EDD extension after regular benefits exhausted - still partially employed

This is the standard message they send when your regular UI claim exhausts. What they're referring to is the FED-ED extension, which only kicks in when California's unemployment rate is high enough. As of 2025, this extension is NOT currently available. Your part-time work wouldn't disqualify you if the extension was active, as long as you're still earning less than your weekly benefit amount. Your best option right now is to file a new claim if it's been more than 12 months since your initial claim. If it's been less than 12 months, you unfortunately might be at the end of available benefits unless you have new employment that would qualify you for a new claim.

i got the same message last month and nothing ever came in the mail lol. they just want u to go away quietly when ur benefits run out. try calling them but good luck getting thru

I was in a similar situation in January - benefits exhausted while working part-time. After struggling to reach someone at EDD for days (constant busy signals and hangups), I found Claimyr.com which got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. Their service calls EDD for you when a line opens up and then connects you. Totally worth it for me since I needed to understand my options. The rep confirmed what someone above said - extensions are only available when state unemployment is high enough to trigger them. They suggested I file a new claim once my benefit year ended. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

My cousin works at the restaurant with me and just went through this last month. The "you may qualify" message is automatic - most people don't actually get extensions anymore unless unemployment is really high in CA. But with your reduced hours you might qualify for a brand new claim instead of an extension!

Your situation is actually quite specific and worth addressing properly: 1. The message about extensions is automated and refers to potential programs that may or may not be active depending on economic conditions. Currently in 2025, there are no automatic extensions available in California unless specifically authorized. 2. With your reduced hours (going from 25 to 20 hours), you might have a change in circumstances that could affect your claim. This is important information. 3. Since you're approaching your benefit year end date (coming up in about a month), you're in what's called a "transition period" where different rules apply. 4. Your part-time work throughout your claim is significant. If your earnings have consistently been reported, you may have unused base period wages that could potentially qualify you for a new claim. I would strongly recommend speaking with an EDD representative directly to have them review your specific case. They can tell you if you might qualify for a new claim based on wages earned during your benefit year, or if there are any special programs you might be eligible for given your reduced hours situation.

THEY ALWAYS SAY THAT!!!! I got the same message back in December and guess what?? NOTHING EVER CAME! The system is designed to make you think help is coming so you don't flood their phone lines. Unless there's a recession or something, extensions aren't a thing anymore. They just don't want to tell you the cold hard truth that your benefits are DONE. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I wish someone had told me straight up instead of me waiting 3 weeks for mail that never came!!!!

Since you mentioned your hours were cut further (from 25 to 20), you should know that this could potentially be considered a new "qualifying event" for unemployment purposes. When you have a significant reduction in hours, even if you were already partially unemployed, it can sometimes be treated as a new claim-eligible event. Since you're only one month away from your benefit year ending (11 months into a 12-month period), you have two options: 1. Try to file a new claim now based on the additional reduction in hours 2. Wait the extra month until your benefit year ends and then file a new claim The advantage of option #1 is potentially getting benefits sooner. The advantage of option #2 is that your base period wages may be higher by waiting, potentially resulting in a higher weekly benefit amount. In either case, you'll need to speak with an EDD representative who can review your specific wage history and advise you on the best approach.

I just remembered something! When I got laid off from my serving job last year, I had another part-time gig too. The EDD person told me that if my hours get reduced by 20% or more it counts as a significant change! Your hours went from 25 to 20 which is exactly 20% less! Maybe that's why someone above mentioned a new "qualifying event"?

Update: I finally got through to EDD this morning! The representative confirmed what many of you said - there are no automatic extensions currently available. However, she reviewed my case and said that because my hours were reduced again last month, I might qualify for a recalculation of my benefits. She's transferring my case to a specialist who will call me back within 7-10 business days. Fingers crossed this works out! Thanks everyone for all your advice and help.