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

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.

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?

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!

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!

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!!!!

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.

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!

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

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

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!

I've been through a similar situation and want to add a few things that might help. First, regarding your November work earnings of $2,200 - that might actually be enough to qualify for a new claim depending on how it's distributed across quarters. EDD looks at your highest quarter earnings, so if that $2,200 falls into a single quarter, you'd likely qualify. Also, since you mentioned defamation issues with your former employer, you might want to consider filing a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) if their false accusations are creating barriers to employment. This could strengthen your court case and potentially help explain employment gaps to future employers. One more thing - if you do pursue the CTB program, make sure the training you choose is on EDD's approved list. They're pretty strict about this, and getting pre-approval is crucial. The wait times for approval can be long, so definitely start that process immediately if you're interested. Hang in there - the combination of legal issues and job searching is incredibly stressful, but you're taking all the right steps to protect yourself.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now - my benefits are down to about $800 and I'm terrified about what happens next. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful, especially learning about the California Training Benefits program. I had no idea that existed! @Ava Harris - your situation with the defamation case sounds absolutely awful. It's bad enough to lose your job, but then having false accusations follow you is just cruel. I really hope your court case goes well in February. One thing I wanted to add that might help - I've heard that some people have had success getting letters from attorneys or legal aid organizations explaining employment gaps due to ongoing litigation. It doesn't solve the reference problem, but it might help explain to potential employers why you can't provide certain references without getting into all the messy details. Also, regarding the CTB program - has anyone here actually gotten approved recently? I'm curious about the timeline and what the approval process is really like. The EDD website makes it sound straightforward but we all know how EDD can be... Good luck to you and everyone else going through this stress. It's tough out there!

This is such a stressful situation, and I really feel for you @Ava Harris. I went through something similar about 8 months ago when my benefits were about to run out. A few additional thoughts that might help: 1. Regarding your November earnings of $2,200 - definitely call EDD to verify which quarter those wages were reported in. If they fall entirely in Q4 2024, you might actually have enough to qualify for a new claim once your benefit year ends in April. 2. For the defamation issue, consider reaching out to local legal aid organizations. Many offer free consultations for employment-related cases, and they might be able to provide documentation that helps explain your situation to potential employers. 3. If you do pursue CTB, start gathering your paperwork now. They require transcripts, enrollment verification, and detailed career plans. The approval process can take 4-6 weeks, so time is really critical. 4. Don't forget about your local One-Stop Career Centers (America's Job Center). They often have emergency assistance programs and can help with job placement services, especially if you explain your unique circumstances with the legal issues. The combination of running out of benefits AND dealing with a legal battle sounds incredibly overwhelming. You're being really proactive though, and that's going to serve you well. Keep us posted on how things go!

I'm new to this community but I've been following unemployment issues closely. @Ava Harris, your situation really resonates with me - the stress of benefits running out combined with legal battles sounds absolutely exhausting. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you might want to contact your local county's social services department about emergency rental assistance programs. Many counties in California still have COVID relief funds available for people facing eviction or unable to pay rent due to unemployment. These programs often have faster approval times than CalFresh and could help bridge the gap while you're pursuing other options. Also, regarding your defamation case - have you considered asking your attorney about getting a "litigation hold" letter? Some employers are more understanding when they see official documentation that you're involved in active legal proceedings against a former employer. It doesn't fix the reference problem, but it can help explain why you can't provide certain information. The CTB program really does seem like your best bet for extending benefits. From what others have shared, the key is starting that process immediately. Even if it takes 4-6 weeks for approval, having something in motion might give you peace of mind. Hang in there - you're taking all the right steps and this community seems really supportive!

I'm really sorry you're going through this stressful situation @Ava Harris. The combination of benefits running out, legal issues, and job search challenges sounds incredibly overwhelming. I wanted to add one more resource that might help - have you looked into your local food banks and community assistance programs? Many don't require the same paperwork as CalFresh and can provide immediate help while you're waiting for other programs to process. Some also offer job search assistance and have connections with employers who are more understanding about employment gaps. Also, regarding the CTB program that several people have mentioned - I'd recommend calling EDD to verify your eligibility before spending time on applications. They can tell you upfront if your situation qualifies, which could save you valuable time if you need to pursue other options. For the job search piece, consider reaching out to staffing agencies that specialize in temporary or contract work. They often have less stringent reference requirements and can help you build recent work history while you're dealing with the legal situation. You're being incredibly proactive in exploring all these options. That persistence is going to pay off. Keep advocating for yourself and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Wishing you the best with your court case in February!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who recently went through the CTB application process successfully. Reading through all these responses, I can see you're getting great advice about multiple options, which is smart given your situation. One thing I'd add about the California Training Benefits program - when you call EDD to verify eligibility, also ask about the "Trade Adjustment Assistance" (TAA) program if your job loss was related to foreign trade/competition. It's a lesser-known program that can provide additional weeks of benefits plus training funding. Also, regarding your defamation case - document every single instance where potential employers ask about your previous job or seem hesitant after you explain the situation. This could be valuable evidence of economic damages in your court case. Keep a log with dates, company names, and specific responses you receive. For immediate help while pursuing longer-term solutions, check if your county has a "211" helpline (dial 2-1-1). They maintain databases of local emergency assistance programs, including utility help, rental assistance, and food resources. It's often faster than trying to research programs individually. You're handling an incredibly difficult situation with remarkable composure. The fact that you're exploring multiple options simultaneously shows real resilience. Keep pushing forward - having that court date in February gives you a timeline to work toward, and all these safety net programs can help bridge the gap until then.

I've been following this thread closely as someone who has navigated similar EDD challenges, and I wanted to add a few additional resources that might help in your situation. First, regarding your November earnings of $2,200 - that's actually right on the borderline for qualifying for a new claim. California requires $1,300 in your highest quarter to establish a new claim, so depending on how those wages were distributed, you might just qualify. When you call EDD, ask them to break down exactly which quarters those wages fell into. Second, I haven't seen anyone mention the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs yet. These are federally funded programs administered through your local workforce development board that can provide both training funding AND income support during training. Unlike CTB, WIOA programs sometimes have more flexible eligibility requirements and can stack with other benefits. Also, given that you're dealing with defamation issues, you might want to reach out to your state representatives' offices. They often have constituent services staff who can help navigate bureaucratic issues and sometimes expedite applications for emergency assistance programs. They can't solve legal problems, but they can help ensure you're getting access to all available safety net programs while your case is pending. The fact that you're being so proactive and exploring multiple options simultaneously shows incredible resilience. You've got a solid action plan developing here thanks to everyone's input. Keep us posted on how the CTB application goes!