EDD benefits running out - How to apply for extension in 2025?

Unfortunately, regular unemployment extensions aren't automatically available anymore like they were during the pandemic. The current system only offers the standard 26 weeks of benefits unless there's a federal extension program active, which there isn't right now.\n\nWhat you need to look into is called a Fed-Ed extension, but that only triggers when California's unemployment rate hits certain thresholds. As of right now, our state unemployment isn't high enough to trigger those additional weeks.\n\nYour best option might be applying for other assistance programs while continuing your job search. Have you looked into CalFresh for food assistance? Also, make sure you're taking advantage of the job placement services through EDD and America's Job Centers.

Thanks for the info, depressing as it is. I hadn't considered CalFresh - will definitely look into that. Do you know if there's any way to find out exactly when my benefits will end? The payment history page just shows my remaining balance but not a specific end date.

ya i went thru this last year. when ur bennefits run out they just STOP. no warning no nothing. i got the last payment and then nothing else came. tried to certify and system said my claim was exhausted. SUCKED.

Well that's terrifying. Did you at least get some kind of notification in your UI Online inbox, or did you just find out when trying to certify?

I've been through this exact situation back in November. Here's what you need to know:\n\n1. Extensions are NOT automatic anymore - the pandemic programs (PUA, PEUC) are completely gone\n\n2. When your balance hits zero, you'll see a message saying your claim is exhausted when you try to certify\n\n3. You CAN file a new claim after your benefit year ends (which is 12 months from when you first filed), but you need to have earned wages during that year to qualify\n\n4. There's a specific page in UI Online that shows your claim end date - go to \

This is really helpful, thank you! Just checked and my benefit year end date is in November, but my balance will run out way before then (looks like early April). \n\nSince I haven't had any income beyond UI since November, I'm guessing I won't qualify for a new claim when this one runs out? This is stressful.

The EDD system is such a joke. They make it IMPOSSIBLE to get actual information or talk to anyone who knows what they're doing. I spent WEEKS trying to call them when my benefits were running out last year - could never get through. Always \

i heard about that service but does it really work?? seems kinda sketchy to me

Yeah, it legitimately works. I was hesitant too, but when you're desperate to talk to someone at EDD, you'll try anything. It basically automates the calling process and notifies you when it gets through. Saved me hours of redial hell.

OMG I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL!! I lost my restaurant job back in September and my benefits just ran out two weeks ago. It SUCKS. I've applied to like 50+ places but everything is either minimum wage (can't live on that in CA!!) or they want like 5 years experience for entry level. \n\nI ended up having to move back with my parents which is honestly humiliating at 34 but whatever. One thing I did that helped was applying for food stamps right away - at least I'm not spending what little savings I have left on groceries.\n\nRent here is insane too - was paying $2450 for a tiny 1br before I had to give it up. The whole system is broken!!!

I'm so sorry you're going through this too. Moving back with parents isn't an option for me unfortunately (they're in another state). The food stamps suggestion is smart - definitely going to apply. Did you have to wait a long time to get approved for those?

Surprisingly no! The CalFresh application process was way easier than EDD stuff. I applied online, had a phone interview about a week later, and got approved within 10 days. They loaded benefits on a card they mailed me. It's not a ton of money but helps a lot.

I actually dealt with this situation in January. When my regular UI was about to run out, I went to my local America's Job Center (the EDD runs these offices throughout California). They were WAY more helpful than trying to call.\n\nThe career counselor there told me about the California Training Benefits (CTB) program, which can extend your benefits if you enroll in approved training. I signed up for a 12-week web development bootcamp that was on their approved list, and it extended my benefits while I gained new skills.\n\nDefinitely worth looking into - might be a way to both extend benefits AND improve your job prospects. Just google \

This is really interesting! I hadn't even heard of the CTB program. I've been thinking about switching industries anyway since construction is so volatile. How did the bootcamp work out for you? Did you end up finding work in web development?

