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 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!