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EDD claim balance running low with part-time work - Will they extend before benefit year ends?

So I've been on unemployment since July and working part-time (around 15-20 hours weekly) at a warehouse. My claim balance is down to about $1,200, and at the rate I'm going, I'll probably run out in about 6 weeks. My benefit year doesn't end until July 2025 though - that's another 4 months after my funds will be gone. Does anyone know if EDD automatically extends your claim balance if you run out before your benefit year ends? Or am I just out of luck once that money's gone? I'm still reporting my part-time income each certification period, but can't find full-time work in my field (accounting) despite applying to literally EVERYTHING. Really worried about making rent when this runs out...

same happened to me!! once ur balance hits 0 thats it, they dont care if ur year isnt over yet

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Seriously? That's what I was afraid of... do you know if I can file a new claim once my benefit year actually ends?

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The previous comment isn't quite accurate. Your claim balance represents the maximum amount you can receive during your benefit year. When that runs out, your regular UI benefits are exhausted even if your benefit year hasn't ended yet. However, you should know: 1. Once your benefit year actually ends in July 2025, you can file a new claim if you still need benefits AND have earned enough in your base period. 2. Make sure you're reporting your part-time income correctly during certification. EDD uses a formula where you can earn up to a certain amount while still getting partial benefits. 3. Since you're already working part-time, keep track of your total earnings during this benefit year - you'll need that information for your next claim.

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Thank you for explaining! That makes sense. So I need to just prepare for those 4 months without benefits and hope I can find full-time work by then. I've been reporting my income correctly on certifications - they reduce my weekly amount but at least I get something still.

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OMG I went through this EXACT same thing last year!!!! I ran out of money in my claim with like 3.5 months left on my benefit year and I called EDD like 50 times trying to see if there was anything they could do. They kept saying no extensions available right now. So frustrating!!! I ended up having to take a second part-time job at night just to cover bills until I could file again. The system is so broken!!!!

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The system isn't "broken" - that's literally how it's designed. You get a certain maximum benefit amount based on your prior earnings. When that's gone, it's gone. They're not going to just keep paying forever when you run out. That's why it's called INSURANCE not WELFARE.

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Well EXCUSE ME for thinking a system that leaves people without help for months IS broken!! Not everyone can just magically find a job exactly when their benefits run out!!

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my cousin works at edd she said sometimes they do extensions if theres high unemployment but right now there arent any available

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To clarify a few points about your situation: 1. Regular UI claims have a maximum benefit amount (your claim balance) and a benefit year (typically 12 months). Once your balance is exhausted, that's it for regular benefits until your benefit year ends. 2. Extensions only happen during periods of high unemployment when authorized by federal or state legislation. Currently in 2025, there are no active extension programs. 3. Since you're working part-time, make sure you're maximizing your remaining benefits. If you earn less than your weekly benefit amount, you'll receive the difference. If you earn more, you won't receive benefits for that week, but your balance remains intact for future weeks. 4. When your benefit year ends in July 2025, you'll need to have earned enough wages in your new base period to qualify for a new claim. Your part-time work will help with this qualification. I'd recommend trying to reach an EDD representative to discuss your specific situation. They can verify your remaining balance and advise on next steps.

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Thank you! This is really helpful information. I've been trying to reach someone at EDD for weeks but it's impossible to get through. Always get the "we're experiencing high call volume" message and then disconnected.

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I had this exact problem last month and wasted days trying to get through to EDD. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The rep confirmed what others are saying - once your claim balance hits zero, that's it until your benefit year ends, then you can file a new claim. At least I got a clear answer instead of stressing over it.

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does that service really work?? i thought it was a scam lol

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Yeah it actually does! I was skeptical too but was desperate to talk to someone. Way better than calling for days.

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You need to focus on finding more work rather than worrying about extensions. Your part-time job shows you're able to work, so EDD expects you to keep looking for full-time employment. Have you tried applying to jobs outside your field? Sometimes you need to take a step back to move forward. Accounting skills are transferable to many other positions.

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I've applied to over 200 jobs in the last three months including tons outside my field. The job market in my area is terrible right now. I'm trying everything I can, but thanks for the obvious advice.

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dont listen to that person, job hunting is super hard right now. my friend is an accountant too and it took her 8 months to find something

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One more thing to consider: since you're working part-time, make sure you're using your weeks strategically. If you have weeks where you earn more from your part-time job, you won't get benefits for that week, but your claim balance remains untouched. This could potentially stretch your remaining balance further. Also, intensify your job search now that you know your benefits have a definite end date. The EDD Work Services programs can provide additional help with job placement. You can access these services through your UI Online account.

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That's a good point about the weeks where I earn more. I didn't think about strategizing that way. I'll definitely check out the Work Services programs too - honestly didn't even know those existed. Thanks again for the helpful advice!

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are u reporting ALL ur income?? cuz if u dont they will find out and make u pay everything back plus penalties. my roomate got caught and now owes like $8k

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Yes, I'm reporting everything accurately. Not worth the risk of getting caught and having to pay it all back with penalties. That's terrible about your roommate!

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