EDD benefits running out after 26 weeks - any extensions available in 2025?

Unfortunately, the regular UI claim is limited to 26 weeks in California, and there are currently no extension programs available in 2025. The pandemic-era extensions like PEUC and PUA ended years ago, and Fed-Ed extensions only trigger during periods of very high unemployment rates (which we don't currently have). Your best options are: 1. Continue with aggressive job searching, even considering temporary positions 2. Look into job retraining programs through EDD's CalJOBS portal 3. Consider applying for CalFresh (food assistance) if you qualify Start planning for the transition now while you still have some benefits left.

Wat about state disability?? My sister went on that after her uneployment ran out last yr. worth a shot

I WENT THROUGH THIS LAST YEAR!!! The 26 weeks goes by SO FAST. There are NO extensions anymore - the EDD rep told me those were special COVID programs. When my benefits ran out I was DESPERATE and spent 3 days calling EDD to see if there were ANY options. Nobody could help!!! The only thing that worked was when I finally got ahold of an actual TIER 2 specialist who reviewed my case. They explained everything clearly and confirmed I had no more options through EDD. Took me literally 47 calls to reach someone who knew what they were talking about.

After your regular UI benefits end at 26 weeks, you might qualify for a new claim IF you've worked and earned enough wages since filing your current claim. The key is having enough wages in your base period for a new claim. Without new employment/wages since filing your current claim, you wouldn't qualify for a new claim immediately. Alternatives to consider: - Check with your county's social services for other assistance programs - Apply for CalFresh (food benefits) - Look into rental assistance programs - Visit your local America's Job Center for employment help - See if you qualify for job training through EDD's Training Extension program (though this needs to be approved before your benefits run out

im in construction and this happens to me like every few years lol. the trick is to find even a crappy temporary job for a few months, then if you lose that job you can usually qualify for a new claim. not ideal but better than nothing when ur desperate

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. I'll definitely look into the California Training Benefits program since I'm interested in changing careers anyway. And I'll try Claimyr to get through to EDD so I can discuss my options directly with them. It's disappointing that there aren't extensions available anymore, but at least I have some time to prepare. I appreciate all the suggestions!

Just wanted to add that you should also check if your local Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) office has any programs available. They sometimes offer financial assistance for job training and career changes that can help bridge the gap when UI benefits end. I used their services when transitioning from retail to healthcare administration and they covered my certification costs plus provided a small living allowance during training. Not every area has the same programs available, but it's worth checking since you mentioned being interested in career change through the training benefits program.

I'm in a similar situation - my UI benefits are also running out soon and I've been researching all possible options. One thing I discovered that might help is the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program if your job loss was due to foreign trade or outsourcing. It's a federal program that provides extended benefits and training opportunities. Also, some counties have emergency assistance programs for people transitioning off unemployment - I found out my county offers a one-time $500 emergency payment plus help with utilities. It's worth calling 211 (the helpline) to ask about local resources in your area. The situation is tough but there are still some safety nets out there if you know where to look.

Hey there! I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that might help since I just went through a similar situation a few months ago. When my UI benefits were about to run out, I discovered that some community colleges offer "emergency grants" for students enrolled in their job training programs. I enrolled in a digital marketing certificate program at my local community college and was able to get a $1,200 emergency grant that helped cover living expenses during the transition. The program was only 4 months long and actually led to my current job. It's not the same as UI extensions, but it can provide some financial breathing room while you're getting new skills. Most community colleges have financial aid offices that can walk you through what's available - might be worth checking out along with the other programs people mentioned here!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who's been following EDD policies closely - unfortunately everyone here is correct that there are no extensions available in 2025. The unemployment rate in California would need to hit much higher thresholds to trigger Fed-Ed, and we're nowhere near those levels right now. However, I'd strongly recommend reaching out to your local One-Stop Career Center (part of the American Job Center network) - they often have resources that aren't widely advertised, including rapid reemployment services and connections to employers specifically looking to hire people with event management experience. Many of these centers also have partnerships with temp agencies that can help you get the work history needed to potentially qualify for a new claim down the road. The key is starting these conversations now while you still have a few months of benefits left rather than waiting until the last minute.

