EDD extension after regular benefits exhausted - no response since December
Hi all, I exhausted my regular unemployment benefits about 6 weeks ago. On December 11th, I received an inbox message in my UI Online account saying 'if you qualify for an extension, we will notify you automatically.' It's now almost February and I haven't heard anything! No updates, no new certifications, nothing showing in my account. Is this normal? How long does it typically take for EDD to determine extension eligibility? My rent is due next week and I'm getting really worried... Anyone gone through this recently?
17 comments


Chloe Delgado
same thing happen to me last year waited like 2 months b4 i got anything, edd is so slow
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Liam O'Reilly
•2 MONTHS?? Omg I can't wait that long. Did you have to do anything special or just wait?
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Ava Harris
Extensions aren't automatic anymore like they were during COVID. You need to call EDD and ask about the Fed-Ed or PEUC extensions. The inbox message is misleading - they won't actually notify you in many cases. I was in the same boat last quarter and had to call multiple times before getting it sorted out.
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Liam O'Reilly
•Oh no! Thank you for letting me know. I was relying on that message being accurate. Did you have to wait on hold forever to talk to someone?
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Jacob Lee
•Actually many of the extension programs ended back in 2021. There's no more PEUC or PUA available now. The only possible extension would be Fed-Ed and that's only if certain economic triggers are met in California, which they currently aren't. The system sometimes sends outdated automated messages.
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Emily Thompson
I spent WEEKS trying to reach EDD about my extension last month!! Called over 130 times (not exaggerating). Kept getting the "we're experiencing high call volume" message and disconnects. FINALLY got through using Claimyr.com - it's a service that basically calls EDD for you and connects you when they get through to a rep. Saved me hours of redial hell. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km
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Liam O'Reilly
•Thank you for the suggestion! At this point I'll try anything. Did you qualify for an extension after you reached them?
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Emily Thompson
•Yes and no. The rep explained that I didn't qualify for an automatic extension but I was eligible to file a new claim. They helped me do it over the phone which was SO much easier than trying to figure it out myself.
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Sophie Hernandez
Here's what you need to know about extensions in 2025: 1. Most pandemic-era extensions no longer exist 2. If you've worked at all during your benefit year, you may qualify for a new claim instead of an extension 3. Your benefit year end date is critical - if you're past your BYE date, you need to file a new claim 4. Regular UI claims are typically limited to 26 weeks in California 5. Fed-Ed extensions only trigger during periods of high unemployment I recommend checking your UI Online account for your benefit year end date. If you've passed that date, you need to file a new claim rather than waiting for an extension. If you're still within your benefit year but exhausted benefits, call EDD directly to inquire about your specific situation.
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Liam O'Reilly
•Thank you for the detailed info! I checked and my benefit year doesn't end until June 2025, so I'm still within it. I did work part-time for about 3 months last summer - maybe that affects something? I'll definitely call them.
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Sophie Hernandez
•That part-time work could absolutely impact your situation! If you earned enough wages during those 3 months, you might qualify for a new claim with a different weekly benefit amount instead of an extension. The EDD system won't automatically check this for you in many cases - you need to speak with a representative who can access your wage information.
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Daniela Rossi
I went through this exact scenario back in November. That inbox message is so misleading! There are practically no automatic extensions anymore unless there's a new federal program (which there isn't right now). When I finally got through to EDD, they told me I needed to file a new claim because I had worked during my benefit year. Turned out I qualified for a new claim with a slightly lower weekly benefit amount, but at least it was something! Don't wait for an automatic extension that probably isn't coming - be proactive and call them.
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Liam O'Reilly
•Thank you! This is starting to make more sense now. I think I need to be more proactive about contacting them rather than just waiting. I appreciate everyone's help!
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Ryan Kim
Just to add some clarification: The message you received is a standard automated message that doesn't necessarily mean you qualify for an extension. As others have mentioned, most of the extension programs from 2020-2021 have ended. Your next steps should be: 1. Call EDD directly to inquire about your specific situation (using whatever method works to get through) 2. Ask specifically if your part-time work from last summer qualifies you for a new claim 3. If not, ask if there are any current extension programs you might qualify for 4. While waiting, apply for other assistance programs like CalFresh if needed The system won't automatically move you to an extension or new claim in most cases now - you need to be proactive.
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Liam O'Reilly
•Thank you so much! I'll try calling tomorrow morning first thing. I didn't realize I needed to be this proactive - the message really made it sound like they'd handle everything automatically. I appreciate all the advice!
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Rachel Tao
I'm going through something similar right now! Been waiting since mid-December for any word on an extension after exhausting my regular benefits. Like others mentioned, that automated message is really misleading - it makes it sound like they'll just automatically figure everything out for you, but clearly that's not happening. I've been hesitant to call because I know how brutal the wait times are, but reading everyone's responses here it's obvious I need to stop waiting around and actually contact them. Has anyone had luck getting through early in the morning? I'm wondering if there's a better time to call than others.
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Dylan Mitchell
•I've had the same experience with that misleading automated message! From what I've read online, the best times to call EDD are right when they open at 8 AM or later in the afternoon around 4-5 PM when call volume might be lower. Some people have success calling on Tuesdays and Wednesdays versus Mondays when everyone is trying to get through. I'm planning to try the early morning approach this week. Good luck to both of us - hopefully we can get some answers soon!
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