EDD benefits exhausted in April but benefit year ends September - can I get more payments?

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.

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!!!

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.

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!!!

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.

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

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

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.

Hey Andre, I'm in a very similar situation and wanted to share what I learned from my own experience. I exhausted my benefits last year but was able to file a new claim because I had worked a few months at a temporary job. The key thing is that EDD looks at your "base period" for the new claim, which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So that seasonal work you mentioned from November/December could definitely help you qualify! When you file the new claim online, the system will automatically check if you meet the minimum earnings requirements. Don't get discouraged if the first attempt doesn't work - sometimes there are technical glitches and you might need to try again or speak to a rep. Also, while you're waiting to hear back on a potential new claim, definitely apply for CalFresh ASAP. The application process can take a few weeks but you might be able to get expedited benefits if you qualify. Many counties also have emergency rental assistance programs that could help with your immediate rent situation. Hang in there - I know how stressful this is, but there are options available even when it feels hopeless!