I went through this exact same situation in 2024 and want to share what I learned the hard way. First, don't panic - you have time to prepare! I started researching alternatives about 8 weeks before my benefits ran out and it made all the difference. Here's what actually helped me: I contacted my county's workforce development board directly (different from the One-Stop centers) and they had a "Rapid Response" program that provided job placement assistance specifically for people whose UI was ending. They also connected me with local employers who were actively hiring. I ended up getting placed in a temp-to-hire position that became permanent. Also, definitely apply for CalFresh BEFORE your UI ends - there can be a waiting period and you don't want a gap in assistance. And if you have any marketable skills, consider freelancing or gig work to build up earnings for a potential new claim later. One more thing - document EVERYTHING about your job search activities now. If you do end up qualifying for a new claim later, having detailed records will help immensely. The event industry is tough right now but there are related fields (corporate communications, vendor management, etc.) that value your skills. You've got this!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - my benefits run out in September and I'm in marketing/PR which has been really tough lately. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful, especially learning about programs I had no idea existed! One thing I wanted to add that might help others: I recently discovered that some credit unions offer emergency loans specifically for people transitioning off unemployment. My local credit union has a "bridge loan" program with really low interest rates for members who are between jobs but have job prospects. It's not ideal to take on debt, but it could be a lifeline if you need a couple extra months to land something. Also, for anyone in creative industries like events/marketing - don't overlook nonprofit organizations! They often need event coordination and marketing help but might not post on the usual job boards. I've been reaching out directly to nonprofits in my area and have gotten way more responses than from corporate applications. The pay might be lower but it could provide the work history needed for a future claim. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is such a valuable resource during tough times like these!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that might help since I just went through this situation earlier this year. When my UI benefits were ending, I discovered that many libraries have "career transition" programs that aren't well publicized. My local library system offered free resume workshops, interview prep sessions, and even had a "business attire closet" for people who needed professional clothes for interviews. They also had computers and private rooms available for video interviews, plus staff who could help with online job applications. Best part - they had connections with local employers and actually hosted monthly "meet the employer" events. I ended up getting my current job through a contact I made at one of their networking sessions. It's definitely worth checking with your local library system to see what career services they offer. Most people don't think of libraries for job search help, but they often have amazing resources and it's all completely free. Some even have partnerships with workforce development programs that can provide additional support. The anxiety about benefits running out is so real, but there really are more resources out there than you might expect - you just have to dig a little to find them. Hang in there and keep exploring all your options!

I'm also new to this community but wanted to share what I learned when I was in a similar situation last year. One resource that really helped me was contacting my former employer's HR department to ask about COBRA health insurance options and any employee assistance programs they might have offered. Even though I was laid off, they still provided access to career counseling services and job placement assistance for up to 6 months after termination - I had no idea this was available until I asked! Additionally, I found out that some unemployment offices have "reemployment services" that are separate from regular UI claims. These programs sometimes offer small stipends for transportation to interviews or training programs, and they have job developers who work directly with employers looking to hire. You have to specifically request these services - they don't automatically offer them. One more thing that helped me psychologically was setting up a strict daily routine during my job search, treating it like a full-time job. I scheduled specific hours for applications, networking, skill-building, and follow-ups. Having structure made the uncertainty feel more manageable and kept me productive even when the anxiety was high. The event industry will bounce back - your skills are definitely transferable to corporate communications, vendor management, and project coordination roles. Stay persistent!

