EDD benefits exhausted - no extensions available in 2025?

Unfortunately, the federal extension programs ended back in 2021 after the pandemic. Now we're back to just the regular UI claim period (usually 26 weeks), and once that's exhausted, you have to wait until your benefit year ends before reapplying. Your neighbor probably received her extension during the pandemic when special programs like PEUC and PUA were still active. The system now operates like it did pre-pandemic - once your maximum benefit is reached, there are no automatic extensions. August must be when your benefit year officially ends. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

This happened to me earlier this year. I'd suggest looking into other assistance programs while you wait to reapply. Check if you qualify for CalFresh (food stamps) or contact your county about General Assistance/Relief programs. Also, make sure to keep detailed records of your job search efforts because when you reapply in August, they'll want to see that you've been actively looking for work during this gap period. Keep all emails from job applications and interviews as evidence.

The WHOLE SYSTEM is designed to leave us hanging!!! I hit my max benefits in January and had to wait till May to reapply. FOUR MONTHS with NOTHING! Meanwhile rent keeps going up and they expect us to survive on what exactly??? The EDD system is BROKEN and they don't care about real people struggling. My landlord sure didn't care that EDD had no extensions!

One thing to double-check - log into UI Online and make sure you've actually exhausted your claim versus having a pending certification issue. Sometimes people think they've hit max benefits but it's actually just a hold on their claim. If you call EDD, they can verify your status and might be able to help if there's an issue with your claim rather than truly being at maximum benefits. I had so much trouble getting through to EDD when I needed to verify my status. After days of calling and getting the "too many callers" message, I found a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an EDD rep within 20 minutes. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their website is claimyr.com - it was honestly worth it to get definitive answers about my claim status.

Yes, they connected me to an actual EDD representative. The rep confirmed I had reached maximum benefits but also told me about the Training Extension program (California Training Benefits) which can provide additional benefits if you're enrolled in approved training/education. It's worth asking about when you call - some people qualify for this type of extension even when regular benefits are exhausted.

my cousin had this same thing but she got a job at amazon warehouse after her bennies ran out its not great but they hire like everyone

did u check if u qualify for sdi? my friend got on that when her ui ran out

One more suggestion - check with EDD if you qualify for a Training Extension (California Training Benefits). If you enroll in an approved training program, you might be eligible for additional benefits beyond your regular UI claim. You'd need to apply for this specifically, and not everyone qualifies, but it's definitely worth checking out if you're interested in developing new skills while searching for work.

Approved training programs typically include vocational training, certificate programs, and some college programs. Web development could definitely qualify! The key is that it needs to be training that improves your employability and is approved by EDD. You'll need to submit a Training Benefits application (DE 2269) and have your training provider complete part of the form. I'd recommend contacting EDD directly to discuss your specific situation - they can tell you exactly what programs in your area would qualify and how to start the process.