EDD benefits exhausted in April but benefit year ends September - can I get more payments?
I lost my job in the restaurant industry back in June 2023 and filed for unemployment shortly after. My benefit year shows as 06/18/2024-06/16/2025, but my claim balance hit zero on 04/12/2024. I still haven't been able to find stable work despite applying to dozens of places (even tried switching to retail but no luck). When I check my UI Online account, it says 'Maximum Benefits Paid' but I'm confused because I thought I'd receive benefits for the entire benefit year period. I've been trying to call EDD every single day for the past two weeks - sometimes calling 15-20 times starting right when they open - but either get disconnected or that annoying 'we're experiencing high call volume' message. Is there any possible way to receive additional payments until my benefit year ends in June? My rent is due next week and I'm seriously panicking.
16 comments
Zoe Stavros
Unfortunately, your benefit amount is based on your base period earnings, not the length of your benefit year. Once you've collected all weekly payments available to you (usually 26 weeks worth), your claim is considered exhausted even if your benefit year hasn't ended. The benefit year just refers to the time period during which you can collect those weeks of benefits, but it doesn't guarantee you'll receive payments for the full year.
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Andre Moreau
•Oh no... I totally misunderstood how this works then. I thought the benefit year meant I'd get payments for the whole year. So there's absolutely nothing I can do to get more unemployment until June?
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Jamal Harris
same thing happend to me last year. once the money runs out thats it even if your year isnt over yet. the EDD system is so confusing!!!
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Andre Moreau
•Ugh this is horrible timing. Did you try to file a new claim or anything after yours ran out?
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Mei Chen
You might qualify for a new claim if you've worked and earned wages since the beginning of your last claim. You need to have earned enough wages in a new base period to establish eligibility. If you've had ANY work (even part-time) since filing your original claim, it's worth trying to file a new claim. You can do this through your UI Online account. Also, look into whether you qualify for other assistance programs like CalFresh (food stamps) or rent assistance programs through your county. Many people don't realize they can receive these benefits while looking for work. I was in a similar situation last year and found that using Claimyr (claimyr.com) was the only way I could actually reach an EDD representative. They have a service that helps you get through to EDD's phone system. I was skeptical but checked out their video demo (https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km) and it actually worked - got through to a rep who explained my options. Worth considering if you absolutely need to speak with someone at EDD.
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Andre Moreau
•Thank you for this info! I did have about 6 weeks of part-time work in November/December last year at a seasonal retail job. Maybe that's enough to qualify for a new claim? I'll check out that Claimyr site too - at this point I'm desperate to talk to an actual person at EDD.
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Liam Sullivan
EDD IS A JOKE!!! I went thru the EXACT same thing and couldn't get any help. The system is DESIGNED to confuse people. Even if you do manage to get someone on the phone they just read from a script and tell you the same thing the website says. Such a waste of our tax dollars!!!
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Amara Okafor
•Not all reps are bad. I got someone really helpful when I finally got through. Depends who you get.
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CosmicCommander
The others are correct - the benefit year is simply the window of time you have to collect your maximum benefit amount. Once that amount is paid out (typically covering about 26 weeks of unemployment), no additional benefits are available on that claim, regardless of whether your benefit year has ended. However, you do have a few options to explore: 1. If you worked at all since filing your original claim and earned wages that would appear in a new base period, you may qualify for a new claim. Even part-time or temporary work might count. 2. File for an extension if any are currently available (though currently there are no federal extensions in effect like there were during the pandemic). 3. Look into Fed-Ed extensions if California's unemployment rate triggers this program (though this is unlikely in the current economy). 4. Apply for other assistance programs like CalFresh, CalWORKs, or housing assistance programs. You should try to speak with an EDD representative to explore these options and verify your eligibility. When calling, try during mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) during mid-morning or mid-afternoon when call volumes may be slightly lower.
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Andre Moreau
•Thank you for all this detailed information! I did have that seasonal job for about 6 weeks around the holidays, so I'll definitely try filing a new claim. I hadn't thought about CalFresh but that's a good idea too. Really appreciate the help.
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Giovanni Colombo
has anyone acutally tried that claimyr thing? seems kinda sketchy to me... not sure i'd trust some random service with my unemployment info when EDD already makes so many mistakes
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Mei Chen
•I was hesitant too but they don't actually access your EDD account - they just help connect your call through to EDD. You still talk directly with EDD representatives. Was worth it for me after spending days trying to get through myself.
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Amara Okafor
i thought i was gonna get a whole year of benefits too when i first applied lol. but yea they only give you like 6 months worth and then ur done even if the "year" isn't over. its super misleading how they word everything
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Andre Moreau
•Right? The way they explain the "benefit year" is so confusing. I wish they'd make this clearer on their website.
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Zoe Stavros
Update us if you end up filing a new claim based on that seasonal work! It's possible you might qualify. You need to have earned at least $1,300 in your highest quarter during your new base period. The system will automatically calculate if you're eligible once you submit your application.
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Andre Moreau
•I'll definitely post an update! I'm going to try filing a new claim tonight and also try reaching EDD tomorrow morning. Thanks everyone for your help - I was feeling really lost.
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