I'm new to this community but wanted to add something that might help based on my recent experience. When my UI benefits were about to end, I discovered that some temp agencies actually specialize in "temp-to-perm" placements specifically for people transitioning off unemployment benefits. They understand the urgency of the situation and work to place you quickly in roles that have high conversion rates to permanent positions. What made this especially helpful was that these agencies often have relationships with companies that are specifically looking to hire people with event management backgrounds for project management, client services, and operations roles. The temp agency I worked with actually coached me on how to translate my event skills for different industries during the interview process. Also, don't forget to check if your state has a "work sharing" or "short-time compensation" program - some employers participate in these programs where they can hire you part-time while you still receive partial UI benefits. It's not available everywhere, but it can be a good bridge while you're looking for full-time work. One last tip: if you have any professional certifications (PMP, event planning certs, etc.), check if there are local professional associations that offer job placement services to members. I got several interview opportunities through my local PMI chapter that I wouldn't have found otherwise. Keep your head up - the skills from event management are more transferable than you think!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that helped me when I was in a similar situation earlier this year. When my UI benefits were ending, I discovered that many churches and religious organizations (regardless of your personal beliefs) often have "community assistance" programs that aren't widely advertised. These can include emergency financial assistance, job referral networks, and sometimes even temporary employment opportunities for event coordination and administrative work. I'm not particularly religious myself, but when I reached out to a few larger churches in my area, I was surprised by how many resources they offered to anyone in the community, not just members. One church had a "job ministry" that connected me with three different employers, and another provided a small emergency grant to help with utilities while I was transitioning. Many of these organizations also host community events that need temporary event coordination help - it might not be your ideal role, but it could provide some income and work experience while you're searching for something permanent. Plus, these events often have attendees from local businesses who could become networking contacts. It might feel uncomfortable to reach out if you're not connected to these communities, but most are genuinely focused on helping people in transition regardless of background. Worth adding to your list of resources to explore alongside all the other great suggestions in this thread!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that might help since I just went through this exact situation a few months ago. When my UI benefits were ending, I discovered that some counties have "Economic Development" departments that maintain databases of employers specifically looking to hire people transitioning off unemployment. These aren't the same as workforce development boards - they're focused on business development but often have insider knowledge about which companies are actively hiring and expanding. What really helped me was that the economic development officer I spoke with knew which local businesses had recently received tax incentives or grants for hiring, making them more likely to bring on new employees quickly. She was able to connect me directly with hiring managers at three different companies, bypassing the typical online application process entirely. I also found out that some utility companies offer "job seeker assistance" programs where they provide temporary bill payment deferrals specifically for people whose unemployment benefits are ending. My electric company gave me a 90-day payment plan that really helped during the transition period. One more tip - if you have LinkedIn, make sure your profile clearly states that you're "open to work" and specify your availability date. I got two interview requests within a week of updating my profile with this information. Event management skills are definitely in demand for corporate roles - project coordination, vendor management, and client relations translate really well. Don't give up hope!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share a resource that helped me when I was in a similar situation last year. Many people don't know that California has a "Rapid Response" program through the Employment Development Department that's specifically designed to help workers facing layoffs or business closures transition to new employment quickly. While this program is typically offered to groups of workers when a company announces layoffs, individuals can sometimes access these services too. The program includes intensive job search workshops, skills assessments, and connections to employers who are actively hiring. What made it particularly valuable for me was that they had partnerships with companies specifically looking for event management and project coordination skills. They also provided information about apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training opportunities that could lead to permanent employment. To access these services, you need to contact your local Workforce Development Board and specifically ask about Rapid Response services for individual participants. Not every office will offer this, but it's worth asking since the services are much more intensive than standard job search assistance. I also wanted to mention that if you've been receiving UI benefits, you're automatically eligible for career counseling services through the state's workforce system - many people don't realize this benefit is available throughout your entire claim period, not just at the beginning. These counselors can help you develop a transition plan before your benefits end and connect you with resources you might not find on your own. Good luck with your search - the event industry is tough right now but your organizational and project management skills are definitely valued in many other sectors!