EDD regular benefits ending soon - any extension options in 2025?

Unfortunately, the regular EDD unemployment extensions that existed during COVID (like PEUC, PUA, etc.) are no longer available. The standard UI benefit period is 26 weeks in California and once that's exhausted, there aren't automatic extensions unless there's a new federal program or the state unemployment rate triggers certain thresholds.\n\nYou do have a few options though:\n\n1. If you've worked AT ALL during your benefit year, even part-time, check if you've earned enough to qualify for a new claim when your current one expires\n\n2. Look into State Disability Insurance (SDI) if you develop a medical condition preventing work\n\n3. Apply for CalFresh (food benefits) and other assistance programs\n\n4. Contact your county's social services about emergency rental assistance programs\n\nI'd recommend speaking directly with an EDD rep to confirm your exact benefit end date and explore all options specific to your situation.

Thanks for the info. Definitely hard to hear there's no extensions right now. I did work a 2-week temp job in October but only made about $900 total - is that enough to qualify for anything? I'll definitely look into CalFresh. Do you know if the EDD automatically notifies you when you're getting close to the end of your benefits or do they just suddenly stop?

my benefits ran out last month and its been ROUGH. wish i had better news but ya the covid extentions are gone. check with local food banks too, thats what ive been doing + picked up doordash even tho it barely pays the gas. good luck man

Sorry to hear you're struggling too. Did your benefits just stop or did EDD give you some kind of notice beforehand? I'm trying to prepare myself mentally for when mine cut off.

Have you checked if you qualify for a Training Extension (TE)? If you enroll in an approved training program, you might be able to get up to 26 additional weeks. I looked into this last year when my benefits were running out. You have to act fast though - you need to apply BEFORE your regular benefits end. There's a form called \

I had no idea this was even a thing! This might actually be perfect timing because I was considering taking some IT certification courses anyway. Definitely going to look into this ASAP. Thank you!

If you're trying to reach EDD to ask about these options, good luck getting through! I spent 2 weeks trying to talk to someone about my claim ending and kept getting the \

I've used this service too! Took me FOREVER to get through to EDD on my own (like 30+ calls), but got connected in under an hour with them. Definitely worth it when you're desperate to talk to someone about your claim ending.

Thanks for the tip. I've been putting off calling because I knew it would be a nightmare. I'll check out that service if I can't get through on my own in the next couple days. Need to get this figured out ASAP.

I work at a workforce development center, and I wanted to add a few important points:\n\n1. The California Training Benefits (CTB) program mentioned above is one of your best options. Not only can it extend benefits up to 26 additional weeks, but it also waives the work search requirement while you're training for a new career.\n\n2. Federal-State Extended Benefits can become available during periods of high unemployment, but this program is NOT currently triggered in California. The state unemployment rate would need to reach certain thresholds.\n\n3. Any work you did during your benefit year could potentially qualify you for a new claim, but you'd need to have earned at least $1,300 in your highest quarter within your base period. Your $900 from temporary work might not be enough alone.\n\n4. EDD does send notifications when you're approaching your maximum benefits, usually with 2-3 weeks' notice.\n\n5. Make an appointment at your local America's Job Center of California (AJCC) for free career counseling and potential training opportunities.

This is incredibly helpful information, thank you! I'm going to look up my local AJCC right now and make an appointment. The CTB program sounds like it might be the best option for me right now. Really appreciate the detailed breakdown of everything.

my cousin told me theres a secret extension u can get if u call and ask for a \

There's no \

ok whatever man just trying to help. my cousin got extra weeks somehow 🤷‍♂️

Just wanted to mention that when my UI was running out last year, I discovered I qualified for Fed-Ed extension because our county unemployment rate was so high. But then I checked the EDD website and it says: \

Yeah, the timing is awful. Seems like all the helpful programs disappeared right when I need them. I'm definitely going to pursue the Training Benefits option and double-check my payment history to make sure I know exactly when my benefits end. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Update on California Training Benefits (CTB) since there's some confusion in this thread:\n\n1. You must apply for CTB BEFORE your regular UI benefits exhaust\n\n2. The program must be on the state's Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)\n\n3. You'll need to complete form DE 8736 (Training Benefits Application)\n\n4. Not all programs qualify - they must be for in-demand occupations\n\n5. If approved, you could receive benefits while training for up to 26 additional weeks\n\nOne important note: CTB is not technically an \

Thank you for clarifying! So if I understand correctly, CTB would first use up whatever's left of my regular 26 weeks, and then potentially add up to 26 more weeks beyond that if I'm in an approved training program? I'm looking at the ETPL right now to see what programs might work for me.

