EDD benefits suddenly stopped - is 9 months the maximum? Different from Illinois rules?

In California, regular UI benefits last for up to 26 weeks (about 6 months) within a 12-month benefit year. It sounds like you've exhausted your standard benefit amount. California doesn't have the automatic extension program you're describing from Illinois. Extensions only become available during periods of high unemployment when the federal government authorizes them, like during COVID. Currently, there are no active extension programs in California. You might be able to file a new claim if your benefit year has ended (which would be May 2024 for you), but you would need to have worked and earned wages since you filed your original claim. The system should automatically notify you if you're eligible to file a new claim.

sry but ur kinda lucky u got 9 months!! my benefits ran out after exactly 6 months (26 weeks). EDD is way different from other states. they dont tell u when its gonna end, the payments just stop. super annoying. i tried calling them like 50 times when mine stopped and couldnt get thru to anyone!!!!

When i moved from NY to CA last year I had the same shock about how different the systems are. Each state runs their own unemployment program with their own rules. Really messed up that they don't warn you when your benefits are about to run out though. I had to scramble to cover rent when mine suddenly stopped too.

If you need to talk to someone at EDD about your options, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). After my benefits mysteriously stopped, I tried calling for weeks with no luck - always got the 'maximum callers' message. Claimyr got me connected to a live agent in about 20 minutes. The representative explained exactly why my benefits ended and what my options were. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km - honestly saved me a ton of stress trying to get through on my own.

CALIFORNIA EDD SUCKS COMPARED TO OTHER STATES!!! I moved from Massachusetts and the difference is RIDICULOUS. In MA, they tell you EXACTLY how many weeks you have left and send notifications when you're getting close to exhausting benefits. California just cuts you off without warning and good luck getting anyone on the phone to explain anything. The whole system is designed to frustrate people into giving up.

have you checked if youre eligible for CalFresh (food stamps) or other benefits? might help while youre job hunting. thats what i had to do when my ui ran out

To answer your question about freelance work: Yes, any work where you received a W-2 or 1099 and paid taxes on could potentially count toward a new claim when your benefit year ends. You'll need to have earned enough in your base period to qualify. When your benefit year ends in May, you can apply for a new claim if you've had sufficient earnings. The EDD will then determine if you qualify and what your new weekly benefit amount would be (likely lower than your original claim if you only had part-time or freelance income). In the meantime, besides CalFresh that was mentioned, check out: - CalWORKs if you have dependents - General Assistance/Relief through your county - Local workforce development centers for job search assistance - 211.org for additional resources in your area

I used Claimyr last month when I had a similar issue and it worked great. Worth it to actually talk to a real person instead of guessing what's going on with your claim.

btw you should certify for weeks even after ur claim says maximum benefits paid. sometimes they add extensions randomly and if u haven't been certifying u might miss out. happened to my roommate