EDD says 'all benefits payable' used up but my benefit year isn't over - any options?
So frustrated right now! Just logged into my UI Online account and got hit with 'You have received all benefits payable to you at this time. You cannot file another California Unemployment Insurance claim until your current benefit year ends.' But my benefit year doesn't end until October 2025! I thought I had 26 weeks of benefits, but I've only collected about 14 weeks worth. I was laid off from my accounting job in March and really need these payments to cover rent. Has anyone else run into this message? Is there anything I can do, or am I just out of luck until October? My rent is $2,600 and I don't know how I'll manage without these payments. Should I call EDD or is this message basically final?
40 comments


Asher Levin
That message usually means you've exhausted your regular UI claim balance, not that your benefit year is over. Your benefit amount is calculated based on your earnings during your base period, and sometimes it doesn't equal a full 26 weeks. Check your claim summary in UI Online - it should show your maximum benefit amount and how much you've already received. If they match, then you've used all available benefits even though your benefit year isn't over yet.
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Haley Stokes
•Thanks for explaining! I just checked my claim summary and you're right - my maximum benefit amount was $8,450 and I've received exactly that amount over 14 weeks. I had no idea the full 26 weeks wasn't guaranteed. This is so stressful.
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Serene Snow
THIS IS SUCH BS!!!! I got the same message last year and EDD did NOTHING to help. They don't care if you can't pay your bills. My benefit year had 4 months left but they said I used all my money. I called like 57 times and nobody could help. The system is DESIGNED to screw people over!!!!!
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Issac Nightingale
•same here... EDD just leaves u hanging when u need help the most 😓
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Romeo Barrett
You might qualify for a Fed-Ed extension if your state is in a period of high unemployment, or you could check if you're eligible for PUA if you have any covid-related reasons for unemployment. Also, sometimes people can get approved for state disability if they have medical conditions.
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Asher Levin
•This information isn't accurate anymore. Fed-Ed and PUA were temporary programs during the pandemic that ended years ago. There are currently no federal extension programs available in California. The only programs currently available are regular UI, State Disability Insurance (SDI), and Paid Family Leave (PFL), but each has different eligibility requirements.
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Marina Hendrix
Actually, you should double-check your original award letter. It shows your total claim amount and weekly benefit amount. Just divide the total by your weekly to see how many weeks you actually qualified for. Not everyone gets the full 26 weeks - it depends on your base period earnings. If your income was lower or inconsistent in your base period quarters, you might qualify for fewer weeks.
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Haley Stokes
•You're right - I just found my award letter. My weekly benefit was $650 and maximum amount was $8,450, so that works out to 13 weeks (and part of a 14th). I mistakenly thought everyone automatically got 26 weeks. Guess I'm out of luck.
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Justin Trejo
had this happen 2me back in feb... try calling them maybe theres some mistake? good luck getting thru tho lol
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Alana Willis
Check if you're eligible for CalFresh (food stamps) or rent assistance programs through your county. When my UI ran out, I applied for CalFresh and got approved for $275/month which helped a lot. Also look into local food banks and other community resources while you're job searching.
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Haley Stokes
•Thanks for the suggestion. I'll definitely look into CalFresh. Every little bit helps right now.
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Issac Nightingale
try calling edd maybe there's a mistake?? i thought everyone gets 26 weeks too
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Marina Hendrix
•It's not a mistake - the number of weeks depends on your total claim amount, which is calculated based on your highest quarter earnings during your base period. The maximum is 26 weeks, but many people qualify for less. It's all explained in the UI handbook, though admittedly not very clearly.
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Romeo Barrett
I had to call EDD about a similar issue back in January. After trying for days and getting the dreaded "we're receiving more calls than we can answer" message, I finally used a service called Claimyr that got me through to an EDD rep in about 22 minutes. It cost money but honestly saved me days of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km
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Haley Stokes
•Thanks for sharing this. Even though it sounds like there's no mistake with my claim based on what others are saying, I might still try to call just to see if there are any other programs I might qualify for. I'll check out that service if I can't get through on my own.
