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!