EDD benefits exhausted - any extension options in 2025?

Unfortunately, regular extension programs like Fed-Ed and PEUC were pandemic-era programs that no longer exist. BUT! You might qualify for a new claim if you've worked at all since filing your original claim. Even part-time work might give you enough wages for a new claim. Check the 'File New Claim' option in your UI Online account.

You should also look into applying for CalFresh (food assistance) and CalWORKs if you have children. These programs can help bridge the gap while you're looking for work. The EDD website has a page about additional assistance programs you may qualify for after UI benefits are exhausted.

did u check ur inbox messages?? sometimes they send special instructions when ur benefits run out. i missed mine for like 2 weeks n almost lost my apartment

The system is RIGGED against us!! I went through the same thing in January and there's NOTHING they offer anymore. The pandemic programs are gone and they don't care if we end up homeless!! I called EDD 47 TIMES before getting through only to be told "sorry nothing we can do" - DISGUSTING how they treat taxpayers!!!

After trying for weeks to get through to EDD about a similar situation (my benefits exhausted last month), I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an agent. They got me through to someone who explained all my options, including how to see if I qualified for a new claim based on my part-time work. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km - definitely worth it instead of calling hundreds of times.

My benefits ran out last week too and I'm still confused!! Did anyone figure out if there's actually extensions or not?? The website is so confusing and when I called the automated line it just kept saying my claim balance is zero.

One option nobody's mentioned yet - if you enroll in an EDD-approved training program, you might qualify for the California Training Benefits (CTB) program which can extend your benefits while you learn new skills. I went through this last year when my benefits were about to run out. You have to get the training approved by EDD first though.

I was in your exact situation in November. After my benefits exhausted, I applied for a new claim and got approved for another 13 weeks because I had worked part-time for a few months during my benefit year. The key is having enough wages in your base period. Even if you don't think you have enough, apply anyway. The worst they can say is no.

my cousin said he got like 3 more months after his ran out but idk how he did it lol

Hey, just wanted to check back - did you have any luck with filing a new claim or getting connected with EDD? Your part-time work might actually qualify you for something, even if it's a smaller weekly benefit amount.

same boat here, ran out last month. sucks doesn't it

Unfortunately, regular extensions like FED-ED, PEUC, and PUA were pandemic-specific programs that ended. As of 2025, California doesn't offer automatic extensions after your regular UI benefits are exhausted (26 weeks). Your options now are: 1. If you worked during your benefit year and earned enough wages, you might qualify for a new claim after your current benefit year ends 2. If you have a disability that prevents you from working, you could apply for State Disability Insurance (SDI) 3. You might qualify for CalFresh (food assistance) or other support programs while you continue your job search I recommend calling EDD directly to verify your specific situation. Sometimes there are special extension programs that get implemented that aren't widely publicized.

When my benefits exhausted last year, I spent TWO WEEKS trying to reach EDD to find out about extensions. Called 47 times in one day and couldn't get through!! So frustrating! The system is BROKEN! I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an EDD rep in under 30 minutes. They have a demo video here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The rep told me no extensions were available but did help me understand what to do next. At least I got a definitive answer instead of stressing about it endlessly.

Extensions are only available during periods of high unemployment when triggered by state or federal legislation. Currently, there are no active extension programs in California as of my knowledge in 2025. However, if your benefit year has ended (it's been 12 months since you filed your initial claim) AND you've worked and earned wages during that year, you may be eligible to file a new claim. If your benefit year hasn't ended yet, you unfortunately need to wait until it does before potentially filing a new claim. In the meantime, I'd recommend: 1. Contact your local America's Job Center for employment assistance 2. Apply for CalFresh benefits for food assistance 3. Check with your county's social services for additional support programs Also make sure to keep certifying even after receiving your exhaustion notice - this keeps your claim active in case any extension programs are implemented.

@user7 - Yes, it absolutely matters how much you worked during your benefit year. To qualify for a new claim, you need to have earned enough wages in your base period (typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before filing). The minimum earnings requirement is: - At least $1,300 in your highest-earning quarter, OR - At least $900 in your highest-earning quarter plus total base period earnings of at least 1.25 times that quarter So your 3-week temp job might not be enough to qualify for a new claim, but it depends on how much you earned during that period. EDD will make this determination when you file.

I went through this exact thing back in December! So when my benefits exhausted, I panicked and applied for everything I could find. Biggest thing I learned - do NOT file a new UI claim if your benefit year isn't over!!! It'll just get denied and mess up your account. What helped me was going to my local workforce center. They have resources for job training programs that sometimes come with stipends. I got into a 12-week IT certification program that's giving me $250/week while I train. Not as much as UI but better than nothing! Look for WIA/WIOA funded programs in your area.

@user4 It took about 3 weeks from application to starting the program. I had to do an assessment test and interview. The key is proving you're committed to completing it. They told me they have programs for healthcare, construction trades, CDL licensing, and IT. The stipend amounts vary depending on the program. Good luck!

@user6 - That's a separate question but I'll answer quickly: If you were hospitalized and unable to work, you should mark that you were NOT available for work during that week. However, this may make you ineligible for benefits for that specific week. You can still certify and explain in the comments section that you were hospitalized. If you're going to be unable to work for an extended period due to medical reasons, you might want to look into State Disability Insurance instead. @user4 - Back to your question about extensions: Sometimes the EDD introduces special programs when economic conditions change. Keep certifying as long as your UI Online account allows you to, even after receiving the exhaustion notice. This keeps your claim active in case any new extension programs become available.