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Asher Levin
Since your regular UI benefits are exhausted, here are some options to consider: 1. Continue your job search - register with CalJOBS if you haven't already 2. Check eligibility for CalFresh and CalWORKs through your county's social services department 3. Apply for rent assistance programs in your area 4. If you have any medical conditions affecting your ability to work, consider applying for State Disability Insurance 5. Contact 211 for information about additional local resources You cannot file a new UI claim until your benefit year ends in October, unless you've earned sufficient new wages since filing your original claim.
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Serene Snow
•CalJOBS is a JOKE. I registered there for 3 months and got ZERO interviews. Total waste of time!!!
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Haley Stokes
•Thank you for these practical suggestions. I'm already registered with CalJOBS but haven't had much luck yet. I'll definitely look into CalFresh and the other resources you mentioned. Really appreciate the help during this stressful time.
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Justin Trejo
my friend had this happen and found out he qualified for training extension benefits cuz he enrolled in some tech program... maybe look into that?
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Marina Hendrix
•That's the California Training Benefits (CTB) program. It allows you to maintain eligibility for benefits while in approved training, but it doesn't actually extend your maximum benefit amount. It's helpful if you have benefits remaining and want to attend school/training without having to look for work, but it doesn't provide additional funds beyond your claim maximum.
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Roger Romero
I'm so sorry you're going through this - the financial stress must be overwhelming. Based on what others have shared, it sounds like your benefits calculation is correct, but I wanted to mention a few additional resources that might help bridge the gap while you job search: 1. Contact your local Workforce Development Board - they sometimes have emergency assistance programs for unemployed workers 2. Check if your county has utility assistance programs to help reduce monthly expenses 3. Look into gig work or temp agencies for immediate income while searching for permanent employment 4. Some non-profits offer rent assistance specifically for people who've exhausted unemployment benefits Also, since you mentioned you're in accounting, consider reaching out to temp staffing agencies that specialize in finance/accounting roles - they often have short-term assignments that can provide income while you search for permanent positions. Hang in there!
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Kayla Jacobson
I'm really sorry you're dealing with this financial stress. As someone new to the community, I've been reading through these responses and it sounds like you've gotten some solid advice about your benefits being calculated correctly based on your base period earnings. One thing I wanted to add - since you mentioned you're in accounting, have you considered reaching out to Robert Half or other accounting-specific temp agencies? They often have urgent placements for tax season, month-end close work, or covering for people on leave. Even short-term assignments could help with that $2,600 rent while you search for something permanent. Also, if you haven't already, it might be worth checking with your former employer about any severance assistance programs or whether they offer outplacement services. Some companies have partnerships with career counseling services that former employees can access. Wishing you the best of luck with your job search - the accounting field usually has decent opportunities, especially with your experience!
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Malik Davis
•Welcome to the community! That's really great advice about the accounting temp agencies - I hadn't thought about tax season creating more opportunities. I actually did work at a mid-size firm before getting laid off, so I have experience with month-end closes and tax prep. I'll definitely reach out to Robert Half and similar agencies tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion about checking with my former employer too - they did mention some resources but I was so stressed about the layoff that I didn't follow up. Really appreciate you taking the time to share these ideas as a newcomer!
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Nia Thompson
I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because I went through something very similar last year. Like others have mentioned, it sounds like your benefits calculation is correct based on your base period earnings, but I know that doesn't make the financial stress any easier. A few additional suggestions that helped me when I was in a similar spot: 1. Check if your city/county has emergency rental assistance programs - many still have COVID relief funds available and the application process is usually faster than state programs 2. Look into local credit unions - some offer emergency loans or financial counseling specifically for people who've lost employment 3. Consider freelance bookkeeping/tax prep work - with tax season coming up, many small businesses and individuals need help, and you can often find clients through NextDoor or local Facebook groups Also, don't overlook nonprofit organizations in your area that help with job placement. United Way often has programs specifically for professional workers who've been laid off. The waiting period until October feels impossibly long right now, but temporary work combined with assistance programs can help bridge that gap. Hang in there - the accounting field has been picking up and your experience should work in your favor!
