EDD benefits ending in 3 weeks but still jobless - any extension options for 2025?

Unfortunately, California isn't currently offering any automatic extensions for regular UI claims in 2025. The extensions you're remembering (PEUC, Fed-Ed, PUA) were special pandemic programs that ended years ago. Once your claim balance reaches zero, that's it for this benefit year. However, I do have a couple suggestions: 1. If you have any wage history from a different quarter than what was used for your current claim, you might be eligible to file a new claim after your current one exhausts. But there's a catch - you need enough earnings in your base period, and those earnings can't be from the same employer that qualified you for your current claim. 2. Look into applying for CalFresh (food benefits) to help with groceries while you continue your job search. 3. Contact your local workforce development office - they sometimes have programs specifically for people who've exhausted UI benefits. Don't wait until your benefits run out to explore these options. Start making calls now.

same boat here, my benefits run out next month. its BS that they dont have extensions anymore when the job market is still so bad. i applied to like 100 places and barely get calls back.

i think ur confusing regular ui with the fed extensions from covid! those were diffrent programs and ya theyre all gone now. once ur balance hits 0 thats it until u work again and can file a new claim. my husband dealt with this last yr and the EDD told him he needed to work and earn enough in a new base period b4 he could get benefits again

The EDD system is DESIGNED to leave people hanging once benefits expire!!! I went through this exact scenario last year and it was a NIGHTMARE trying to get anyone at EDD to even explain my options. They make it impossible to reach an actual human being who can answer these questions. I spent WEEKS calling that stupid 1-800 number only to get the "we're experiencing high call volume" message and then get disconnected. When I finally did get through after 30+ attempts, the rep had no helpful information beyond "your claim is exhausted" - NO KIDDING! That's why I was calling!!! The system is broken and they don't care about people who are still struggling to find work. Start preparing now because once those benefits run out, you're on your own.

have u considered doing gig work until u find a permanent job? thats what i did when my benefits ran out. its not ideal but doordash and instacart helped me pay bills until i found something in my field

Regarding your question about the consulting work - any wages earned after your claim began wouldn't count toward your current benefit year, but they WOULD count toward a potential future claim. To qualify for a new UI claim in California, you typically need: 1. At least $1,300 in earnings in one quarter of your base period, OR 2. At least $900 in your highest quarter and total base period earnings of 1.25 times your highest quarter So your $3,200 in January could potentially help you qualify for a new claim, but you'd likely need more earnings in addition to that depending on when you file. Also worth noting: There's a one-week waiting period for any new claim, and the benefit amount might be different (potentially lower) than your current claim depending on your earnings history.

One important point that hasn't been mentioned: if you've exhausted regular UI and still can't find work, you may qualify for the California Training Benefits (CTB) program. It allows you to continue receiving benefits while enrolled in approved training programs to build new skills. The key is that you need to apply for CTB *before* your regular benefits run out. It doesn't extend your total benefit amount, but it does waive the job search requirement while you're in approved training. Also, if you've had any part-time work during your claim period, make sure all those earnings were properly reported. If you qualify for a new claim after this one ends, you'll need to show all documentation of those earnings. I recommend trying to speak with an EDD representative to explore the CTB option. It's not widely advertised but could be valuable in your situation.

also check out ur county services! lots of countys have rent assistance programs for ppl who r about to lose housing. not saying ur gonna be homeless but better to apply early b4 u actually need it

I was in almost the same situation last month! My benefits ran out after 26 weeks and I was really worried. I contacted my local America's Job Center (the AJCC office in my county) and they connected me with a job counselor who helped me completely revamp my resume and gave me access to some job listings I hadn't seen before. I also found out about the Training Benefits program another commenter mentioned, and while I didn't end up using it, it's definitely a good option if you want to learn new skills. The good news is I just got a job offer yesterday! It's in a slightly different field than my previous work (I was in marketing, now moving to customer success), but the skills transfer well enough. Don't lose hope! I also recommend joining industry-specific groups on LinkedIn if you haven't already. That's where I found my new position.