EDD claim balance depleted but still jobless - what happens after benefits run out?

Hey there - I went through this exact situation last month and found something that might help. Once your claim balance hits zero, you can't file a new claim until your benefit year ends (typically 12 months from when you first filed). What saved me was calling EDD directly to ask about the Fed-ED extension (it's still available in 2025 if CA unemployment rate stays high). The frustrating part is getting through to an actual agent. After 20+ failed calls, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that basically waits on hold for you and calls you back when an EDD agent is on the line. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. The agent confirmed I was eligible for the extension and helped process it right away. Don't give up yet - there might be options you qualify for!

To clarify some misinformation in this thread: Fed-ED is NOT automatically available right now. It only triggers when California's unemployment rate reaches specific thresholds, which it currently hasn't. Here are your actual options when your balance reaches zero: 1. You must wait until your benefit year ends before filing a new claim (you need enough earnings in your base period) 2. You may qualify for California Training Benefits (CTB) if you enroll in approved training 3. You should check if you qualify for other types of assistance like CalFresh or rental assistance programs 4. Continue your work search requirements and document everything I know it's tough, but don't get discouraged. Many employers are hiring for Q2 projects right now. Consider expanding your job search to adjacent industries where your marketing skills would transfer.

I HAET to be the bearer of bad news but EDD is USELESS once ur benifits run out!!! I worked 15 yrs in healthcare and STILL ended up taking a walmart job after my claim hit zero. The whole system is RIGGED against workers. They expect us to survive on NOTHING while billionaires dont pay TAXES!!! Good luck finding decent work - all the good jobs are going oversees or to robots these days.

I was in your situation about 6 months ago (marketing background too). Here's what worked for me: 1. I did sign up for CTB (California Training Benefits) to learn Python and data analytics, which kept some money coming in while I enhanced my skills 2. I took a part-time job (20 hrs/week) at a coffee shop which qualified me for partial unemployment 3. I reached out to all previous clients/employers offering freelance/contract work The combination kept me afloat until I found a full-time marketing position that actually used my new data skills. Don't see taking a service job as a step backward - I actually met my current boss when he came into the coffee shop! Sometimes you have to pivot temporarily.

Can u re-apply for unemployment after ur benefit year ends? Ive been on ui since April 2024 and my balance is almost gone to. Tried calling edd but they always say 'too many callers'.

In my exprience, the best thing is to take ANY job while continuing to look for something in your field. I ended up driving for Uber for 3 months after my UI ran out. It wasn't great money but it covered basics while I kept interviewing. Eventually got back into my field. The job market feels extra tough right now, but hang in there!

Just wanted to say im in the same boat. 13 years in finance and now im delivering pizzas at 42 years old just to keep the lights on. its humbling for sure but honestly not as awful as i expected. my advice is dont wait till ur benefits run out to start looking for stopgap work. the sooner u accept it might be necessary the better position ull be in

One important thing nobody has mentioned yet: when your claim balance reaches zero, make sure you still complete your last certification period! Many people skip this thinking there's no point since they won't get paid, but this ensures your claim is properly closed out in the system. This matters if you need to reopen your claim or file in the future. Also, keep detailed records of all your job search activities even after benefits end. If you do qualify for a new claim or extension later, EDD may ask for verification of your continued efforts to find work during the period after your benefits ran out.

hey did u try applying at target? they pay pretty good now like $19/hr and benefits. my cousin just got hired there after her teaching job fell through. not ideal but better than nothing