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Zane Hernandez
•Welcome to the community, and thank you for sharing such thoughtful advice! I really appreciate you taking the time to offer these suggestions, especially coming from someone who's been through a similar situation. The idea about emergency rental assistance is something I hadn't considered - I assumed most COVID relief programs had ended, so I'll definitely look into what's still available in my county. The freelance bookkeeping suggestion is also really smart, especially with tax season approaching. I do have experience with small business accounting from my previous role, so that could be a good bridge option. Thanks for the encouragement about the job market picking up too - it's easy to feel discouraged right now, but hearing from others who've made it through similar situations gives me hope!
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JacksonHarris
I'm new to this community but wanted to share some additional resources that might help while you're navigating this difficult situation. I see others have given great advice about the benefits calculation being correct based on your base period earnings. A few things that might be worth exploring: 1. Check with your local library - many offer free job search resources, resume help, and sometimes even have partnerships with career counselors or job placement services specifically for professionals 2. Look into COBRA subsidies or healthcare.gov plans if you're worried about medical expenses adding to your financial stress 3. Consider reaching out to your state assemblyperson's office - they sometimes have caseworkers who can help navigate state benefit programs or connect you with local resources you might not know about 4. Some churches and community organizations offer "professional networking" groups specifically for people in career transitions, even if you're not a member I know $2,600 rent is a huge burden right now. Have you been able to talk with your landlord about a temporary payment plan? Some are surprisingly understanding, especially if you can show you're actively job searching and have applied for assistance programs. The gap between now and October feels overwhelming, but combining temporary work opportunities with assistance programs really can help bridge it. Wishing you the best with your search!
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Mei Liu
•Welcome to the community! These are really comprehensive suggestions - thank you for taking the time to share them. The library resource tip is brilliant - I hadn't thought about that and there's a main branch just a few blocks from my apartment. I'll check what career services they offer. You're also right about talking to my landlord - I've been avoiding that conversation because I'm embarrassed about the situation, but it's probably better to be proactive rather than wait until I'm behind on payments. The idea about contacting my assemblyperson's office is interesting too - I didn't realize they had caseworkers who could help with this kind of thing. Really appreciate you taking the time to offer such thoughtful advice as a newcomer to the community!
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Omar Farouk
I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because your situation really resonates with me - I went through something very similar about 8 months ago. Like others have explained, it sounds like your benefit calculation is unfortunately correct based on your base period earnings, but I know that doesn't make the financial stress any less overwhelming. A few additional resources that helped me during my gap period: 1. 211 California (dial 2-1-1) - they have a comprehensive database of local assistance programs, including some specifically for professionals who've exhausted UI benefits 2. Look into your county's "General Relief" program - it's often overlooked but can provide emergency cash assistance while you're between benefits 3. Check if any local accounting firms need seasonal help for tax prep - many start ramping up in December/January and are more flexible with temporary arrangements 4. Consider reaching out to your college's alumni network or career services - many schools offer lifetime career support to graduates, even years later Also, regarding that $2,600 rent - have you looked into subletting part of your space or asking your landlord about a temporary rent reduction in exchange for property management tasks? Some landlords are surprisingly open to creative arrangements when tenants are proactive about communication. The period between now and October feels endless right now, but you have valuable accounting skills that are always in demand. Hang in there - this community has been really helpful for navigating these challenges!
