Just discovered EDD training programs but I'm past deadline - anyone else miss out on this benefit?

I totally get your frustration!!! The EDD system is a MAZE of hidden benefits that nobody tells you about. I missed out on the training program too and didn't find out until month 5 of my unemployment. It's like they WANT us to fail sometimes. The worst part is how they make it seem like it's YOUR fault for not knowing about something they never clearly explained!!

This is one of EDD's least publicized benefits - the California Training Benefits (CTB) program. You're right that there's a time limit, but it's actually longer than a few weeks. You can apply for CTB approval within the first 16 weeks of your claim. The catch is that you need to have an eligible training program already identified and be ready to enroll. For anyone reading this who's still within that window, here's what to do: 1. Find an approved training program (community college vocational programs often qualify) 2. Call EDD and specifically ask about CTB approval 3. Submit the required paperwork before your 16-week deadline If approved, you can continue receiving benefits while training and may be excused from the weekly job search requirements. It's a great program but sadly, EDD does a poor job informing claimants about it.

same happened to me last year lol... nobody tells u anything important until its 2 late. the whole system is broken af

I went through something similar with the training benefits. EDD really should do better with communicating these options to claimants. When I needed to reach someone at EDD about my claim and the training program, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and actually got through to a representative in about 20 minutes instead of spending days calling. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km It helped me sort out my training approval questions and get the proper documentation submitted. While it was too late for me to get into the program I initially wanted, I was able to get approved for a different one that started later.

I think u can still apply for traing after 16 weeks but u might need a special review or something? not 100% sure but worth asking about

I worked as an EDD specialist for 5 years and can confirm that the Training Benefits program is poorly communicated to claimants. Here's what most people don't know: 1. The California Training Benefits (CTB) program has a standard 16-week application window from your claim start date 2. You can request an extension of this window for "good cause" 3. Even if you miss both deadlines, you can apply for the separate Training Extension (TE) program 4. TE approval allows you to extend your benefits beyond your normal benefit year when in approved training The real issue is that many EDD representatives themselves aren't fully trained on these programs. Always ask to speak with a CTB specialist specifically. For those interested in this program, eligible training includes vocational programs, certificate programs, and some degree programs if they lead directly to employment. Job retraining through formal education is one of the most valuable but underutilized unemployment benefits in California.

I'm in the EXACT same boat!!! Been unemployed for 6 months after working as an office manager for 7 years. I only found out about the training benefit last week when my friend mentioned it. Called EDD immediately and they basically laughed at me for not knowing earlier! I asked why this information wasn't prominently displayed ANYWHERE in my UI Online account or in any of the materials they sent me. The rep just said "it's mentioned in the handbook" - which it is, buried on page 27 in a tiny paragraph! This system is RIGGED to keep us from accessing benefits that could actually help us get back to work in a new field. I'm beyond frustrated!!!

For anyone reading this who's still within their 16-week window, here are the specific steps to apply for California Training Benefits: 1. Identify an eligible training program (community colleges, adult education programs, or certified vocational schools) 2. Contact EDD specifically about CTB by calling 1-866-333-4606 3. Complete the DE 3100 form "Training Benefits Application" 4. Submit enrollment verification from your training provider 5. Wait for a determination (typically 10-15 days) If approved: - You'll be exempt from the work search requirement - You can collect your regular UI benefits while in training - You may qualify for extended benefits through the Training Extension program Don't rely on your regular EDD representative to volunteer this information. You need to specifically ask about California Training Benefits (CTB) program.

This is exactly why I tell everyone who's newly unemployed to visit their local America's Job Center (One-Stop Career Center) within the first month of filing their claim! The staff there are usually much better informed about ALL available programs, not just the basic UI benefits. I learned about the training programs during my orientation at the job center, and it made all the difference. I was able to get into a medical assistant certification program that only took 8 months, and I'm now working in healthcare making more than my previous job. The sad truth is that EDD treats these programs like "best kept secrets" instead of promoting them as valuable reemployment tools. For anyone still reading who might be eligible - don't just call the regular EDD number. Go IN PERSON to your local workforce development office. They have dedicated staff who specialize in training programs and can walk you through the entire process. It shouldn't be this hard to access benefits we've paid into, but unfortunately you have to be your own advocate in this system.

This is such an important thread - thank you for sharing your experience! I'm currently 8 weeks into my unemployment claim after being laid off from my retail management position, and I had NO IDEA about the training benefits until reading this post. I immediately went to check my EDD paperwork and you're absolutely right - there's barely any mention of it except for a tiny blurb that doesn't explain how valuable it could be. I'm going to call that CTB number Emily mentioned tomorrow and see if I can still get into a program. I've been looking at getting certified in digital marketing or project management, and if I can do that while still receiving benefits, it would be a game-changer for my career prospects. The fact that so many of us are discovering this benefit by accident months into our claims is absolutely unacceptable. EDD should be required to explain ALL available programs during the initial interview, not just the basic job search requirements. We're literally paying into this system through our taxes and should have full access to information about what we're entitled to receive. For anyone else reading this who might still be within their window - don't wait like I almost did! Make that call and ask specifically about California Training Benefits. It could completely change your unemployment experience from just surviving to actually building new skills for your future career.

I'm a new member here and just filed my unemployment claim two weeks ago after being laid off from my customer service job. Reading through this thread has been incredibly eye-opening and honestly pretty scary - I had absolutely no idea about these training programs! My EDD phone interview was super basic and focused only on my work history and why I was laid off. Nobody mentioned ANY additional benefits or programs I might qualify for. I've just been doing the weekly job searches and assumed that was all there was to it. After reading all your experiences, I'm going to call that CTB number first thing Monday morning and also visit my local America's Job Center. I've been thinking about getting into IT support or maybe getting a Google certification, and if I can do that while still receiving benefits, it would be amazing for my long-term career prospects. Thank you all for sharing your stories - especially the frustrating ones. It's helping people like me who are just starting this process avoid missing out on these opportunities. This thread should honestly be pinned at the top of this community because clearly EDD isn't doing their job of informing people about these benefits! I'll definitely update everyone on what I find out when I make those calls. Hopefully I can access these programs before it's too late like what happened to so many of you.

