EDD benefits exhausted - Can I request an extension for my claim in 2025?
I just checked my UI Online account and saw that my regular unemployment benefits are completely exhausted as of last week. My claim balance shows $0 and my last payment was only partial because that's all that was left. I'm still unemployed and actively looking for work in the healthcare field, but haven't had any luck yet. Is there any way to request an extension on my claim? Can I call EDD to ask for more benefits or do I need to file a whole new claim? I've been certifying regularly and completing all the work search requirements, but I'm really worried because I still have bills to pay and my savings are basically gone at this point. Has anyone successfully gotten an extension after their benefits ran out?
18 comments
Yuki Tanaka
Extensions aren't automatic anymore like they were during COVID. You need to check if you qualify for a Fed-Ed extension, which depends on the current unemployment rate in California. Right now in 2025, extensions are pretty limited. Your best bet is to call EDD directly and ask about your specific situation - they can tell you if you're eligible for any type of extension or if you need to wait until you qualify for a new claim based on more recent work history.
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CaptainAwesome
•Thanks for the info. Do you know how long I need to wait before I can file a new claim? I worked for about 3 months between my previous claim and this one.
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Esmeralda Gómez
same thing happend to me last month. ui said i used all my benifits too. i waited on hold for 3 hrs and they said i cant get more money until my benefit year ends in august. something about needing enough work history to qualiyf for a new claim. super frustrating!!
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Klaus Schmidt
•This is why the system is broken. They expect us to magically find jobs when there aren't any but also won't extend benefits for people ACTUALLY TRYING to find work. I've been on and off unemployment for 2 years and every time it's the same stupid runaround with EDD!!!
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Aisha Patel
To clarify some misconceptions, here's how it works in 2025: 1. Regular UI benefits last up to 26 weeks 2. Extensions are only available during periods of high unemployment when triggered by federal or state legislation 3. You can file a new claim after your benefit year ends (12 months from when you first filed) 4. To qualify for a new claim, you need sufficient wages in your base period Your best option is to call EDD to verify your specific situation. They can check if you qualify for any special programs or extensions based on your work history and current circumstances. If you've worked those 3 months you mentioned, they can tell you if that's enough to qualify for a new claim once your benefit year ends.
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CaptainAwesome
•This is really helpful, thank you. My benefit year isn't over until October, so I might be in a tough spot. I'll definitely need to call them to see if my 3 months of work is enough for a new claim.
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LilMama23
Getting through to EDD on the phone is nearly impossible these days! I spent two whole weeks trying to reach someone about my exhausted benefits. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an EDD rep in under 30 minutes. The agent confirmed I wasn't eligible for an extension but helped me understand when I could file a new claim. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km - saved me days of frustration!
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Esmeralda Gómez
•does that actually work? i tried calling like 50 times yesterday and kept getting the stupid message about too many callers
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LilMama23
•Yeah, it definitely worked for me! The EDD rep I spoke with was actually helpful and explained exactly when I'd be eligible for a new claim based on my work history. Way better than getting hung up on repeatedly.
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Dmitri Volkov
wait im confused... is an extension the same as when they put u on PEUC? or is that something different? i had that back when covid was happening but i dont know if thats still a thing??
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Aisha Patel
•PEUC (Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation) was a temporary federal extension program during COVID. It ended in 2021. Currently, there are no federal extension programs active. The only extensions that might be available now would be state-triggered extensions during periods of high unemployment, but those aren't active in California right now in 2025.
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Dmitri Volkov
•oh that makes sense!! thanks for explaining!
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Gabrielle Dubois
I was in the exact same situation last month!!! My benefits ran out while I was still job hunting. I actually went to the EDD office in person (made an appointment online first) and they were really helpful. They explained that I could apply for CalFresh while I wait to be eligible for a new UI claim. Also check with your county about rental assistance programs - that's what's keeping me afloat right now. Don't give up!!!
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CaptainAwesome
•Thank you for the suggestions! I didn't even think about CalFresh or rental assistance. I'll definitely look into those options while I figure out the unemployment situation.
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Klaus Schmidt
THE EDD SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO FAIL US! They DELIBERATELY make it confusing about extensions and new claims so people give up. I've been through this THREE TIMES now and every time it's different rules and requirements. They'll probably tell you that your 3 months of work isn't enough for a new claim. The whole thing is RIGGED against workers!!!!
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Yuki Tanaka
•While the system can definitely be frustrating, the rules about qualifying for a new claim are actually consistent - you need to have earned enough wages in your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before filing). That's why 3 months of work might not be enough, depending on when and how much was earned.
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Tyrone Johnson
My benefits ran out last year and I had to wait until my benefit year ended before I could file again. During that time I picked up gig work doing DoorDash and Instacart - not great money but it helped bridge the gap. Just something to consider while you're waiting to qualify for a new claim.
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CaptainAwesome
•That's not a bad idea. I've been focused on finding something in healthcare again, but maybe I need to be more flexible in the meantime. Thanks for the suggestion!
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