What to do when California EDD unemployment runs out and still no job in 2024

That's what I was afraid of. So there's literally nothing that kicks in automatically? I feel like I've been reading stuff online suggesting there are options but maybe that's outdated info from the pandemic era.

Yeah most of what you'll find googling is pandemic-era stuff unfortunately. The landscape is very different now. Your best bet is to shift focus to CalJOBS and make sure your job search documentation is absolutely airtight for those last certifications.

this is correct, EB trigger is based on state insured unemployment rate and it hasn't hit the threshold in CA for a while now

Okay this is really helpful. I've been keeping a job search log but not necessarily through CalJOBS specifically - is that a problem? I've been logging on a spreadsheet.

Your spreadsheet is fine for YOUR records but you should be actively entering contacts into CalJOBS as well since EDD can cross-reference it. Doesn't hurt to enter them retroactively now while you still have time.

wait they actually check calJOBS?? I never entered anything in there and I've been on UI for like 4 months lol

They CAN check it during an audit or if your claim gets flagged, it's not like they check everyone automatically. But if you get called in for a job search audit and your CalJOBS has zero activity that's a red flag.

How long did it take once you signed up? I've tried calling EDD at like 7am and still just get the 'call volume too high' message.

I think I got a callback within a few hours? It wasn't instant but it was same day which after weeks of nothing felt like a miracle honestly. The agent was actually helpful once I got through - that was the bigger surprise lol

I've seen this mentioned on here before. Does it actually work or is it one of those things that sounds good but doesn't deliver

Worked for me personally, that's all I can say. I was super doubtful too but desperation makes you try things. The video demo on their site shows exactly how it functions if you want to see before committing to anything.

Actually really appreciate this. I've been so focused on the EDD side of things I haven't thought about bridging the gap with other resources.

211 is genuinely underused. Also look up if your county has an emergency assistance fund - many CA counties have their own programs separate from state programs

Not a dumb question, people mix this up all the time. Your benefit year is the 12-month window from when you filed your initial claim. During that year you have a maximum number of weeks you can receive benefits (typically 26 weeks for regular UI). If you exhaust all your weeks before the benefit year ends, you're done - you can't 'wait out' the benefit year and restart. You'd have to file a new claim after your benefit year ends IF you have new qualifying wages.

Oh so there's no way to reset mid-year. That's what I was hoping wasn't the case. Do I need to file a new claim application or does EDD handle that automatically?

You'd need to file a new claim. EDD won't automatically open a new one. And you'd need wages earned after your benefit year start date to qualify - which is the catch-22 if you haven't worked during your claim year.

This is the situation I'm dreading - no new wages to create a new claim with. Are there any other safety nets at the state level?

the lack of communication from edd is genuinely insane. they'll send you letters about everything except the stuff you actually need to know

100% agree. The site is built to process claims not to help people understand their situation. It's a serious gap.

Yeah I've spent so many hours on the EDD site getting nowhere. At least forums like this exist honestly.

I didn't know about AJCC at all - is this completely separate from EDD or related?

It's part of the broader workforce development system - funded federally through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). EDD is involved but AJCC centers are run locally through workforce boards. You can sometimes even get funding for retraining/education through WIOA if your career field has dried up.

i went to one of these when I exhausted benefits a few years back. they helped me redo my resume and connected me with a hiring event. actually found my next job through their network

Wait this is free? How have I never heard of this lol

Interesting angle I hadn't considered. I have definitely been struggling mentally. I'd want to make sure that's legitimate before pursuing it though.

Absolutely should be legitimate - I'm only suggesting it because long-term unemployment genuinely does affect mental health and a lot of people suffer through it without seeking any help or support. If your doctor believes you're clinically impaired that's real and valid.

this is actually valid advice. SDI pays a percentage of wages just like UI does and it's a separate program so running out of UI benefits doesn't affect eligibility

Not union unfortunately but good to know for people who are

also check if your industry has any professional associations that offer job placement or emergency assistance. some industries have these and they're underutilized

does it cost anything

I didn't look super closely at pricing details but based on the video demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10 it seems pretty straightforward to use. I'd say look at the site and decide for yourself - the alternative is spending entire mornings on hold and probably getting nothing

At this point I'd try anything to actually speak to someone at EDD. The phone situation is genuinely maddening.

Three weeks to income through temp work is actually really reassuring to hear. I've been resistant to temp agencies but maybe I need to get over that.

Yeah I was resistant too - felt like admitting defeat or something. But honestly it kept me afloat AND I got a permanent offer from one of the placements 4 months later. Worth swallowing pride over.

Temp agencies are really underrated for exactly this reason. Also staffing agencies sometimes have health benefits for long-term placements which matters if you're losing employer coverage

No that's not true at all! CalFresh eligibility is based on income and household size, not on whether you're receiving UI benefits. You can receive both simultaneously. In fact many people on unemployment qualify for CalFresh because UI benefits often put you in the qualifying income range. Apply immediately through BenefitsCal.com

omg I have been struggling for so long for no reason. going to apply today

Same - I was on UI for 5 months before someone told me I could get CalFresh at the same time. The information gap on this stuff is genuinely harmful

No penalty for exhausting a prior claim. EDD looks at your wages in the base period for a new claim - your claims history doesn't negatively affect future eligibility as long as you didn't have any fraud issues or unpaid overpayments. A clean exhaustion is just a normal end of a claim.

That's a relief. I was worried there was some kind of black mark but that makes sense logically

I'm a renter so I'll look into the renter assistance angle through 211. Appreciate you laying all this out.

Also worth noting - if you have federal student loans, you can apply for income-driven repayment which would set your payment to $0 while you have no income. Small thing but one less bill to stress about.

Honestly needed to hear that it's not just me. The job market really is rough and I've been somewhat blaming myself.

don't do that to yourself. the rejection rate for applications right now is insane even for good candidates. keep applying, something will break your way

The market IS rough but also make sure you're networking and not just applying cold through job boards. That's where I see a lot of people get stuck - just submitting applications into the void

This is what I needed to confirm. I'll keep certifying every single week until EDD officially tells me it's done.

Also make sure you continue reporting any part-time income if you pick up any work during those last weeks. Don't assume that because benefits are almost gone it doesn't matter - EDD can still audit past certifications and unreported income is an overpayment issue.

Okay I'm going to try this. I really do need to talk to an actual EDD person about my specific situation before my last two certifications.

let us know if it works for you! good luck with everything

Yeah I've been doing some online learning to fill the resume gap and keep sharp. Good point about community colleges though - didn't realize they had specific programs for unemployed people.

Some CC programs are specifically funded for displaced workers and are free through the Strong Workforce Program. Google your local CC plus 'Strong Workforce Program' to find options in your area.

Community college retraining is seriously slept on. A friend of mine did a 6 month program at a CC after exhausting benefits and completely changed careers. now makes way more than before the layoff

Will do. This whole thread has genuinely helped me feel less lost about next steps. Thank you everyone - this community is honestly more useful than the EDD website itself lol

for real. stuff like this is why I still check forums. actual humans with actual experience > government websites every time