EDD claim balance zero - are regular UI extensions available in 2025?

Unfortunately, the standard UI extensions that existed during COVID (like PEUC and Fed-Ed) are no longer available. In 2025, California is back to just the standard UI benefit period which is typically 26 weeks. Once your balance hits zero and you've used all available benefits, that's it until you qualify for a new claim. You'd need to have worked and earned enough wages in a new base period to qualify for a new claim. If you haven't worked since starting your current claim, you probably won't qualify for a new one yet. I'd recommend checking out CalFresh (food stamps) and possibly CalWORKs if you have children. Also, if you're really struggling to reach EDD to confirm your options, check out Claimyr.com - they helped me get through to an actual EDD rep when I was in a similar situation. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

Ugh same boat!!! My benefits ran out last month and its been AWFUL trying to figure out next steps. The EDD website is so confusing about what happens after your claim is exhausted. I spent 3 days calling their number and couldn't get through to anyone. Ended up applying for CalFresh which at least helps with food.

i think maybe you can get an extension if you enroll in some kind of job training program? not 100% sure but my cousin did something like that last year. you should def call and ask them

Have you checked if you're eligible for State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL)? Those are different programs with separate funding. Sometimes people can transition to those if they have a qualifying medical condition or family care situation. Also, definitely apply for CalFresh - they've increased the income limits recently. Apply online through BenefitsCal website.

when my benefits ran out i just filed a new claim lol they automatically denied it but then i got a letter saying i might qualify for a Fed-Ed extension but that was like during the pandemic so probably different now anyway i ended up moving back in with my parents which sucked

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED! They cut off your benefits right when you need them most and make it IMPOSSIBLE to get answers. I spent HOURS trying to reach someone about my exhausted claim and kept getting the "we're experiencing high call volume" message. They're LYING - they just don't staff the phones properly! It's a SCAM to make us give up. Meanwhile they keep collecting employer taxes for unemployment that WE CAN'T EVEN ACCESS!

wait, does anyone know if the weeks you worked part-time while on unemployment count toward qualifying for a new claim? i did some gig work while collecting UI and reported all my earnings, wondering if that helps at all for a new claim

One thing to keep in mind: if you do qualify for a new claim based on part-time work, your weekly benefit amount will likely be much lower than your previous claim since it's based on your highest-earning quarter. So prepare for that possibility. Also, be sure to keep certifying for weeks even after your balance hits zero (if the system lets you). Sometimes there are retroactive extensions or programs that get applied, and if you've maintained your certifications, you can get paid for those weeks without having to go through extra steps.

I'm in a similar situation - my benefits just exhausted last week and I'm scrambling to figure out next steps. Reading through all these responses is really helpful, especially the clarification about how there aren't any regular extensions available anymore like there were during COVID. One thing I wanted to add - if you're looking at filing a new claim, make sure you have all your employment records ready from any work you did while on UI. I kept detailed records of my part-time earnings just in case, and it sounds like that might actually help establish a new claim if the wages are enough. Also, has anyone here actually used that Claimyr service that keeps getting mentioned? I'm desperate to talk to someone at EDD but dreading the phone system nightmare. Would love to hear if it actually works or if there are other ways to get through to a real person. Hang in there - this whole system is so stressful but at least we're all helping each other figure it out!

