Regular UI benefits exhausted after 26 weeks - can I file new claim or extension when benefit year isn't over?

Unfortunately, the standard UI benefit period is 26 weeks maximum within a benefit year, regardless of whether your benefit year has technically ended or not. The benefit year just means the period during which you can collect those 26 weeks - it doesn't guarantee benefits for the entire year. Right now, there are no federal extensions available like there were during COVID. Your options are: 1. Continue your job search while your current claim is open (until March 2025) 2. If you find part-time work and then lose it again, you may be able to reopen your current claim if there are any remaining benefits 3. You cannot file a new claim until your current benefit year ends in March 2025, unless you've earned enough wages since filing your original claim

same thing happened 2 me last year. super frustrating!!! the benefit year is misleading, once ur 26 weeks r up thats IT unless theres some emergency extension program going on which there isnt rn

You might qualify for other assistance programs even if UI is exhausted. Look into: 1. CalFresh (food assistance) 2. County General Assistance/Relief 3. Housing assistance programs through your county 4. If you're 58, check with your local American Job Center about the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) Also, if you had any weeks where you reported wages during your claim and didn't receive full benefits, you might still have some small balance left. Check your UI Online payment history to confirm you received exactly 26 payments. One last thing - if you earned enough wages from ANY employer after you filed your initial claim, you might be able to file a new claim. You need sufficient earnings in a calendar quarter after your original claim date.

THE EDD SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO CUT YOU OFF!!! They make it IMPOSSIBLE to reach anyone when you have questions. I spent 4 WEEKS trying to talk to someone last year. The whole "benefit year" thing is deliberately misleading - they make you think you'll get help for a year but then cut you off at 26 weeks and leave you stranded. The system is rigged against workers!

If you're struggling to reach EDD by phone, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It helped me actually get through to a real person after weeks of failed attempts. They have this system that navigates the phone tree and waits on hold for you, then calls you when an agent is available. Totally worth it when I was desperate for answers about my claim. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km I was in a similar situation - exhausted benefits but my benefit year wasn't over yet. The agent confirmed what others are saying here, but at least I got a definitive answer and they explained other resources I might qualify for.

I want to thank everyone for the helpful responses. I'm going to try Claimyr to speak with EDD directly, and also look into the Senior Community Service Employment Program that was suggested. It's disappointing to learn there are no extensions available, but at least now I understand how the system works instead of getting my hopes up. I'll also check out CalFresh and the other assistance programs while I continue my job search. If anyone has tips for finding caregiver work for someone with my experience, I'd appreciate that too!

just wanna say i had a similar career path, was caring for a elderly lady for 11 yrs and when she passed i had to start over. its rly hard but there r definitely jobs out there for experienced caregivers! check hospitals too they sometimes hire patient care assistants w/o certification if u have experience

Good luck! The whole system is confusing. I thought I could get benefits for the whole year too when I first applied. Hang in there!

when i started looking into all this i was SO CONFUSED about benefit year vs actual benefits too! EDD should really make this clearer in their communications, would save everyone a lot of stress. hope you get through to someone with the phone service thing!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the EDD system can be really confusing, especially for first-time users. Just to add to what others have said, when you do get through to EDD (hopefully through that Claimyr service), make sure to ask them to confirm your exact benefit balance and whether those part-time earnings you reported affected your total weeks available. Sometimes there can be partial payments that don't count as full weeks. Also, since you mentioned healthcare assistance job searching, have you looked into medical temp agencies? They often need experienced caregivers for short-term assignments while permanent positions open up. Places like Maxim Healthcare, Visiting Angels, or Home Instead often hire people with your background quickly. The pay might bridge you over while you look for something more permanent. Don't give up - 13 years of caregiving experience is incredibly valuable, and there's definitely demand for experienced workers like you in California's aging population!

Hey Anastasia, I went through something really similar when my benefits ran out last year. One thing that helped me was registering with CalJOBS (the state's job search system) if you haven't already - sometimes they have resources specifically for displaced workers over 50. Also, don't overlook your local Workforce Development office. They often have programs for older workers that include job training, resume help, and sometimes even temporary financial assistance while you're job searching. Since you have 13 years of caregiving experience, you might qualify for skills-based training programs that could expand your opportunities in healthcare support roles. I know it's scary being in this position for the first time, but your experience is really valuable. Have you considered reaching out to hospice organizations too? They often need compassionate caregivers and value long-term experience like yours. Hang in there - you're going to get through this!

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this stress, especially as someone new to the unemployment system. Just wanted to add that when you do connect with EDD, ask specifically about "Training Extension Program" (if it's still available) - sometimes there are small programs for workers transitioning between industries that aren't widely advertised. Also, since you mentioned you're 58, you might want to check if your county has any "mature worker" programs through their social services department. Some counties have small emergency assistance funds specifically for older workers who've exhausted UI benefits while actively job searching. One more thing - if you do end up applying to hospitals or healthcare facilities, emphasize your 13 years of consistent employment with one client. That shows incredible reliability and dedication, which is exactly what healthcare employers value. Many facilities are desperate for experienced, trustworthy caregivers right now. Keep advocating for yourself - your experience and work ethic will pay off!

Anastasia, I'm really sorry you're going through this - it's especially tough when you've been such a dedicated worker for so many years. I wanted to mention something that might help: since you worked as a private caregiver, you might want to double-check that all your wages were properly reported to EDD when you filed your original claim. Sometimes private caregiving work isn't reported the same way as traditional employment, which could affect your benefit calculation. Also, I've heard that some people in your situation have had success reaching out to their state assembly member's office for help with EDD issues. They sometimes have staff who can cut through the red tape when you can't get through the regular phone lines. For immediate job leads, try contacting licensed home care agencies in your area - they're often more willing to hire quickly than larger institutions, and your 13 years of private care experience would be incredibly appealing to families looking for trustworthy caregivers. Places like Comfort Keepers, Visiting Angels, and A Place at Home are always looking for experienced people. You've got this - your experience and dedication will absolutely pay off!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who went through the exact same situation about 8 months ago. Like you, I had never been on unemployment before and was completely blindsided by how the 26-week limit works versus the benefit year timeframe - it's honestly one of the most confusing aspects of the whole system. One thing I wish I had known earlier: if you do manage to find even temporary or part-time work before your benefit year expires in March, keep track of those earnings carefully. If you earn enough in wages after your original filing date, you might be able to file a new claim once your current benefit year ends. The wage requirement is pretty specific though, so definitely ask EDD about this when you get through. Also, I see others mentioned IHSS - that program was a lifesaver for me. The application process takes a bit of time, but once you're approved as a provider, there's steady work available. Your 13 years of private caregiving experience would make you an ideal candidate. Hang in there - I know how scary this feels, but your experience and work ethic are exactly what employers in the caregiving field are looking for right now. You're going to find something!