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Justin Chang
•Welcome to the community, Omar! Thank you so much for sharing these resources - the 211 California hotline sounds really helpful, and I had no idea about the General Relief program. As someone who's been feeling pretty isolated dealing with this situation, it's really encouraging to hear from people like you who've been through similar challenges and came out the other side. The idea about reaching out to my college career services is something I definitely overlooked - I graduated about 6 years ago but you're right that many schools offer lifetime support. I'm also going to look into the seasonal tax prep opportunities you mentioned. It's reassuring to know this community has been helpful for others navigating these kinds of setbacks. Really appreciate you taking the time to share such detailed advice as a newcomer!
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Jayden Reed
I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because I can really relate to your situation. The shock of seeing that message when you're expecting benefits to continue must have been awful, especially with such high rent to cover. From reading through all the responses, it's clear that your benefits calculation is unfortunately correct - I had no idea that not everyone gets the full 26 weeks until reading this thread! It sounds like the system is based on your earnings during the base period, which can be really unfair for people who had inconsistent work or lower wages during that specific timeframe. A couple of additional thoughts that might help: 1. Since you're in accounting, consider reaching out to small tax preparation businesses - many are gearing up for tax season and might need experienced help, even on a part-time or contract basis 2. Look into whether your county has a "211" helpline (just dial 2-1-1) - they often know about local assistance programs that aren't widely advertised 3. Some credit unions offer emergency loans specifically for people transitioning between jobs - might be worth checking if you qualify for membership anywhere I know it doesn't solve the bigger problem, but even small income sources can help with that rent burden while you search for permanent work. This community seems really knowledgeable about navigating EDD challenges, so you're in a good place for ongoing support and advice. Wishing you the best with your job search!
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Evelyn Kelly
•Welcome to the community, Jayden! Thanks for such a thoughtful response. You're absolutely right about the shock - I really had no idea the system worked this way and just assumed everyone got 26 weeks. Reading through everyone's explanations has been eye-opening, even though the situation is still really stressful. I appreciate the suggestion about small tax prep businesses - that's definitely something I can pursue given my background. I've seen the 211 helpline mentioned a couple times now in this thread, so I'm definitely going to call them tomorrow to see what local programs might be available. It's really comforting to have found this community during such a difficult time - everyone has been so helpful with practical advice and emotional support. Thanks for taking the time to reach out as a newcomer!
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Mateo Sanchez
I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because your situation sounds incredibly stressful and I can only imagine how overwhelming that rent payment must feel right now. After reading through all the responses, it's clear that others have explained the benefits calculation correctly - I had no idea that the 26 weeks wasn't guaranteed for everyone until reading this thread! It seems so misleading that the system doesn't make this clearer upfront. A few additional suggestions that might help bridge the gap until October: 1. Check with local workforce development boards - many have emergency assistance funds specifically for people who've exhausted UI benefits 2. Look into whether any nearby community colleges offer free career transition workshops or job placement assistance 3. Consider signing up with multiple temp agencies - not just accounting-focused ones, but general office temp agencies too, since your skills would transfer well to administrative roles 4. Some utility companies and cell phone providers have hardship programs that can reduce monthly bills, which might free up a little more money for rent I know none of this solves the bigger problem, but even small reductions in expenses or temporary income can help stretch what you have. This community seems incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, so you're definitely in the right place for ongoing advice and encouragement. Hang in there - your accounting background is valuable and the job market should pick up after the holidays!
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Diego Rojas
•Welcome to the community, Mateo! Thank you for such a comprehensive and compassionate response. You're absolutely right that the system is misleading - I wish they made it clearer upfront that the 26 weeks isn't guaranteed for everyone. Your suggestion about workforce development boards is really helpful - I didn't know they had emergency assistance funds specifically for people in my situation. I'm also going to look into the utility hardship programs you mentioned, since every bit of savings helps right now. The idea about signing up with multiple temp agencies is smart too - I was only thinking about accounting-specific roles, but you're right that my skills could transfer to general administrative work. It's been so reassuring to find this supportive community during such a difficult time. Everyone has been incredibly helpful with both practical advice and encouragement. Really appreciate you taking the time to share such thoughtful suggestions as a newcomer!
