EDD claim balance exhausted - conflicting info about extensions in 2025?

Extensions exist but they're not the same as during COVID. What you're likely seeing is a notification about a potential FED-ED extension which only triggers when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds. As of March 2025, California hasn't triggered these extended benefits. What you need to do is file a new claim if it's been a year since your initial filing date. If it hasn't been a year yet, you'll need to wait until your benefit year expires to file a new claim, or look into other programs like State Disability Insurance (SDI) if you qualify.

OMG im in the EXACT same boat!!! got the same message last week when my balance hit zero and been checking my account obsessively since then. nothing in my inbox yet and certification link is gone. ur definitely not alone in this confusion!!

This is a common misunderstanding. The automated message you received is indeed outdated. California EDD is no longer providing automatic extensions as they did during the pandemic period. The PEUC, PUA, and other pandemic-related extensions ended, and the system hasn't been fully updated to remove these notifications. If you haven't completed a full benefit year (12 months from when you first filed), you won't be able to file a new claim yet. However, you should check if you qualify for any of these: 1. FED-ED (only available during high unemployment periods, not currently active) 2. Training Extension (if you're in an approved training program) 3. Trade Adjustment Assistance (if your job was affected by foreign trade) And make sure you maintain your UI Online account access even while not receiving benefits, as this is where any communications about changes would appear.

I went thru same thing in January! That message is totaly misleading, there r NO extensions right now period. I called like 47 times before i got thru to an actual person who confirmed this. such BS they dont update their stupid system!!

I used a service called Claimyr when I was dealing with my exhausted benefits situation and needed to talk to someone at EDD immediately. Saved me days of frustration trying to get through. Found it at claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km They basically call EDD for you and then connect you when they get through. I was skeptical but it worked really well - got connected to an EDD rep who confirmed there aren't automatic extensions anymore but helped me understand my options since I couldn't file a new claim yet.

i think you might be confusing regular UI extensions with the pandemic extensions (PUA, PEUC, etc). Those pandemic ones are definitely gone. But the regular UI system has always had provisions for extensions during periods of high unemployment - they're just harder to qualify for and not automatic like they were during COVID. if ur benefit year isn't over yet, you should definitely call and ask specifically about the FED-ED extension. some ppl on another thread were saying CA unemployment rate went up enough in certain counties that extensions might be available again. but you have to ASK for it, they don't just give it to you automatically despite what that message says.

Just to follow up on this thread with some concrete advice: 1. First, screenshot that message you received about extensions for your records 2. While you can't file a new UI claim until your benefit year ends (November 2025 in your case), you should apply for other assistance programs immediately: - CalFresh (food assistance) - County General Assistance/Relief - Check if you qualify for SDI or PFL for any health conditions 3. Make sure you're registered with CalJOBS and actively applying for work positions 4. If you do manage to speak with an EDD representative, ask specifically about any work-sharing programs or special circumstances that might apply to your situation The system messages can definitely be confusing, but unfortunately, the regular extension programs are not currently active in California.

@OP - When I used Claimyr to reach EDD, they told me I could potentially qualify for a California Training Benefits (CTB) program if I enrolled in an approved training/education program. It extends your benefits while you train for a new career. Might be worth asking about specifically if you manage to get through to someone.

Just wanted to add my experience from last month - I was in almost the exact same situation. Filed my claim in December 2024, exhausted benefits in March, got that same confusing message about extensions. After spending 3 days trying to get through to EDD (finally succeeded using the 2511 trick - call at exactly 8:01 AM and press 1-3-4 immediately), the rep confirmed there are NO automatic extensions right now. However, she did mention that if you're willing to enter an approved training program, you might qualify for Training Extension Benefits. The catch is you have to apply BEFORE your regular benefits run out, not after. So for anyone reading this whose balance is getting low - look into this option now, don't wait! Also, make sure you keep certifying if the system lets you, even with a $0 balance. Sometimes there are processing delays and you don't want to lose eligibility for any potential benefits. Good luck OP - this whole system is needlessly confusing.

I'm dealing with something similar right now - my claim balance hit zero last week and I got the exact same message about extensions. After reading through all these responses, it sounds like that message is just outdated and misleading. For anyone else in this situation, I found some additional resources that might help bridge the gap: - Local food banks and community assistance programs (many don't require lengthy application processes) - Gig work apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc. while job hunting (I know it's not ideal but helps with immediate cash flow) - Check if your local library has free job search resources and computer access Also, I called my county's social services office directly instead of trying to navigate everything online, and they were actually really helpful in explaining what programs I might qualify for immediately vs. what has waiting lists. This whole situation is so stressful when you're already dealing with job loss. Hang in there everyone! 💪