Regular UI benefits exhausted - Any extensions available in 2025?

Unfortunately, there are no automatic extensions for regular UI benefits in 2025. The pandemic-era programs like PEUC and PUA ended years ago. Once your claim balance reaches zero, that's it for this benefit year. However, you have a few options: 1. If you've worked at all since filing your original claim and earned enough wages, you might qualify for a new claim after this one expires. 2. Check if you qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL) if you have a qualifying health condition or caregiving responsibility. 3. Look into CalFresh (food assistance) and other safety net programs while job hunting. Make sure you're keeping detailed records of all your job search activities - this will be important if you need to file a new claim in the future.

Same boat, lost my benifits last week. its totally ridiculous how the system just drops you when ur still unemployed!!! i applied for calfresh but the amount is like nothing compared to what rent costs these days. govt dosent care about us at all

Have you tried reaching an EDD rep to discuss your options? I was in a similar situation last month and was feeling totally lost. After days of calling and getting the "we're experiencing high call volume" message, I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual person at EDD within 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The rep I spoke with reviewed my case and explained some training programs that could help extend my benefits. It's not a guaranteed solution but at least I got some personalized advice for my situation rather than trying to figure it all out from their confusing website.

I've been through this twice now and I can tell you with 100% CERTAINTY that there are NO extensions anymore. They got rid of all that after the pandemic. However, don't panic yet! If you've worked AT ALL during your benefit year (even part-time or gig work), you should absolutely file a new claim once your benefit year ends. That's different from an extension. Also, make sure you're on top of your job search requirements - they're super strict now in 2025 and I've seen people get disqualified for not keeping proper records of their work search activities. EDD is randomly auditing more claims than they used to. One more thing - check out your county's workforce development programs. They sometimes have special training funds for people who've exhausted UI benefits. I did a 6-week data analytics bootcamp through mine that helped me land a new job.

has anyone tried the fed-ed extension? i heard thats still around but only kicks in when unemployment is high? or am i thinking of something else

I dealt with this exact situation in February. After my regular UI ran out, I called EDD (took forever to get through) and learned about the California Training Benefits (CTB) program. If you enroll in an approved training/education program, you might qualify for an extension while you're in school. There are specific requirements though. I'm now taking a 12-week coding bootcamp and receiving benefits during this time. It's not automatic - you have to apply and get approved. The process was honestly a headache but worth it in my case since I needed to update my skills anyway. Here's what worked for me: 1. Research approved training programs 2. Submit the CTB application through UI Online 3. Follow up constantly (this was key) 4. Be prepared for possible interviews about your training plan Hope this helps!

My friend got some kind of extension I think but she had to talk to a specialist at EDD, not just the regular reps. She said the key was getting through to the right department.

Update: I managed to speak with an EDD specialist this morning after trying that Claimyr service that someone mentioned. The specialist confirmed what most of you said - there aren't standard extensions anymore, but she did tell me about the California Training Benefits program that @practical_advisor mentioned. I'm going to look into UX design programs that qualify and submit an application. She also suggested applying for CalFresh in the meantime and gave me info about a local workforce center that offers free career counseling and possibly some financial assistance while job hunting. Thanks everyone for your help during this stressful time! I'll post again once I know if my training plan gets approved.

I'm in a similar situation - my benefits are running out next week and I'm terrified about making ends meet. Reading through all these responses has been really helpful though. I had no idea about the California Training Benefits program! One thing I wanted to add - I've been working with a career counselor at my local American Job Center and they mentioned that some people qualify for emergency rental assistance programs while they're between benefits. It's not much but might help bridge the gap while you're applying for training programs or looking for work. Also, if you do end up applying for a new claim after your benefit year ends, make sure you have all your W-2s and pay stubs ready. I learned the hard way that they're super strict about wage verification now. The whole process has gotten much more complicated since 2020. Hang in there - this job market is brutal but there are still some safety nets available if you know where to look!

I went through this exact same panic when my benefits ran out in December. Here's what I learned that might help: First, don't wait - apply for CalFresh immediately. The application process takes time and every dollar helps when you're facing that rent payment. I was hesitant at first but it really did help bridge the gap. Second, check if your city or county has emergency rental assistance programs. Many are still running with COVID relief funds and some are specifically for people who've lost unemployment benefits. I found one through 211 (just dial 2-1-1) that helped cover part of my rent for two months. Third, consider gig work while you're figuring out the training benefits angle. I started doing DoorDash and Uber Eats - it's not great money but it's something coming in and keeps you active instead of just sitting at home worrying. The California Training Benefits program is real but the approval process can take 4-6 weeks, so don't count on it as your immediate solution. Have backup plans in place. One last thing - document EVERYTHING you're doing in your job search. Screenshots of applications, emails with recruiters, networking events you attend. If you do get approved for a new claim later, they audit way more thoroughly now and you'll need proof of every single contact. You've got this! The uncertainty is the worst part, but there are more options than it initially seems.

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm facing the exact same situation - my regular UI benefits just ended and I've been panicking about my next steps. Reading everyone's experiences has been incredibly helpful. A few things I wanted to add based on my research over the past week: 1. **Apply for multiple safety nets at once** - Don't wait to see if one program works out before applying to others. I submitted applications for CalFresh, local rental assistance, and started researching CTB-approved training programs all at the same time. 2. **Your local library might have resources** - I discovered my library offers free career counseling, resume workshops, and even has partnerships with some of the approved training programs. They also have computers and internet if you need them for applications. 3. **Keep track of deadlines** - Some rental assistance programs have monthly application windows, and training program enrollment dates vary. I made a spreadsheet with all the deadlines so I wouldn't miss anything. 4. **Network like crazy** - I know it sounds cliché, but I've gotten more promising leads through LinkedIn and local networking groups in the past month than through traditional job applications. Many of these groups are free and some even meet virtually. The job market really is brutal right now, but knowing there are still some options available (even if they're not as generous as the pandemic programs) gives me hope. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's made me feel way less alone in this process!