This is such a tough situation and unfortunately very common right now. Just want to echo what others have said - the pandemic extensions are long gone and California is back to the standard 26-week UI period. Once that's exhausted, you're looking at filing a new claim if you have enough earnings in a new base period. Since you mentioned working part-time at a coffee shop while on UI, definitely file that new claim even if you think the wages might not be enough. The worst they can say is no, and you might be surprised. Even if the weekly benefit amount is lower, it could buy you some time while job searching. A few other things to consider while you're figuring this out: - CalFresh applications have been streamlined and income limits increased - Check if your county has emergency rental assistance programs - Some food banks have increased services and don't require proof of income - Libraries often have free job search resources and computer access The restaurant industry has been brutal post-pandemic. Don't give up on your search - sometimes it just takes that one right opportunity. Wishing you luck with the new claim filing!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the anxiety of watching your UI balance hit zero is absolutely terrifying, especially with rent that high. I went through the same thing about 8 months ago and remember that sinking feeling. Everyone here has given you solid advice about filing a new claim. Even though your coffee shop work was only 10 hours a week, those wages might be enough to establish a new claim depending on how long you've been working there. The minimum requirement is $1,300 in your highest quarter, so if you've been doing that consistently, you could potentially qualify. One thing I learned the hard way - when you file the new claim, make sure you select "I want to file a new claim" rather than trying to reopen your old one. The system can be confusing about this. Also, while you're waiting to hear back about the new claim, definitely get that CalFresh application in ASAP. The process has gotten much faster and the income limits are pretty generous now. It won't cover rent, but at least you won't have to worry about food costs. The restaurant management experience you have is valuable - have you considered looking into hotel or event management positions? A lot of those skills transfer over and some hotels are still hiring as travel picks back up. Hang in there - you're taking all the right steps to figure this out!

Hey Mia, I feel for you - being in that position is so stressful! I went through something similar when my UI ran out last year. Just wanted to add a couple things that might help: When you file your new claim, even if you think your part-time wages aren't enough, do it anyway. I was surprised to learn that gig work and part-time earnings can sometimes add up to more than you think, especially if you've been consistent with those 10 hours a week for several months. Also, while you're waiting to hear back on the new claim, look into your local Workforce Development Board (each county has one). They often have emergency assistance programs or can connect you to resources that aren't widely advertised. Some even have rapid retraining programs that come with small stipends. One more thing - if you haven't already, reach out to 211 (just dial 2-1-1). They maintain a database of local assistance programs including emergency rent help, utility assistance, and food resources. The operators are usually really knowledgeable about what's available in your specific area. The restaurant industry is tough right now but your management experience is definitely valuable. Don't be afraid to look at adjacent industries like retail management, hospitality, or even corporate food service roles. Sometimes the pivot leads to something even better! You've got this - just take it one step at a time!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress - the uncertainty when benefits run out is absolutely crushing. Everyone here has given you excellent advice about filing a new claim and exploring other resources. One thing I wanted to mention that I haven't seen discussed yet: if you do end up not qualifying for a new UI claim, you might want to look into whether your county offers General Relief (GR) or General Assistance (GA) programs. These are usually last-resort cash assistance programs for people who don't qualify for other benefits. The amounts are typically pretty small (maybe $200-400/month depending on your county), but every bit helps when you're facing rent that high. Also, regarding your restaurant management background - have you considered looking into corporate roles with restaurant chains or food service companies? Many of them hire former restaurant managers for training, operations support, or district management roles. The pay can be better and more stable than individual restaurant positions, plus they often offer benefits. Companies like Compass Group, Aramark, and Sodexo are always looking for people with your background. Keep pushing forward with that new claim filing - even if the benefit amount ends up being lower due to part-time wages, it could be the bridge you need while expanding your job search. You've got solid experience and skills, and this rough patch will pass. Hang in there!

I just went through this exact situation about 3 months ago, so I really feel for you! The panic when you see that $0 balance is real. One thing that helped me was creating a spreadsheet of all my part-time earnings while on UI to calculate if I might qualify for a new claim. Since you've been working 10 hours/week at the coffee shop, definitely add up those wages - you might be closer to the $1,300 quarterly minimum than you think, especially if you've been consistent for several months. When I filed my new claim, I was honest about being nervous that my part-time wages wouldn't be enough, but the EDD rep actually walked me through the calculation and I barely qualified. My new weekly benefit was only about 40% of my original amount, but it bought me 2 more months to find full-time work, which made all the difference. Also, don't sleep on the 211 resource someone mentioned - they connected me to a local nonprofit that helped with one month's rent while I was transitioning. Every county has different programs available, and many people don't know about them. The restaurant industry is still recovering, but your management skills are definitely transferable. I ended up pivoting to retail management and actually love it more than my restaurant job. Sometimes these forced career pivots lead to better opportunities! File that new claim ASAP - even if you're not sure about qualifying, let EDD make that determination. You've got this!