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Oliver Schmidt
I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because your situation really hits close to home - I went through something very similar about a year ago and remember that sinking feeling when I saw that message in my UI Online account. From reading through all the helpful responses here, it's clear that your benefits calculation is unfortunately correct based on your base period earnings. I had the same misconception about automatically getting 26 weeks - it's really frustrating that EDD doesn't explain this more clearly upfront. Since you mentioned you're in accounting, here are a few specific suggestions that helped me during my gap period: 1. Reach out to Accountemps, Robert Half, and other accounting staffing agencies ASAP - tax season is ramping up and they often have urgent placements for experienced professionals 2. Check if any local CPAs need help with year-end work or tax prep - many are willing to hire contract help even for short-term projects 3. Look into bookkeeping for small businesses - you can often find clients through Upwork, LinkedIn, or even local Facebook business groups 4. Contact your county's 211 helpline for local assistance programs - they often know about resources specifically for professionals who've exhausted UI benefits Also, definitely have that conversation with your landlord sooner rather than later. Many are more understanding than you'd expect, especially if you can show you're actively job searching and have applied for assistance programs. This community has been incredibly supportive and knowledgeable - you're in good hands here. Your accounting skills are valuable and in demand, especially heading into tax season. Hang in there!
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Chloe Taylor
•Welcome to the community, Oliver! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and such specific, actionable advice. It's really reassuring to hear from someone who went through the same situation and came out the other side. I'm definitely going to reach out to Accountemps and Robert Half first thing tomorrow - you're absolutely right that tax season timing could work in my favor. The suggestion about local CPAs needing help with year-end work is brilliant too, since I have experience with month-end closes and tax prep from my previous role. I've been putting off the landlord conversation because I'm embarrassed about the situation, but you're right that being proactive is better than waiting until I'm behind on payments. This community has been such a lifeline during this scary time - everyone has been so generous with practical advice and encouragement. Really appreciate you taking the time to share such detailed suggestions based on your own experience!
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Nina Fitzgerald
I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because I can really relate to the shock and stress you must be feeling right now. That $2,600 rent payment looming while facing this benefits situation sounds absolutely overwhelming. After reading through all the helpful responses, it's clear that your benefits calculation is unfortunately correct - like you, I had no idea that not everyone automatically gets the full 26 weeks! The system really should explain this more clearly upfront. Since you mentioned you're in accounting, I wanted to suggest looking into seasonal opportunities that might be perfect timing for your situation: 1. Many businesses need help with year-end financial statements and tax prep starting in December/January 2. Consider reaching out to local tax preparation services like H&R Block or independent CPAs - they often hire experienced professionals for seasonal work 3. Check with your local Small Business Development Center - they sometimes know of small businesses needing temporary bookkeeping help Also, don't overlook the possibility of remote freelance work through platforms like Upwork or FlexJobs - your accounting experience could translate well to contract opportunities that provide income flexibility while you search for permanent positions. I know it doesn't solve the immediate crisis, but every bit of income can help with that rent burden. This community seems incredibly knowledgeable and supportive - you're definitely in the right place for ongoing advice and encouragement. Wishing you the best with your job search!
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CyberSiren
•Welcome to the community, Nina! Thank you for such a thoughtful and encouraging response. You're absolutely right about the shock - I really wish EDD explained the benefits calculation more clearly upfront instead of letting people assume they'll get the full 26 weeks. Your suggestions about seasonal opportunities are really smart, especially the timing aspect with year-end work coming up. I hadn't thought about reaching out to H&R Block or looking into the Small Business Development Center, but both sound like great leads. The remote freelance idea is interesting too - I've been so focused on finding another full-time position that I hadn't considered contract work through platforms like Upwork, but that could be a good way to generate some income while continuing my job search. It's been amazing to find such a supportive community during this difficult time. Everyone has been so generous with practical advice and genuine encouragement. Really appreciate you taking the time to share these suggestions as a newcomer!
