EDD benefits running out - Will WIOA training program extend my unemployment?

I went through WIOA last year and yes, it CAN extend your unemployment benefits through the California Training Benefits (CTB) program, but you need to get approved for both WIOA and CTB separately. The WIOA process is notoriously slow - took me almost 7 weeks from initial application to approval. For the math test, ask if they can provide study materials. My case manager emailed me practice problems that helped me pass on my second try. Most important: Don't wait for WIOA to be finalized before applying for the CTB extension with EDD. You can start that process now by calling EDD and telling them you're pursuing approved training. They'll send you a DE 8736 form to complete.

my friend did WIOA n it took like 2 MONTHS to get going lol. the whole system is messed up but stick with it. she got her benefits extended and got free schooling for medical assistant. worth the wait but yah its frustrating af

THE ENTIRE WIOA PROGRAM IS A JOKE!!! I waited EIGHT WEEKS for approval and then they told me my chosen training program wasn't "in-demand" enough despite the fact that THEY SUGGESTED IT initially. When I finally found an approved program, my unemployment ran out before I could complete the paperwork for the extension. Now I'm in debt from student loans I wouldn't have needed if they'd processed everything on time. The whole system is designed to FAIL people who need help. Good luck getting anyone to answer your emails - I had to physically go to the office and refuse to leave until someone helped me.

I successfully went through WIOA last year and got my training extension with EDD. Here's what you need to know: 1. For the math test, ask your case manager for study resources - they usually have practice materials they can send you. 2. You need to submit form DE 8736 to EDD for the California Training Benefits program BEFORE your regular benefits run out. This is separate from WIOA approval. 3. Call EDD directly about your training extension - don't rely on the WIOA case manager to handle the EDD side. 4. The school/training program must be on the state's Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). The most frustrating part is reaching EDD to submit your training extension request. I had to call literally 40+ times before getting through. I eventually used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD rep within 20 minutes. They have a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. It was the only way I could actually talk to someone at EDD to get my training benefits approved.

hey i just went thru this whole mess!! yea the WIOA process is super slow and confusing. for the math test, what helped me was watching youtube videos on basic algebra and percentages the night before my retest. i passed the second time! just fyi, there's two completely different processes: 1) WIOA approval thru your workforce center (for funding your training) 2) CTB approval thru EDD (for extending benefits while training) don't wait on one to start the other. and keep bugging your case manager - call instead of email if possible. squeaky wheel gets the grease! 😉

Something important that nobody has mentioned yet: You can receive up to 52 total weeks of CTB benefits for approved training (instead of the normal 26 weeks of regular UI). However, if you're already 21 weeks into your claim, you'll only have 31 more weeks available maximum under CTB. Also, I highly recommend hand-delivering a written request to your WIOA office asking for your math test to be rescheduled. Their email system is notoriously unreliable, and having a paper trail with a date stamp can help if there are delays that impact your benefits. According to WIOA regulations, they're required to provide reasonable accommodation for testing, which includes timely rescheduling opportunities. Finally, while waiting for WIOA approval, continue certifying for your regular UI benefits and make sure to answer "No" to the question about being available for work only if/when EDD approves your training plan. Answering incorrectly can result in disqualification.

i did wioa last year n it was ok. math test sucks lol. dunno why they even make u take that stuff if ur tryin to learn like healthcare or whatever. anyways just keep calling them every day til they reschedule u. thats what i did. good luck!

Went through this whole process last fall and my advice is to physically go to the WIOA office if possible. The emails and phone calls get ignored, but when you're sitting in their lobby, they tend to find solutions quickly! Also, just an FYI that sometimes there's a waiting period between programs if your chosen training school has specific start dates for classes. Mine had a 6-week gap where I wasn't in any program AND my benefits were running out. Had to pick up gig work during that time to make ends meet. Plan accordingly!

One more thing regarding the math test - ask your case manager if they offer a calculator accommodation. In many WIOA offices, they'll allow a basic calculator for part of the test if you request it. Also, the minimum score required is usually around 70%, not 100%, so you might have been closer to passing than you think. Regarding the CTB extension through EDD, you'll need to submit your training plan, which includes: - School/program details - Start and end dates - Weekly schedule - Career goal related to training This needs to be submitted to EDD via the DE 8736 form. Your WIOA counselor should help with this, but as others have mentioned, don't wait for them.