UPDATE: I called EDD this morning (took forever to get through) and got some clarity. I have exactly 4 weeks of benefits left. The rep confirmed that CTB might be my best option, but I need to act quickly since the application process takes time. Apparently, my temporary work doesn't qualify me for a new claim because it was too little income.\n\nI'm looking at a 12-week IT certification program that starts next month. Going to fill out the DE 8736 form today and submit it. Thanks everyone for all your help and suggestions. I'll post another update once I find out if I'm approved for the training benefits. Keeping my fingers crossed!

That's great news that you were able to get through to EDD and get some concrete answers! Four weeks gives you a decent window to get the CTB application processed. A 12-week IT certification program sounds like a smart choice - tech skills are definitely in demand right now. Just a heads up from my experience with CTB applications: make sure you have all your documentation ready (training program details, cost breakdown, etc.) because they can be pretty thorough in their review process. Also, if possible, try to get confirmation that your chosen program is definitely on the ETPL before you submit - sometimes programs get removed or updated. Really hoping this works out for you! Keep us posted on how the application process goes. Your situation might help others who find themselves in the same boat.

I'm in a similar boat - my benefits are ending in about 6 weeks and I've been stressing about it constantly. This thread has been incredibly informative, especially learning about the CTB program! I had no idea that was even an option. @Kaitlyn Jenkins - thanks for sharing your update about calling EDD. It's encouraging to hear you got through and have a concrete plan. I'm going to look into IT certification programs too since that seems like a smart career pivot. One question for anyone who's been through this - if the CTB application gets denied for some reason, are there any other backup options to explore? I'm trying to prepare for all scenarios since my job search hasn't been successful either (applied to 40+ positions with only 2 interviews). The job market in my area is brutal right now. Also wondering if anyone has experience with how quickly you need to start the training program after CTB approval? I want to make sure I'm not cutting it too close with timing.

Just wanted to share another resource that might help - if you're struggling to get through to EDD by phone, you can also try their online Ask EDD feature or contact your local Assembly member's office. Sometimes constituent services can help expedite things when you're dealing with benefit deadlines. Also, while you're waiting on the CTB application, don't forget to keep certifying for your remaining weeks and maintaining your job search activities. I know it feels pointless when you're planning to go into training, but you want to keep everything current until you get that approval. One more thing - if the IT certification doesn't work out for any reason, I've seen people get approved for CTB with trade programs too (welding, HVAC, etc.). The key is making sure whatever you choose is on that ETPL list and leads to in-demand jobs in your area. Hang in there! It sounds like you have a solid plan and you're taking all the right steps. The fact that you're being proactive about this with 4 weeks left puts you in a much better position than people who wait until the last minute.

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now and this thread has been a lifesaver! My benefits are ending in about 3 weeks and I've been panicking. The CTB program sounds like exactly what I need - I had no idea it existed. @Kaitlyn Jenkins - really appreciate you sharing your experience calling EDD and getting concrete answers. That gives me hope that I can get through too. The 12-week IT certification sounds like a smart move. I'm curious though - for anyone who's gone through the CTB application process, do you know if there are any income or asset limits? I have a small savings account (maybe $2000) that I've been trying not to touch, but I'm worried that might disqualify me somehow. Also wondering if the training program has to be full-time or if part-time programs are eligible too? The job market has been absolutely brutal. I've been out of work since August and despite applying everywhere, I'm not getting anywhere. At least with CTB I could be learning new skills while still getting some income. This thread has given me the first bit of hope I've had in weeks!