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How to verify eligibility for EDD extended benefits? (Endless hold times!)

Hey everyone, I'm trying to figure out if I qualify for extended unemployment benefits. My last job ended recently and I'm not sure what my options are. Has anyone gone through this process lately? Any tips on how to verify eligibility or what to expect when I call? I've been on hold forever trying to get through to someone.

I went through this a few months ago. The process can be a real pain, but here's what I learned: • First, check if you've exhausted your regular unemployment benefits. Extended benefits usually kick in after that. • Your eligibility often depends on the state's unemployment rate and whether the extended benefits program is currently active. • You'll likely need to provide updated info about your job search efforts. • Be prepared for a longer wait time than usual when calling - the system is swamped. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any specific questions.

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Thanks so much for the detailed response! Do you remember how long it took to get a decision once you applied for extended benefits?

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For me, it took about 3 weeks to get a decision. But I've heard it can vary a lot depending on your situation and how busy they are. Hang in there!

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3 weeks?! You got lucky. I've been waiting for 2 months and still nothing 😤

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ugh, good luck getting anyone on the phone. I swear they make it impossible on purpose 🙄

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fr fr 💯 I spent 3 hours on hold yesterday and got disconnected right when someone picked up. I was ready to throw my phone out the window lol

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Pro tip: call right when they open. I usually get through within 15-20 minutes that way.

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Hey, I found a method to get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video explaining it: https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

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Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?

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idk man, paying to get through seems sketchy. Shouldn't this be a free service?

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I get the skepticism, but it seriously saved me hours of frustration. Worth every penny imo. They're not affiliated with EDD, just a third-party service.

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Extended benefits? In this economy? 🤣 Good luck, we're all gonna need it.

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Make sure you keep detailed records of all your job search activities. They might ask for proof when determining your eligibility for extended benefits. I learned that the hard way 😅

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This!!! 👆 Cannot stress how important this is. I got denied because I couldn't provide enough evidence of my job search efforts.

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Have you checked your states unemployment website? Sometimes they have a seperate section for extended benefits with eligibility critera listed out. Might save you some time on the phone.

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Good idea, I'll take a look. Anything to avoid more time on hold lol

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extended benefits are a myth, change my mind 🤔

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Nah, they're real. I'm on them right now. But getting approved feels like winning the lottery 🎰

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