EDD extension after regular benefits exhausted - confused about PEUC vs Fed-Ed in 2025

I went through this in January and can help clarify. As of 2025, here's how it works: 1. Regular UI benefits last 26 weeks 2. When those exhaust, you DON'T need to file a new claim if it's within your benefit year 3. EDD should automatically evaluate you for a PEUC extension (now called the Federal Extension Program) 4. You'll receive a notice in your UI Online inbox AND by mail about 5-7 days after your regular benefits end 5. IMPORTANT: You need to keep certifying every two weeks even during this gap period! The confusion happens because the old pandemic programs had different names and processes. Fed-Ed only kicks in after other extensions exhaust and only if unemployment rates are high enough in California (which they currently aren't). The key is to keep certifying and watch your UI Online account for notifications. Extensions are largely automatic now, but there can be a 1-2 week processing gap where it looks like nothing is happening.

my cousin said u gotta call them to get the extension. he waited 2 months thinking it was automatic and never got paid. finnaly called and they fixed it in 5 min. idk tho edd is weird sometimes

I just completed this process last month. Let me add some important details to what's already been shared: - The extension is called the "California Extended Duration Benefits" program now (they changed names again!) - You MUST meet new eligibility requirements for the extension that are slightly different from regular UI - The main requirement is that you earned 40x your weekly benefit amount in your base period - Most people qualify automatically if they had stable work before unemployment The extension provides up to 13 additional weeks at the same weekly benefit amount. As others said, keep certifying every two weeks without interruption! I had a small gap (about 9 days) between my regular benefits ending and the extension kicking in, but then I received all payments including the gap period. The system is actually more efficient in 2025 than it was before.

THE EDD SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO CONFUSE PEOPLE!!! I've been through 3 claims over the years and EVERY TIME there's some stupid problem with extensions. They make it complicated ON PURPOSE so people give up! Watch your account like a hawk and if you don't see the extension show up within 10 days CALL THEM!!!!

I used a service called Claimyr when I needed to talk to an EDD rep about my extension issues. It only took about 20 minutes to get through instead of days of redialing. There's a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their website is claimyr.com. Totally worth it for peace of mind during the extension transition. The rep I spoke with confirmed that while extensions should be automatic, there are occasionally glitches where you need to call in.

When my regular benefits exhausted in February, I kept certifying as usual and got a message in my UI Online inbox after 8 days saying I was approved for the extension. BUT here's what's important - my payment for those first two extension weeks showed as 'pending' for almost 14 days before it switched to 'paid'! I nearly had a panic attack thinking something was wrong. So my advice: keep certifying, expect at least a short delay in payments, and try not to stress too much during that gap. The extension DOES kick in automatically for most people now.

my benefits ran out last month and i got a letter saying i need to look for work in a different industry since mine (restaurant) had been struggling too long. anyone else get this? do i have to apply for jobs i don't want?

Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! To summarize what I've learned: 1. Keep certifying even after my balance hits zero 2. Watch for notices in UI Online AND paper mail 3. The extension should be automatic but might take 1-2 weeks to process 4. Payments might show as 'pending' for a bit during the transition 5. I may need to expand my job search to other industries I feel much more prepared now. If I don't see any updates within two weeks after my regular benefits end, I'll try calling EDD (or use that Claimyr service if I can't get through). Really appreciate all the advice!