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Aisha Mahmood
I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because your situation sounds incredibly stressful, and I can only imagine how that rent payment must be weighing on you right now. After reading through all the responses, it's clear that others have correctly explained how the benefits calculation works - I had no idea that the 26 weeks wasn't automatic for everyone until reading this thread! It really seems like EDD could do a better job explaining this upfront. Since you mentioned you're in accounting, here are a few additional suggestions that might help bridge the gap: 1. Check with local businesses about temporary bookkeeping help for their year-end closing processes - many small companies get overwhelmed this time of year 2. Look into whether your county has any "rapid reemployment" programs specifically for professionals - some offer emergency assistance while you transition 3. Consider reaching out to local nonprofit organizations that might need volunteer treasurers or bookkeepers - sometimes these connections lead to paid opportunities 4. Don't forget about networking through LinkedIn - posting about your situation (professionally) often leads to unexpected opportunities or referrals Also, many people have mentioned calling 211, and I'd second that - they often know about hyperlocal assistance programs that aren't well advertised. Your accounting skills are definitely valuable, especially heading into tax season. This community seems incredibly supportive and knowledgeable, so you're in great hands for ongoing advice. Hang in there!
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Chloe Martin
I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because your situation really resonates with me - the financial stress of unexpected benefit exhaustion combined with high rent must be incredibly overwhelming. After reading through all the helpful responses, it's clear that your benefits calculation is unfortunately correct based on your base period earnings. Like you, I had assumed everyone automatically got 26 weeks - it's frustrating that EDD doesn't make this clearer upfront! Since you mentioned you're in accounting, here are a few specific suggestions that might help during this gap period: 1. Definitely reach out to accounting temp agencies like Robert Half and Accountemps - with tax season approaching, they often have urgent placements for experienced professionals 2. Check with local CPA firms about seasonal help with year-end closes and tax prep work - many are willing to bring on contract help for short-term projects 3. Consider freelance bookkeeping through platforms like Upwork or by reaching out to small businesses directly - your experience could translate well to flexible contract work 4. Look into your county's 211 helpline and any "rapid reemployment" programs they might have for professionals who've exhausted benefits Also, having that conversation with your landlord sooner rather than later is probably wise - being proactive about potential payment issues is usually better received than waiting. This community seems incredibly knowledgeable and supportive - you're definitely in the right place for ongoing advice and encouragement. Your accounting skills are valuable and in demand, especially with tax season coming up. Hang in there!
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Aisha Abdullah
I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because I can really understand how overwhelming this must be - finding out your benefits are exhausted when you still have months left in your benefit year and $2,600 rent to cover sounds incredibly stressful. After reading through everyone's explanations, it's clear that your benefits calculation is correct based on your base period earnings, though I agree EDD could explain this much better upfront. The assumption that everyone gets 26 weeks seems pretty common! Since you're in accounting, I wanted to add a few suggestions that might help during this difficult transition: 1. Contact your local AICPA chapter - they sometimes have job placement resources or know of members needing temporary help 2. Reach out to payroll service companies like ADP or Paychex - they often need seasonal help with year-end processing and tax form preparation 3. Check if any local colleges or universities need temporary help in their accounting departments - many have budget year-end processes happening now 4. Consider offering bookkeeping services to local small businesses preparing for tax season - you could start by posting in neighborhood Facebook groups or NextDoor Also, definitely look into that 211 helpline others have mentioned and consider having an honest conversation with your landlord about your situation - many are more understanding than expected, especially if you can show you're actively working on solutions. Your accounting experience is definitely valuable, and the timing with tax season approaching could work in your favor. This community seems really supportive - you're in good hands here!
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