Will EDD deny my unemployment benefits if I start school while still having weeks left?

I've been job hunting for almost 7 months now and honestly hitting a wall. I've had about 15 interviews but keep getting rejected in the final rounds - sometimes for being 'overqualified' and other times for not having specific certifications. It's really taking a toll on my mental health. I'm thinking about enrolling in a technical certificate program (data analytics) that starts next month. It's a 6-month program with mostly evening classes. I still have about 14 weeks of unemployment benefits remaining on my claim. Will EDD disqualify me from continuing to receive my benefits if I start school? I'll still be able to look for work and go on interviews during business hours. I've heard conflicting things - some people say you automatically get cut off if you enroll in any education program, but others say it's fine as long as you're still job searching. Has anyone here been through this? I really need to improve my skills to get hired, but I also need those remaining benefits to pay rent while I'm in school. Any advice appreciated!

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16 comments

Mikayla Brown

•14d

You don't automatically lose benefits for going to school! EDD has a specific program called the California Training Benefits (CTB) program that allows you to collect UI while training. Here's what you need to know: 1. You'll need to complete a Training Enrollment form DE 3100 during your next certification 2. As long as your training program improves your employability and doesn't interfere with job search, you should be approved 3. With CTB approval, you'll actually be EXEMPT from having to look for work while in training Since your program is in data analytics and in the evenings, it sounds perfect for CTB approval. Just make sure to answer "yes" to the training question when you certify, and complete the paperwork promptly when they send it.

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Zadie Patel

•14d

I went through this exact situation in 2023. Here's what happened to me: 1. I started a coding bootcamp while on unemployment 2. I answered YES to the training question during certification 3. EDD sent me the DE 3100 form which I filled out completely 4. My payments were pending for about 3 weeks during review 5. I was approved under CTB and actually given a TRAINING EXTENSION beyond my regular benefits The key is being completely transparent. Don't try to hide the schooling - that could result in penalties. The CTB program is specifically designed for people trying to improve their skills to get back to work faster. Your data analytics program sounds perfect for approval since it's: • In a high-demand field • Part-time/evening format • Short duration (6 months) Just make sure you keep certifying every two weeks even while waiting for the CTB decision.

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Emma Morales

•14d

I had a similar nightmare situation with EDD when I started my MBA program. What finally worked was using Claimyr to get through to an actual EDD representative (claimyr.com). I spent weeks trying to call on my own and never got through, but their service got me connected to an agent in about 30 minutes. The agent was able to fix my claim status right away once I explained my situation. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Having an actual person look at your claim makes all the difference with these school/training situations because the automated system often flags them incorrectly.

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Logan Stewart

•14d

Thank you all for the responses! I just have a couple follow-up questions: 1. When I certify and answer YES to the training question, what exactly happens next? Will my payments pause automatically? 2. For those who went through CTB approval - did you have to provide anything from your school like an enrollment letter or schedule? I'm going to move forward with enrollment since it sounds like this is doable, but want to be prepared for any delays in payment. Thanks again everyone!

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Mikayla Brown

•14d

1. Yes, your payments will likely go to pending status until the CTB review is complete. This typically takes 2-4 weeks. 2. You'll need to provide: - Course schedule showing days/times - Program description/syllabus - Proof of enrollment/registration - Sometimes a statement from the school about whether the program allows for full-time employment I recommend having about a month's expenses saved if possible, just in case there are delays. Also, make sure you respond immediately to any EDD requests for additional information during the review process.

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