EDD benefits ending - 6 month limit or possible extension in 2025?

Standard ui in CA is 26 weeks. Has been that way for a looooong time. The 1yr thing ur thinking of is just the benefit YEAR - the period during which u can collect those 26 weeks. Extensions only happen when govt passes special laws like during covid or major recessions. Right now theres no extensions available sorry

im in the same boat mine ends in 2 weeks!!!! been applying everywhere but nothing. so scared about paying rent. did u try calling edd to ask about extensions?? i cant get thru to anyone on the phone its so frustrating

To clarify a few things about your claim: 1. Regular UI benefits in California have been 26 weeks (not a full year) for decades. The year you're thinking of is your benefit year - the 12-month period during which you can collect those 26 weeks. 2. There are currently NO federal or state extensions available as of May 2025. Extensions only exist during periods of high unemployment declared by the government (like during COVID or the 2008 recession). 3. After your benefits exhaust, you'll need to wait until you qualify for a new claim, which requires new work and earnings after your current claim's start date. 4. To qualify for a new claim, you'll need earnings in your base period (typically 5-18 months before filing) that meet the minimum requirements. Focus on documenting all your work search activities thoroughly in case you need to apply again in the future. Also look into other assistance programs like CalFresh or county general assistance while you continue your job search.

I noticed you mentioned having trouble with the job search. Have you tried connecting with your local America's Job Center (formerly known as EDD Workforce Services)? They offer free job search assistance, resume help, and sometimes have connections with employers looking to hire. It might give you an edge in this tough job market. As for your original question, the others are correct. UI in California provides up to 26 weeks of benefits within a 12-month benefit year. There are no extensions currently available. Your claim doesn't automatically renew - you'd need to have new qualifying wages to establish a new claim after this one ends.

you should be calling EDD everyday to talk to someone about your options!!! I was having a similar issue back in January and it took me THREE WEEKS of calling every single day before I could get through. Seriously the phone system is a nightmare, I would spend hours just redialing and getting the "we're experiencing high call volume" message over and over.

To follow up on your question about finding work to establish a new claim: Yes, exactly. If you find even part-time work after your current claim started, those wages can potentially qualify you for a new claim later. But there are minimum earnings requirements: 1. You need earnings in at least one quarter of your base period 2. Total base period earnings must be at least $1,300 in your highest quarter OR 3. Total base period earnings must be at least $900 in your highest quarter AND total base period earnings must equal at least 1.25 times your highest quarter So even gig work or temporary positions can help you establish a new claim down the road if needed.

Don't waste time with EDD!!! Look i was in ur EXACT situation last yr and I just focused on applying EVERYWHERE. Took a warehouse job i HATED but it paid the bills until I found something better. The system is designed to cut u off after 26 weeks whether ur ready or not!!

btw I think I read somewhere that EDD has some training programs that can sometimes extend benefits if ur learning new skills but Im not 100% sure how that works

i ran out of benefits last year and it SUCKED but i eventually found something. dont give up!! also check out food banks in your area, they helped me get through the rough patch between benefits ending and finding work