EDD benefits exhausted - Anyone actually get a FED-ED extension in 2025?

I successfully got a FED-ED extension last month, but it's definitely not automatic. The current rules are different from what they were during COVID. Extensions are only available if the state unemployment rate is above 6.5% OR if your specific industry has an unemployment rate 10% higher than the previous year. Tech actually does qualify right now! You need to wait until your regular UI claim is completely exhausted before applying. Then you have to call and specifically request the extension - it won't happen automatically. Make sure you have documentation showing you've been applying to jobs within your field. They really scrutinize work search efforts for extensions.

dunno about extentions but my cousin works at apple and got laid off to. he said hes getting interviews at smaller companies now but had to lower his salary expectations by like 40%. might be worth looking outside the big tech companies??

I've been through this exact scenario and successfully received a FED-ED extension when my benefits exhausted in February. Here's what you need to know: 1. You MUST call EDD after your regular benefits exhaust. The online system won't automatically transition you. 2. You'll need to complete form DE4365FED (Federal-State Extended Duration Benefits) which they'll either mail you or you can download from the EDD site. 3. Prepare documentation of at least 5 job search activities per week for the past 4 weeks. They're extremely strict about this for extensions. 4. The current extension is providing up to 13 additional weeks, but you'll need to recertify every two weeks just like regular UI. 5. The weekly benefit amount stays the same as your regular UI. One tip: Don't wait until your benefits are completely exhausted to start the process. Call about 1-2 weeks before your final payment to get the ball rolling. The gap between regular UI and FED-ED can be several weeks otherwise.

DONT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH EXTENSIONS!!!! I spent 6 weeks trying to get one and got DENIED even though I had proof of job searches. The EDD is just making it IMPOSSIBLE to qualify now. They said my "industry wasn't impacted enough" even though I showed them articles about mass layoffs!! The whole system is rigged against us.

I was in the same boat last month - UI running out and struggling to find work in healthcare IT. Couldn't get through to EDD at all on the regular line - kept getting the "we're experiencing high call volume" message for DAYS. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an EDD rep within 20 minutes. The rep helped me apply for the FED-ED extension and explained exactly what documents I needed to submit. Saved me weeks of stress. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Totally worth it to actually get a human on the phone who could process my extension request.

One important thing to know about FED-ED extensions in 2025: they're currently reviewing them case-by-case rather than having blanket approvals like during the pandemic. Your work search efforts will be scrutinized much more closely. Make sure you're documenting everything - not just applications but also networking events, skills training, and industry meetups. These all count as work search activities for extension eligibility.

ive been on unemployment for 5 months now. got laid off from my teaching job. i didnt know extensions were even a thing?? how long do they last? my benefits end next month

Update: I called EDD this morning (took 14 attempts to get through!) and spoke with a representative. She confirmed that tech industry workers DO qualify for extensions right now due to the unusually high sector unemployment rate. She said I need to wait until after my final regular UI payment posts, then file the extension request within 30 days. Just wanted to share this info for anyone else in the same situation!

I'm in a similar situation - UI benefits ending in about 6 weeks and struggling to find work in marketing/advertising. This thread has been incredibly helpful! A couple of follow-up questions for those who've successfully gotten extensions: 1) Do freelance/gig work attempts count toward the work search requirements? I've been applying for some contract positions on Upwork but wasn't sure if that qualifies. 2) If you get denied for the extension initially, is there an appeals process? Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's reassuring to know there might be options beyond the regular 26 weeks!

Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else going through this - I was in a similar situation 3 months ago when my UI benefits were about to exhaust. I'm in cybersecurity and the job market has been brutal. What really helped me was creating a detailed spreadsheet tracking all my work search activities - not just job applications but also LinkedIn networking messages, informational interviews, and even online certification courses I completed. When I applied for the FED-ED extension, having that comprehensive documentation made the process much smoother. The EDD rep was impressed with how organized my records were and approved my extension within 2 weeks. Also, don't just limit yourself to traditional job boards - I found that reaching out directly to hiring managers on LinkedIn had a much better response rate than applying through company portals. The extension gave me the breathing room I needed to eventually land a position. Keep your head up - the tech job market is slowly starting to recover!