End of my regular EDD benefits at 26 weeks - automatic extension possible?

standard ui is only 26 weeks. there's no automatic extensions anymore like during covid. you need to apply for fed-ed maybe but i don't think that's available now either. ur probably out of luck unless congress passes something new

The previous comment isn't entirely accurate. While it's true that regular UI benefits typically last 26 weeks and the pandemic extensions are gone, you should know that: 1) There are currently no automatic extensions in 2025 for regular UI claims 2) Fed-ED is only triggered during periods of high unemployment statewide (which isn't currently active) 3) HOWEVER, if your furlough turns into a permanent layoff, you could potentially file a new claim after your benefit year ends Your benefit year lasts 12 months from when you first applied, but you can only collect 26 weeks of benefits within that period. If your employer officially terminates you rather than keeping you on furlough, that would constitute a new qualifying event that might allow for a new claim after your benefit year ends.

Correct - you can't get more than 26 weeks within your benefit year, regardless of whether your status changes from furlough to layoff. You'd need to wait until your benefit year ends before filing a new claim. However, there's an important consideration: To qualify for a new claim after your benefit year, you need to have earned qualifying wages during that year. If you've been on furlough/unemployment the entire time, you might not have sufficient earnings to establish a new claim. I'd recommend looking for part-time work now to start building some qualifying wages for a potential future claim if your employer doesn't bring you back.

I went through something similar in November. Calling EDD directly is really the best way to understand your specific options - they can look at your claim history and tell you exactly what's possible. But good luck actually reaching someone! I spent days getting busy signals and "we're experiencing high call volume" messages. Finally tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to EDD in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD agent was able to tell me exactly what my options were after my regular benefits ran out. Turns out I qualified for a different type of claim I didn't know about because I had some part-time earnings during my benefit year.

Yes, it worked for me and several people in my unemployment support group. I was skeptical too, but after trying for 3 days to get through on my own, I was desperate. They don't answer the phone for you - they just connect your call through when they detect an open line at EDD. You still talk directly to EDD yourself.

NOBODY at EDD will tell you this but there ARE ways to get more benefits if you know what to do!!! The system is DESIGNED to make you think you're out of options!!! I was on UI for 18 months by appealing my case and showing that my employer misclassified my separation!!!! 🤬 DON'T GIVE UP! The first-level EDD reps don't know ANYTHING about exception cases!!!!

I want to clarify something important here, since there's some confusion in the responses. The 26-week limit for regular UI benefits hasn't changed, but your situation has some specific considerations: 1. Since you're technically on furlough (temporary layoff), your employer is still your employer of record. 2. If they convert your status from furlough to permanent layoff, that's important to report to EDD through your UI Online account right away. 3. While general extensions aren't available, there are occasionally special programs that activate during certain economic conditions - though none are currently active in California as of early 2025. 4. You should also start fulfilling your work search requirements diligently if you haven't been. With a furlough, you might have had reduced work search requirements, but those would change if your status changes. Your best course of action is to: 1. Continue certifying until your benefits exhaust 2. Actively look for other employment opportunities 3. Get an official status update from your employer - if they're financially troubled, you need clarity on your employment future 4. After exhaustion, check if you qualify for other assistance programs like CalFresh

hey i had the EXACT same thing happen last month!! my company kept saying "just 2 more weeks" for like 6 months lol. anyway my benefits ran out and i freaked out but then got a job at target. not great but pays bills. don't wait for your old job, they're probably lying to you like mine did.

Wait I'm confused... is a furlough the same as being laid off? Because my friend was laid off and she got some kind of extension I think? Or maybe she just filed a new claim? I'm not sure but she's been getting benefits for like 8 months.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I'm going to: 1) Call my employer tomorrow and ask for an official status update, 2) Start applying for jobs much more aggressively instead of waiting for my furlough to end, 3) Try to reach EDD to discuss my specific situation. I appreciate all the help and suggestions!