I'm going through something similar right now! Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble with the math portion, some local libraries offer free basic math tutoring or have computer programs you can use to practice. I found Khan Academy really helpful for brushing up on percentages and fractions before my retest. Also, regarding the CTB extension - make sure when you call EDD that you specifically ask for the "Training Extension Unit" or mention "California Training Benefits." Regular EDD reps sometimes don't know about this program and might give you incorrect information. I learned this the hard way after being transferred around for hours. One last tip: if your WIOA case manager continues to be unresponsive, ask to speak with their supervisor. They usually have performance metrics they need to meet, and escalating can sometimes speed things up. Don't feel bad about being persistent - this is literally their job to help you!

I'm currently going through the WIOA process too and it's been such a headache! My case manager finally got back to me after I started calling daily instead of just emailing. For the math test prep, I used the GED Ready practice tests online - they're free and cover similar material to what's on the WIOA assessment. One thing I learned from my experience: when you do get your WIOA approval, make sure the training program you choose has multiple start dates throughout the year. My first choice only had one start date per year and I would have had to wait 8 months! Ended up switching to a medical office administration program that starts new cohorts every 6 weeks. Also, don't forget to keep track of all your job search activities while you're waiting for approval. EDD still requires that even if you're pursuing training. I almost got dinged for not logging enough job contacts during my application period. Hang in there - the process is frustrating but it really can work out if you stay on top of everything!

I just went through this exact situation a few months ago! The waiting and uncertainty is absolutely nerve-wracking, but don't give up. Here are a few things that helped me: For the math test - ask your case manager about accommodations. Some offices will let you take it untimed or provide a calculator. Also, the test usually focuses on basic percentages, decimals, and word problems, so Khan Academy's "Arithmetic" section is perfect for prep. Regarding timing with EDD - this is CRUCIAL: you can actually request a training extension before your WIOA is fully approved! Call EDD and explain you're "pursuing state-approved training" and ask them to send you the DE 8736 form. Don't wait until everything is finalized with WIOA. For your unresponsive case manager - try calling the main WIOA office number and asking to speak with a supervisor about your case. Mention that you have a time-sensitive situation with your benefits running out. Sometimes a little pressure from above gets things moving. The whole process took me about 9 weeks total, but I was able to get my training extension approved with just 2 weeks left on my regular benefits. It's stressful but definitely doable if you stay persistent!

I'm in a very similar situation right now - 4 weeks left on my regular benefits and stuck waiting for my WIOA case manager to respond about rescheduling my assessment. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both reassuring and terrifying! The biggest takeaway for me is that I need to stop waiting and start the CTB process with EDD immediately. I had no idea these were two separate applications that could run in parallel. Going to call EDD tomorrow morning specifically asking for the "Training Extension Unit" and request that DE 8736 form. Also planning to show up at the WIOA office in person this week since emails clearly aren't working. It's frustrating that we have to be so persistent just to get basic help, but it sounds like that's unfortunately the reality of the system. For anyone else in this boat - this thread has been incredibly helpful. Thank you to everyone who shared their timelines and specific tips. It's nice to know we're not alone in dealing with this bureaucratic nightmare!

I'm dealing with this exact same nightmare right now! Just hit week 22 of my regular UI benefits and my WIOA case manager has been completely MIA for two weeks. Failed the math portion too and they keep pushing back my retest date with no explanation. Reading through all these responses has been eye-opening - I had absolutely NO idea about the DE 8736 form or that CTB was a completely separate application process! My workforce center made it sound like everything would be handled automatically once WIOA got approved. Such BS that they don't explain this upfront when people's livelihoods are on the line. Going to call EDD tomorrow morning asking specifically for the "Training Extension Unit" and demand they send me that form. Also planning to camp out at my local WIOA office until someone actually helps me instead of giving me the runaround. This whole system feels designed to make people give up, but seeing everyone's success stories gives me hope that persistence really does pay off. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines and specific tips - this thread is honestly more helpful than anything my actual case manager has told me! 🙄