This thread is absolutely invaluable - I wish something like this existed when I started my claim 6 months ago! I'm another person who completely missed out on the training benefits because literally NO ONE at EDD mentioned them during my initial process. What's really frustrating is that I specifically ASKED during my phone interview if there were any other programs or benefits I should know about, and the rep just said "make sure you do your weekly certifications and job searches." That was it! No mention of training programs, no mention of the 16-week deadline, nothing. I ended up finding out about CTB from a friend who works at a community college, but by then I was already at month 5 of unemployment. When I called to ask about it, they basically told me I was SOL and should have applied earlier. The lack of empathy was shocking. For anyone new reading this: PLEASE don't make the same mistake I did. Call that CTB number immediately, visit your local workforce center, and be your own advocate. The system is set up to help us succeed, but they sure don't make it easy to figure out how to access that help. Also want to echo what others have said - this thread should be pinned or featured somehow because it contains more useful information about EDD training benefits than anything I've seen on their actual website!

I'm literally shaking with anger reading this thread! I'm 10 weeks into my unemployment claim after being laid off from my administrative assistant job, and I had ZERO clue about these training programs until right now. Like many of you, my EDD interview was completely bare-bones - just basic eligibility questions and nothing about additional benefits. I've been struggling with the same soul-crushing job search routine, getting rejection after rejection, and feeling like I'm stuck in a dead-end cycle. Meanwhile, there was apparently this whole training program that could have helped me develop new skills and potentially change career paths entirely! I'm calling that CTB number first thing tomorrow morning even though I'm probably getting close to that 16-week deadline. I've been interested in getting into healthcare administration or maybe getting some kind of certification in medical billing. If there's even a small chance I can still get approved, I have to try. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread is like finding gold! It's absolutely criminal that EDD doesn't prominently feature this information. We shouldn't have to stumble across life-changing benefits in random online forums. I'm bookmarking this thread and sharing it with every unemployed person I know. For anyone else just discovering this like me - don't wait! Make those calls NOW and don't let them tell you it's too late without exploring every possible option.

I'm about 3 weeks into my claim after getting laid off from my marketing coordinator position, and this thread is absolutely eye-opening! I had no idea these training programs existed - my EDD interview was just basic questions about my employment history and they rushed me off the phone in like 10 minutes. I've been considering getting some digital marketing certifications or maybe learning data analytics, and the idea that I could do this while still receiving benefits is incredible. Reading everyone's stories about missing out on this opportunity is both terrifying and motivating. I'm calling that CTB number tomorrow and also planning to visit my local America's Job Center this week. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - especially the specific phone numbers and forms to ask for. This thread contains more useful information than anything EDD provided me with! For those of you who missed the deadline, I'm so sorry the system failed you. It's unacceptable that such valuable benefits are essentially hidden from claimants. Your experiences are helping people like me who still have time to act, so thank you for turning your frustration into helpful advice for others. I'll definitely update everyone on what I learn when I make those calls. Hopefully I can join the ranks of people who actually got to use these programs instead of just hearing about them too late!

I'm brand new to this community and just filed my unemployment claim last week after being laid off from my job as a graphic designer. Reading through this entire thread has been both a blessing and a wake-up call! I had absolutely NO idea these training programs existed - my EDD phone interview was basically just verifying my identity and previous employment, with zero mention of any additional benefits or programs. I've been thinking about expanding my skills into UX/UI design or maybe getting some certifications in web development, and the fact that I could potentially do this while receiving benefits is amazing. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences, especially those who provided specific phone numbers and actionable steps. I'm calling that CTB number (1-866-333-4606) first thing Monday morning and will also visit my local America's Job Center this week. At only 1 week into my claim, I'm hoping I can avoid the heartbreak that so many of you experienced by missing these deadlines. This thread should honestly be required reading for anyone filing for unemployment in California. The fact that EDD doesn't clearly communicate these opportunities upfront is absolutely unacceptable. We shouldn't have to discover life-changing benefits through random online forums! I'll definitely update everyone on what happens with my calls - hopefully I can be one of the success stories instead of another person who missed out. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and turning your frustrations into helpful advice for newcomers like me!

I'm new to this community and currently 5 weeks into my unemployment claim after being laid off from my insurance claims processing job. Like so many others here, I had absolutely NO CLUE about these training programs until I stumbled across this thread today! My EDD phone interview was completely basic - just employment verification and benefit calculation. When I asked if there were any other resources or programs available, the rep just said "make sure to certify weekly and keep looking for work." That was literally it! No mention of CTB, no mention of deadlines, nothing about training opportunities. I've been getting increasingly discouraged with the job search in my field and have been seriously considering a career change into something like cybersecurity or cloud computing - both areas where there's actually demand and growth potential. The idea that I could get training in these fields while still receiving benefits is absolutely mind-blowing to me right now. I'm calling that CTB number tomorrow morning and will also be visiting my local workforce center this week. At 5 weeks in, I'm praying I can still get into a program before hitting any deadlines. This thread has been more helpful than anything EDD has provided - thank you all for sharing your experiences and specific action steps! For anyone else discovering this "hidden" benefit like me - don't wait! The system clearly isn't designed to help us succeed, so we have to advocate for ourselves and seek out information they should be providing upfront.