EDD benefits exhausted at 58 - Healthcare industry job search feels impossible

I'm 61 and was in a similar situation last year after my hospital downsized. What I did was pivot to remote medical billing work which has less age discrimination. Check out connectRN, Codify Health, and Ensemble Health Partners - they're always hiring experienced medical admin people for remote positions, and they don't care as much about age. I got my job after my benefits ran out too. Also, have you checked if you qualify for FED-ED extension? Sometimes when regular UI runs out there are extensions available depending on unemployment rates in your county. Check your UI Online account or call EDD (good luck with that though, took me 38 calls to get through).

dont give up! my mom is 59 and got laid off from nursing admin job and thought shed never work again. took 6 months but she found something. u need to update ur linkedin and resume tho, make sure ur using all the new keywords they look for. also try tempt agencies that specialize in medical admin.

I exhausted my UI benefits last spring and understand the panic you're feeling. A few practical suggestions: 1. Check with your county's workforce development office - they often have specialized programs for 55+ job seekers, including possible training grants for skills updating. 2. File for CalFresh immediately if you haven't already - even a small amount helps, and approval is usually quick with income documentation. 3. Consider contacting healthcare recruiters who specialize in temp-to-perm placements. Robert Half Healthcare and CHG Healthcare both have divisions for administrative professionals. 4. Don't overlook patient advocacy roles - insurance companies and larger hospital systems are hiring people with administrative experience for these positions, and your experience is valuable. And yes, EDD is absolutely dysfunctional. My neighbor works for California Franchise Tax Board and says EDD is universally known as the worst-run agency in the state government.

When you say "final UI check," have you confirmed you've actually exhausted your maximum benefit amount? Sometimes people think they're done, but they might be eligible for a different claim type. Did your UI Online account specifically show $0.00 remaining benefit balance? Also, check if you're eligible for SDI if you have any health conditions - completely separate program with separate funds!

The same thing happened to me and I was FREAKING OUT but then I found contract work through LinkedIN. Have you tried looking for 6-month contract positions? Sometimes those are easier to get and then they lead to permanent jobs if they like you. The job search at our age is THE WORST and I feel your pain!!!

Not sure if this will help your situation, but I had a horrible time reaching EDD when my benefits were about to run out and I needed to ask about extensions. Someone here recommended a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual EDD rep in about 20 minutes instead of calling for days. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their website is claimyr.com. They basically call EDD for you and connect you when they get through. Worth it for me because I found out I was eligible for a different type of claim I didn't know about.

I'm dealing with the exact same situation right now. 57 years old, worked in insurance claims management for 22 years, laid off, and now can't even get interviews. My UI just ran out last week and I'm terrified. Have you tried applying for medical office manager positions at smaller practices? That's what I'm targeting now since they sometimes prefer mature candidates who won't leave for another job in 6 months. The whole system feels rigged against older workers while EDD just cuts us off with no support. I tried calling them about job search assistance and was on hold for THREE HOURS before being disconnected.

One more suggestion that might help - have you checked AARP's job board? They partner with employers who specifically want to hire experienced workers over 50. I know several people who found decent jobs through their program after being in similar situations. Their job board is at jobs.aarp.org and they also offer free resume reviews for members. Also, I know it's hard to hear this when you're worried about paying bills, but sometimes a short break before jumping into the next job can be valuable. If your finances allow even a small cushion, consider taking a few weeks to update skills, get certifications, or network. Many employers in healthcare admin now want experience with specific EMR systems or patient portal management.

Just an update on what I mentioned earlier - I remembered that California has a program specifically for older workers called the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). You have to be 55+ and meet certain income guidelines, but they help place you in paid training positions that can lead to permanent jobs. Here's the website: https://aging.ca.gov/Programs_and_Services/Senior_Community_Service_Employment_Program/ Might be worth checking if you qualify. Even if you don't, your local American Job Center (part of the CareerOneStop network) offers free services and some have specialists who work with older job seekers.