EDD benefits after exhausting initial 26 weeks - can I reapply in 2025?

ur screwed until u work again lol. gotta earn enough wages to qualify for a new claim. been there done that

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?

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!!!

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.

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?

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!

my friend said fed-ed extensions might come back cuz of the economy getting worse have u heard anything about that??

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

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!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - I can really relate to your situation. I was laid off from my HR position last year and went through the same panic when my benefits ran out. Just wanted to add that while you're looking for work to establish a new claim, don't forget to check if you qualify for other assistance programs. I was able to get help with groceries through CalFresh and utility assistance through LIHEAP while I was between jobs. Every little bit helps when you're stretching every dollar. Also, have you considered looking into temp agencies that specialize in accounting/finance? Even short-term assignments can help you earn the wages needed for a new claim while keeping your skills sharp and potentially leading to permanent opportunities. Places like Robert Half or Accountemps often have seasonal work coming up too. Hang in there - this situation is temporary even though it feels overwhelming right now.

I'm going through something similar right now - exhausted my benefits in February after being laid off from my tech job. What I learned from calling EDD (finally got through after using that Claimyr service someone mentioned) is that you absolutely CAN file a new claim once your benefit year ends, but you need to have earned at least $1,300 in wages during your new base period. The good news is ANY W-2 employment counts - retail, food service, temp work, whatever. I ended up taking a part-time job at Costco just to start earning wages again. It's not glamorous, but it's helping me qualify for a new claim while I continue searching for something in my field. One thing that helped me mentally was realizing this isn't permanent - you're building a bridge to your next opportunity. The accounting field will still be there when you're ready, and having some income is better than burning through savings. Have you checked with your local WorkSource center? They sometimes have job fairs specifically for professional positions.

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the stress of exhausted benefits is overwhelming, but you do have options! As others have mentioned, you can file a new claim after your benefit year ends IF you've earned enough qualifying wages. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that some temporary staffing agencies offer benefits and consistent placement opportunities. When I was between jobs last year, I worked with a staffing agency that specialized in accounting and bookkeeping temp work. They kept me busy with different short-term assignments - some lasted a few weeks, others a few months. It helped me stay current with my skills while earning the wages I needed to qualify for a new UI claim. Also, don't overlook seasonal opportunities coming up - many businesses need temporary accounting help for year-end closing and tax season preparation. These positions often pay well and can provide exactly the type of W-2 wages you need. Hang in there - this is a temporary setback, not a permanent situation. The job market is tough right now, but your 8 years of experience will serve you well once the right opportunity comes along.