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EDD benefits running out with only $450 left - can I get an extension after my 6 months ends?

Hey EDD folks! I'm starting to panic a bit. My unemployment benefits are about to run dry (only $450 left after certifying today) and my 6-month benefit period is ending soon. I've been applying like crazy but haven't landed anything in my industry yet. The situation is extra complicated because my former employer made some completely false accusations about my work performance, and I have to attend a court hearing in February to fight this. These bogus claims are making it super difficult to get hired in my field, as potential employers keep asking for references from them. Has anyone successfully gotten an extension on their regular UI claim? Is the process difficult? Are there specific requirements I need to meet? Really appreciate any advice as my rent is due next month and I'm getting desperate.

When ur benefits run out thats it, sorry. no more $ until u work again and earn enough 2 qualify 4 a new claim. extensions were only during covid.

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Oh no, seriously? I was afraid of that. My landlord isn't going to be happy. Do you know if there are any other programs I might qualify for when UI runs out?

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There's a lot of confusion about this topic. Let me try to clarify: Regular UI benefits in California typically last for up to 26 weeks (about 6 months). There are NO automatic extensions available anymore since all the pandemic extensions (PEUC, FED-ED, etc.) ended back in 2021. However, you might have options: 1. If you have worked AT ALL during your benefit year and earned wages, you may be eligible to file a new claim once your benefit year ends 2. If you're still struggling to find work, you might qualify for other assistance programs like CalFresh (food stamps) or CalWORKs 3. Since you mentioned legal issues with your former employer, document EVERYTHING related to your job search. If you're being unfairly blacklisted, that might be relevant to your court case You said you have a court date in February - is this an unemployment appeal hearing or something separate?

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Thank you for such a detailed response! This is actually a separate civil case against my former employer for defamation. They claimed I was stealing company data which is absolutely untrue, and it's affecting my ability to get hired. I did work for about 3 weeks at a temporary position in November - would that count toward qualifying for a new claim? It wasn't much income though.

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I went thru something similar last year. Once your claim balance hits zero, that's it - benefits stop. But depending on your situation, you might qualify for Training Extension benefits IF you enroll in an approved training program. That can give you an additional 13 weeks. Look into the California Training Benefits (CTB) program on the EDD website. You'd need to apply before your regular benefits run out though!

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I hadn't heard about the training extension! That might actually be perfect for me - I've been thinking about taking some certification courses to broaden my skills anyway. Do you know if community college classes qualify for this program?

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The California Training Benefits (CTB) program might be your best option. Community college programs CAN qualify if they meet certain criteria. You need to submit the CTB application as soon as possible - don't wait until your benefits run out! Here's what you need to know: 1. The training must be for an occupation that's in demand 2. You need EDD approval BEFORE starting 3. Once approved, you're exempt from job search requirements while training The process can be complicated and involves submitting paperwork through UI Online. This is one situation where talking directly to an EDD rep is really valuable. Many people have success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to EDD quickly. They have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km I used them when I needed to get my training approved, and it saved me weeks of trying to get through on my own. Good luck!

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Thank you! I just checked out that video and it looks promising. I've been calling EDD literally every day for the past week with no luck. At this point, getting expert advice about the training program is worth trying anything. I'm going to look into community college IT certification programs tonight.

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DONT BELIEVE THE HYPE about these "services" that claim to get u thru to EDD!!! waste of time imo. just keep calling yourself. i got thru after 57 tries one morning starting at 8:01am EXACTLY. also the training thing is a SCAM - they deny most applications anyway!!!!

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That's not accurate. CTB is definitely a real program - I went through it myself for a coding bootcamp. Yes, they have criteria, but if you meet them, it works. And regarding call services, you're entitled to your opinion, but some of us value our time. I'd rather pay a small fee than make 57 calls.

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I appreciate hearing different perspectives! I've tried calling 30+ times already with no luck, so I'm definitely frustrated. Has anyone here actually been approved for CTB recently? What kind of training program did you do?

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when my benifits ran out in 2024 i found out about the fed-state extended benifits program but it was only triggered when calif unemployment rate hit a certain % which it hasn't done since covid. but check if its available now maybe?? also look into calfresh for food assistance it really helped me make ends meet during the gap.

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You're right about the extended benefits program, but unfortunately California's unemployment rate is too low to trigger it right now (below 6%). The Fed-State Extended Duration (FED-ED) only activates during periods of high unemployment. As you suggested though, CalFresh is definitely worth applying for!

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In my experience with EDD, once your balance hits zero, that's the end unless you qualify for some type of extension (which are limited these days). What most people don't realize is that you need to focus on the *benefit year end date* on your EDD account, not just your claim balance. You mentioned having worked for a few weeks in November - that's actually important! Even if it was just temporary work, those wages go on your record. Once your benefit year ends (which is usually 12 months from when you first applied), you can file a new claim based on ANY work during that period. The key question is whether you earned enough in that 3-week period to qualify (roughly $1,300 in a quarter). Rather than just letting your claim expire, I'd recommend being proactive. Call EDD about 1-2 weeks before your claim balance reaches zero to discuss your options. Specifically ask about: 1. Using those November wages for a new claim 2. California Training Benefits program eligibility 3. Any other extension programs currently available The fact that you're dealing with legal issues from your former employer might also qualify you for special consideration. Document everything!

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Thank you for this detailed advice! I just checked and my benefit year end date is actually in April, even though my balance will run out in January. I only made about $2,200 during those three weeks in November, so I'm not sure if that's enough to qualify for a new claim. I'll definitely call EDD to discuss options before my balance hits zero. The legal situation is extremely frustrating - I didn't do anything wrong but it's affecting my job search significantly.

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Have u tried looking for jobs outside your field? sometimes u gotta do what u gotta do to pay bills. Amazon always hiring.

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Yeah, I've started applying for jobs outside my field too. Just trying to avoid taking something that would be a huge pay cut if possible, but you're right - at some point bills have to get paid. I actually applied to Amazon last week!

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u should apply 4 calfresh food stamps NOW, dont wait till ur benefits end. takes like 30 days 2 get approved.

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Good point! I'll start the CalFresh application today. Every little bit helps at this point.

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Just to circle back to your original question - no, extensions aren't typically available anymore since all the pandemic programs ended. The only real "extension" still available is the California Training Benefits program I mentioned earlier. The training needs to be for in-demand occupations and approved by EDD. It gives you up to 13 additional weeks of benefits while you're in training, but you MUST apply before your regular UI benefits end. Based on what you've shared, I'd recommend: 1. Apply for CTB right away if you're interested in training 2. Apply for CalFresh as others suggested 3. Consider County General Assistance (though the amount is very small) 4. Document how your former employer's claims are affecting your job search for your court case Good luck with everything!

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I truly appreciate all this information! I'm going to apply for CTB tomorrow and look into some IT certification programs at my local community college. I've been documenting my job search extensively, including all the times potential employers have asked about my previous job and seemed concerned after I explained the situation. Hopefully that will help with my court case. Thank you all for the advice - this community has been incredibly helpful!

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