I'm currently in a similar boat and this thread has been a lifesaver! Just wanted to add a couple things that helped me navigate this mess: 1. For the math test - my local community college offers free basic skills refresher classes that cover exactly what's on the WIOA assessment. Worth checking if yours does too. 2. When I finally got through to EDD about the CTB extension, the rep told me something important: you need to submit your training plan within 60 days of your regular benefits ending to avoid any gaps. So don't wait until the last minute! 3. Document EVERYTHING with dates and names. I started keeping a detailed log of every call, email, and visit after reading horror stories like Leeann's. It's already helped me when different reps gave me conflicting information. The whole process is absolutely broken and shouldn't be this hard, but don't give up! I'm about 6 weeks in and finally seeing some progress after being super persistent. Keep calling, keep showing up in person, and definitely start that CTB application ASAP. You've got this! 🤞

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago and I totally understand the stress you're feeling! The key thing that saved me was starting the EDD training extension process (CTB) immediately while still waiting for WIOA approval - don't wait for one to finish before starting the other. A few specific tips that helped me: - Call EDD first thing in the morning (around 8:01 AM) and ask specifically for the "Training Extension Unit" when they answer. Regular reps often don't know about CTB. - For your math retest, ask your case manager if they have practice materials or if you can use a calculator. The test is usually basic percentages and word problems - not as scary as it seems! - If emails aren't working, show up to your WIOA office in person. Bring a written request for your retest scheduling with the date you submitted it. The whole process took me about 10 weeks total but I got my training benefits approved with just 3 weeks left on regular UI. It's frustrating but absolutely doable if you stay persistent. The system is broken but you can navigate it - don't give up! Keep us updated on how it goes!

I'm going through the WIOA process right now too and this whole thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I'm at week 19 of my regular UI benefits and just realized I've been making a huge mistake by waiting for my WIOA approval before doing anything with EDD. My case manager has been super slow to respond (sound familiar?) and I failed the math portion on my first try too. But reading everyone's experiences here, I'm realizing I need to get way more aggressive about this process. Going to call EDD tomorrow morning at 8:01 AM asking specifically for the "Training Extension Unit" and that DE 8736 form. Also planning to show up at my WIOA office in person this week with a written request for my math retest - clearly the email approach isn't working! For anyone else struggling with the math portion, I've been using Khan Academy like several people suggested and it's actually helping build my confidence. Thank you to everyone who shared their timelines and specific strategies - this thread is honestly more helpful than anything my actual case manager has told me. It's reassuring to know I'm not alone in dealing with this bureaucratic nightmare, and seeing all the success stories gives me hope that persistence really does pay off. We shouldn't have to fight this hard for help we're entitled to, but at least now I have a real action plan! 💪

I'm currently going through the WIOA process myself and this entire thread has been absolutely invaluable! I'm at week 20 of my regular UI benefits and honestly had no clue about the DE 8736 form or that CTB was a completely separate process from WIOA approval. My case manager never mentioned any of this - they made it sound like everything would be automatic once WIOA went through. Reading everyone's experiences here, I realize I need to stop being passive and start taking control of this situation. Planning to call EDD tomorrow at 8:01 AM asking specifically for the "Training Extension Unit" and that DE 8736 form. Also going to show up at my WIOA office in person this week since my case manager has been ignoring my emails for over 10 days now. For anyone still struggling with the math portion like I am - Khan Academy's arithmetic section has been super helpful, and several people mentioned asking about calculator accommodations which I had no idea was possible. The test is apparently mostly percentages, fractions, and basic word problems, so it's not as impossible as it seems at first. The most frustrating part is realizing how much time I've wasted waiting for things to happen automatically instead of being proactive about both processes simultaneously. But seeing all these success stories proves it's definitely possible if you stay persistent and don't give up. Thank you to everyone who shared their specific timelines, forms, and strategies - this community support is honestly keeping me sane through this bureaucratic nightmare! 🙏