EDD claim showing 'paid all benefits' - can I still file extension in 2025?

the extensions were mostly during covid. they dont have those anymore. when ur claim balance hits 0 thats it until benefit year is over sorry

Wait, so there's literally NOTHING I can do for the next 3 months? I thought extensions were still a thing, just not the pandemic ones?

Hi there - I want to clarify some information about UI extensions in 2025. The previous commenter is partially correct. The special pandemic extensions (PUA, PEUC, etc.) ended years ago. However, there are still two potential extension programs that might apply to your situation:\n\n1. Fed-Ed: This can provide up to 13 additional weeks when California's unemployment rate is high enough to trigger it. Currently in 2025, this program is NOT active as our state unemployment rate is below the threshold.\n\n2. Training Extension (TE): If you're enrolled in an approved training program, you might qualify for an extension of benefits. This requires approval from EDD and you must apply specifically for this.\n\nSince your regular UI benefits are exhausted but your benefit year hasn't ended, and assuming Fed-Ed isn't currently triggered, your options are limited. You could explore the Training Extension if you're willing to enroll in a qualifying program, or you may need to look into other assistance programs until you're eligible to file a new claim.\n\nI'd recommend speaking directly with an EDD representative to confirm your specific options based on your claim history.

Thank you for the detailed explanation. That's disappointing but at least I understand now. I'm not in any training program so that won't work for me. I guess I need to talk to someone at EDD to confirm if Fed-Ed is available or not. Any advice on how to actually reach a human being there? I've called the main number like 20 times and always get the automated message about high call volume.

I went through this EXACT same thing last month!!! It's super confusing because the system just tells you that you've used all your benefits but doesn't explain what options you might have. I wasted like 2 weeks trying to figure it out myself on the website.\n\nI finally got through to EDD by using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this service that basically calls EDD for you and then connects you when they get through to an agent. Saved me HOURS of frustration with the busy signals. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km\n\nThe EDD rep confirmed what the person above said - regular extensions aren't available right now unless you're in training. They did help me look at my options though and suggested applying for CalFresh while I wait until I can file a new claim. At least it was better than being in limbo not knowing what was going on.

thanks for sharing this! ive been trying to reach edd for DAYS about my claim status. gonna try this service

I want to provide some additional important information about your situation. What you're experiencing is very common when regular UI benefits exhaust. Here's what you need to know:\n\n1. Benefit exhaustion vs. benefit year: These are two separate concepts. Your benefit year is the 12-month period your claim is valid. Your benefit amount is the total funds allocated during that period. You can exhaust your benefits before your benefit year ends.\n\n2. Current extensions (2025): As mentioned above, Fed-Ed is only available during periods of high unemployment. The California threshold is 6% for a sustained period, and we're currently below that. The Training Extension requires enrollment in approved training.\n\n3. Important next steps: \n- Apply for CalFresh (food assistance) immediately\n- Contact your county's General Assistance/Relief program\n- Check eligibility for CalWORKs if you have dependent children\n- Visit your local America's Job Center for employment assistance\n- Continue your job search documentation even while not certifying\n\n4. Future claim: Mark your calendar for when your benefit year ends. You may qualify for a new claim if you've had any W-2 employment during your current benefit year with sufficient earnings.\n\nI hope this helps clarify your situation and options.

Thank you so much for this comprehensive explanation. I had no idea about some of these assistance programs. I'll definitely look into CalFresh right away and check with my county about other help. And I'll keep track of when my benefit year ends so I can file again if I'm eligible. Really appreciate the clarity!

THIS IS WHY THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! They don't explain ANYTHING clearly on the website or in the letters they send you. Just vague messages and then good luck figuring it out! I went through the same thing in January and wasted WEEKS thinking I was doing something wrong or missing some button to push for an extension. EDD needs to get their act together and actually EXPLAIN these things to people instead of leaving us hanging!!!

I completely agree with your frustration. The EDD communication is terrible. When I exhausted my benefits last year, I had to call SEVENTEEN times before getting through. Then the rep acted like I should have magically known all these policies that aren't clearly explained anywhere. The system really is designed to be confusing - I think they hope people will just give up instead of getting the benefits they deserve.

EXACTLY!!! And then they wonder why their phone lines are jammed with people calling for basic information that should just be clearly stated on their website!!

my cousin said he got some kind of extension i think its called PUA or something? maybe try asking about that specifically

PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) ended years ago. It was a special program during COVID-19 that's no longer available. It's important not to request this by name as it could confuse representatives. The current possible extensions are Fed-Ed (when triggered by high unemployment) and Training Extensions (for approved training programs) as mentioned above.

honestly the whole system is just designed to wear us down. hang in there man, ive been through this before too. the job market is brutal rn but something will come through

Thanks for the encouragement. It's definitely tough out there right now.