I'm still in the final weeks of the bootcamp, but I've already had two interviews for junior developer positions! The job market for entry-level tech is actually pretty decent in California right now. The best part was that the CTB program covered the full cost of the bootcamp ($11,500) AND extended my UI benefits during training. It's seriously worth checking out.

just a warning that edd sometimes makes u pay back money if ur not careful. my cousin got benefits for 6 months then they suddenly said he wasnt eligible and had to pay back EVERYTHING. he never even got a interview or nothing. now they garnish his wages. the system is rigged man

To address your question about exactly when benefits end - you can calculate it yourself based on your weekly benefit amount (WBA) and remaining balance. Just divide your balance by your WBA and that's how many weeks you have left.\n\nFor example, if your WBA is $450 and you have $1,350 left, that's 3 weeks of benefits remaining. The system will allow you to certify until your balance hits zero.\n\nRegarding extensions in 2025, there are a few programs you might qualify for beyond regular UI:\n\n1. California Training Benefits (CTB) - as someone mentioned above\n2. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) - if your job was lost due to foreign competition\n3. Work Sharing Program - if your employer reduces hours instead of laying people off\n4. DUA (Disaster Unemployment Assistance) - only applies in declared disaster areas\n\nThe CTB program is probably your best option right now. You'd need to get approval for your training plan through EDD before your benefits run out.

Thank you for breaking this down so clearly. My construction job was definitely lost to downsizing, not foreign competition, so TAA is out. The CTB program sounds promising though. I'm going to look into approved training programs in my area ASAP. Do you know how long the approval process typically takes?

One important thing to add: make absolutely sure you continue to certify for benefits every two weeks, even if your balance is getting low. If for some reason an extension or additional program does become available, you need to have an active claim with consistent certification history.\n\nAlso, once your claim is exhausted, you'll receive a notice about applying for a new claim when your benefit year ends. Even if you haven't worked, you should still complete this application as it will trigger a review of your eligibility for any other programs.\n\nThe CTB program others mentioned typically takes 2-3 weeks for approval, so if you're interested in that route, start the application process at least a month before your benefits are set to run out. You'll need to select an approved training provider and program, and EDD will verify that it qualifies.

This is really good to know - I'll definitely keep certifying. I'm looking into CTB programs now. Does anyone know if there's a list of approved training providers online somewhere? The EDD website is such a maze.

Hey everyone, I just wanted to jump in here as someone who went through this exact situation last year. Reading through all these responses, there's some really solid advice here, especially about the CTB program. One thing I'd add - if you do decide to pursue training through CTB, don't sleep on trade programs. I know you mentioned you're already in construction, but there are specialized certifications like solar panel installation, green building techniques, or even drone operation for construction surveying that are in super high demand right now. These programs are often shorter (8-16 weeks) compared to something like web development, so you'd get back into the workforce faster. Also, regarding the stress about rent - have you looked into California's rental assistance programs? Some counties still have emergency rental assistance available, and there might be local nonprofit organizations that can help bridge the gap while you're transitioning. It's worth googling "[your county] rental assistance 2025" to see what's available. The job market is tough right now, but construction actually has some bright spots - especially in renewable energy projects and infrastructure work. Don't give up hope!

I'm going through something similar right now - my benefits are set to run out in about 5 weeks and the job market has been brutal. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly eye-opening though! I had no idea about the CTB program until this thread. I've been so focused on just finding any job that I hadn't considered using this time to actually gain new skills. The solar installation certification that @Malia Ponder mentioned sounds really promising - I've noticed a ton of solar companies popping up around here lately. One question for those who've been through the CTB process - do you have to be approved for the program BEFORE your regular benefits run out, or can you apply after they're exhausted? I'm worried about timing since I only have 5 weeks left and don't want to miss any deadlines. Also, has anyone had luck with temp agencies during gaps in benefits? I've been hesitant to take temp work because I wasn't sure how it would affect my UI certification, but at this point I might need to consider anything to keep some income coming in.