EDD denied school extension - can I appeal when notified too late about 16-week rule?

Sorry you're going through this. The rule about notifying EDD within 16 weeks of your claim start date for CTB (California Training Benefits) approval is real, but there might still be options. First, check if your school/program is on the EDD's approved training provider list (ETPL). If it is, you could have better grounds for appeal. File an appeal immediately - you only have 30 days from the denial notice date. In your appeal, explain that you weren't properly informed about the 16-week notification requirement, and that you've been truthfully reporting your school attendance all along on your bi-weekly certifications.

this happened to my roommate last year. the whole CTB thing is confusing af. she got denied at first but appealed and won because she didnt know about the 16 week rule either

The EDD's Training Benefits program is SO FRUSTRATING!!!! They literally make it IMPOSSIBLE to understand the rules and then PUNISH YOU for not following them correctly! I was denied extension last year for basically the SAME REASON and lost 12 weeks of benefits I desperately needed. The worst part is different reps tell you different things - it's like none of them actually know their own rules!! I hope you have better luck than I did with your appeal.

Let me clarify a few things about California Training Benefits (CTB) that might help your appeal: 1. You're correct that typically, you need to notify EDD within the first 16 weeks of your claim that you're in an approved training program. However, there are exceptions. 2. The fact that you consistently reported your school attendance on bi-weekly certifications is significant. In your appeal, emphasize that you were providing this information regularly and EDD failed to properly advise you about CTB requirements. 3. Gather documentation from your school confirming your enrollment date, expected completion date, and that it's an approved program. 4. On your appeal form (DE 1000M), be very specific about the misinformation you received and the lack of clear guidance from EDD representatives. 5. Continue certifying for benefits while your appeal is pending, even if payments are on hold. I've helped several clients through this exact situation, and about 70% of appeals are successful when the claimant was genuinely unaware of the formal CTB application requirement but had been reporting school attendance all along.

i had a similar situation but with a different outcome actually. i was taking classes at cal state and didn't tell EDD until like 20 weeks in. when i finally did the CTB application they actually approved it retroactively. no idea why they're being so strict with you but definitely appeal! the worst they can say is no again

If you're struggling to reach someone at EDD about your appeal, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation with my training benefits and couldn't get through on the phone for weeks. Claimyr got me connected to an EDD specialist in under 25 minutes who actually knew the rules about training extensions. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km That specialist explained exactly what documents I needed for my appeal and even noted in my file that I had been misinformed by previous reps. Made a huge difference in my case.

Just wanted to add that when you file your appeal, make sure to specifically request a CONTINUANCE of benefits during the appeal process. Many people don't know you can request this. It doesn't guarantee they'll pay you while appealing, but sometimes they do. Also, what kind of healthcare admin program are you in? My cousin finished one last year and had great job prospects afterward.

Wait but did anyone else catch that the EDD rep threatened that they "could have denied the entire claim from the beginning"??? That sounds like INTIMIDATION to me and you should definitely mention that in your appeal!! They're trying to scare you into not appealing! Document EVERYTHING - dates, times, names of who you spoke with. The EDD is a NIGHTMARE of bureaucracy and they WILL try to wear you down until you give up!!! DON'T LET THEM WIN!!!

Quick update on the CTB rules - as of January 2025, EDD is actually supposed to screen ALL claimants for potential training opportunities during their initial claim filing and again at the 8-week mark. They're required to inform eligible claimants about the CTB program and application process. The fact that they failed to do this for you is another strong point for your appeal. Print out the UI code section 1269.5 which outlines these requirements and include it with your appeal documentation.

My brother in law had his extension denied too even though he was in a welding program. But his situation was different since he never told EDD he was in school at all during his certifications. I think you have a much better case since you were honest every time. Good luck with everything! October will be here before you know it!