Here's what I'd do in your situation (went through this myself):\n\n1. First, definitely try to contact EDD directly to confirm your specific situation. The Claimyr service mentioned above is worth it if you're struggling to get through. I used it in February and got connected in about 20 minutes when I had been trying for days on my own.\n\n2. While waiting for your benefit year to end, check if you've earned enough wages during your current benefit year to qualify for a new claim when your benefit year ends. For 2025, you need earnings of at least $1,700 in one quarter and total earnings of at least 1.25x your highest quarter.\n\n3. Look for part-time or gig work to both generate income now and potentially qualify for a new claim later.\n\n4. Apply for all assistance programs mentioned above - CalFresh is quick to approve if you qualify.\n\n5. If you're truly in a financial emergency, check with your county's emergency assistance programs. Some have short-term help available.\n\nHope this helps! The system is definitely frustrating but hang in there.

This is solid advice! I'd add that when you do reach EDD, ask them to confirm if you have any alternate base period options or if you might qualify for any special programs based on your industry. Sometimes there are specific programs for certain types of workers that they won't tell you about unless you ask specifically.

Thank you everyone for the really helpful information! I was able to finally get through to EDD using the Claimyr service (seriously saved me so much time). The rep confirmed everything you all said - there are no extensions available for me right now since Fed-Ed isn't triggered and I'm not in training.\n\nI've applied for CalFresh today and am checking out the other assistance programs mentioned. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain things - the EDD website really should make this clearer instead of leaving people confused and panicking!\n\nI've got some gig work lined up to help tide me over until my benefit year ends, and I'm documenting everything in case I need to file a new claim later. Thanks again for all the support and clarification!

So glad you were able to get through to EDD and get some clarity on your situation! It's really frustrating that their website doesn't explain these things clearly upfront - would save everyone so much stress and confusion. Good call on applying for CalFresh right away and looking into the other assistance programs. The gig work to help bridge the gap is smart too, especially since any earnings during your benefit year could help you qualify for a new claim when the time comes. Thanks for updating us on how it worked out - your experience will definitely help other people who find themselves in the same situation. The Claimyr recommendation seems to be a real game-changer for actually reaching a human at EDD. Best of luck with the job search and hope things turn around for you soon!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago. The whole "paid all benefits" message is so misleading - I spent weeks thinking I had done something wrong or missed a step! One thing I'd add to all the great advice already given: when you do get through to EDD, ask them to send you a written summary of your conversation via your UI Online inbox. I learned this the hard way when I got conflicting information from different reps on follow-up calls. Having it in writing helped me keep track of what I was told and when. Also, while you're waiting and doing gig work, keep detailed records of all your earnings. Even small amounts can add up and potentially help you qualify for a new claim when your benefit year ends. I used a simple spreadsheet to track everything - dates, amounts, who paid me, etc. The system really is frustrating but you're definitely not alone in this. Sounds like you're taking all the right steps now that you have the facts. Hang in there!

Just want to echo what others have said about how confusing EDD's messaging is! I went through this same situation in late 2024 and that "paid all benefits" message had me completely lost. Like you, I thought there had to be some extension available since my benefit year wasn't over yet. What really helped me was creating a timeline of my benefit year and marking important dates - when it started, when it ends, when I exhausted benefits, etc. It helped me visualize where I was in the process and plan accordingly. One additional resource I found helpful was contacting 211 (just dial 2-1-1). They have info about all the local assistance programs in your area, not just the state ones. They connected me with a local food bank and utility assistance program that I didn't even know existed. Sometimes there are county-specific programs that can help bridge the gap. Also, don't forget to keep certifying for benefits if the system lets you, even with a $0 balance. Some people stop doing this thinking it's pointless, but it keeps your claim active and ensures you're ready if any extensions do become available. Good luck with everything - sounds like you're on the right track now!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! My regular UI benefits just exhausted last week and I'm seeing that same confusing "paid all benefits" message. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the difference between benefit exhaustion and benefit year ending. One thing I wanted to add that might help others: I found out from my local WorkSource office that they sometimes have emergency assistance funds available for people in this exact gap period. It's not much, but they helped me with a one-time utility payment while I'm waiting to figure out my next steps. They also connected me with some local job training programs that might qualify for the Training Extension if I decide to go that route. Also, for anyone struggling to get through to EDD - I tried calling right at 8:00 AM when they open and had better luck than calling later in the day. Still took about 45 minutes on hold, but at least I didn't get the busy signal. The rep was actually pretty helpful once I got through and explained everything clearly. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - it's really reassuring to know I'm not the only one who found this whole process confusing!

I'm going through almost the exact same thing right now! Just hit that dreaded $0 balance last week with 4 months still left on my benefit year. Like everyone else has said, that "paid all benefits" message is SO misleading - I spent days thinking I missed some step or deadline. What's really helped me after reading all these responses is understanding that this is actually pretty normal and there ARE steps you can take. I just applied for CalFresh yesterday and was surprised how straightforward the online application was. Also called 211 like someone mentioned above and they connected me with a local rent assistance program I didn't even know existed. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - if you're doing any gig work or side jobs while waiting this out, make sure you report those earnings properly if you do end up qualifying for a new claim later. I learned from a friend who works at EDD that they cross-check everything now and unreported income can cause major headaches down the road. The job market is definitely rough right now but at least knowing what our actual options are (instead of being confused and panicking) makes it feel more manageable. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this thread has been more helpful than anything I found on the official EDD website!