages since your previous claim. So yes, you can file again in 2025 after your benefit year ends, but you'll need to have worked and earned enough wages in the meantime to qualify. Good luck with your job search - the accounting field has been tough lately, but keep at it!
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