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Logan Stewart

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!

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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Thank you for this info! I had no idea about the CTB program. So I actually wouldn't have to keep job searching during the program? That seems too good to be true. Has anyone gotten approved for this recently? The certificate program costs $4,800 - does EDD help with any of that cost or just let me keep my weekly benefits?

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my cousin just did this last yr with nursing school and they cut her off for 3 weeks then gave the benefits back after she filled out a ton of paperwrk. its all about if u can still work full time while in school. if the school says u cant work during it EDD will cut u off

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Not true!! The rules changed after COVID. I'm in school right now for IT and getting full benefits. You just have to fill out the DE 3100 form and they'll review your specific situation.

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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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WOW they actually EXTENDED your benefits??!! How much longer did you get? I'm in the same boat and running out of benefit weeks!!

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Yes, they added 12 additional weeks to my claim because my program was approved under CTB. But that's not guaranteed - it depends on your specific training program and whether EDD considers it to be improving your employability in a significant way. Data analytics should qualify though!

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i did this and IT WAS A NIGHTMARE!!! edd denied my benefits for 6 weeks while they "reviewed" my school schedule then finally approved it. then they randomly stopped payments again and said i wasnt available for work even tho my classes were online!!! took another month to fix that. system is BROKEN.

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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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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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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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Just wondering guys does this CTB thing apply to online courses too?? Im thinking about doing a bookkepping cert from home but dont wanna mess up my claim

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Yes, CTB applies to online courses too, as long as they meet the other criteria (improving employability, etc.). In fact, online courses can sometimes be easier to get approved because they're more flexible and clearly don't interfere with your ability to work. Just make sure it's a legitimate certificate program, not just random courses.

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dont waste ur time with school just keep applying i got rejected from 32 interviews before i finally got hired last month. the market is just tough right now but if u stop looking to do school ur just delaying getting a real job. benefits gonna run out anyway.

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I appreciate the perspective, but I've been applying consistently for 7 months with no luck. The feedback I keep getting is that I need more technical skills for the roles I want. I'll still be applying during the program, but I need to do something to improve my chances.

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32 interviews? dang thats rough. what field u in? i only had to do 5 interviews to get my current job but its warehouse work so maybe different

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I'm actually going through this right now! Started a cybersecurity bootcamp 3 weeks ago while on UI. Here's my experience so far: When I certified and answered YES to the training question, EDD immediately sent me the DE 3100 form through my UI Online account. I filled it out within 24 hours and included: - My class schedule (evenings 6-9pm, 4 days/week) - Program curriculum showing it's job-focused training - Letter from school confirming I can work full-time during the program My payments went to "pending" status for about 2.5 weeks, which was stressful. But I just got approved yesterday! They actually called me to confirm some details about my program, which was surprising. One tip: in the DE 3100 form, really emphasize how the training directly relates to jobs you're seeking. I mentioned specific job titles and salary ranges for cybersecurity roles in my area. I think that helped show it wasn't just random education but targeted career training. Your data analytics program sounds perfect for approval - it's exactly the kind of in-demand skill training CTB is designed for. Just be patient during the review period and keep certifying even while payments are pending.

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This is super helpful! I'm glad to hear about a recent success story. Did they ask you anything specific during the phone call? I'm wondering what kind of questions they might ask so I can be prepared. Also, did you have to provide any documentation about your job search efforts while waiting for the CTB approval, or did they waive that requirement once you submitted the DE 3100?

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Mei Liu

@Amara Okafor This is exactly what I needed to hear! Can you share more details about what they asked during the phone call? I want to make sure I m'prepared if they contact me. Also, how long was your bootcamp program? Mine is 6 months so I m'hoping that s'not too long for them to approve.

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I just went through this exact situation 2 months ago! I was super nervous about enrolling in a UX/UI design bootcamp while on unemployment, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. Here's what happened with my CTB approval: - Answered YES to training question during certification - Got the DE 3100 form in my UI Online account within 48 hours - Submitted it with my bootcamp schedule, curriculum, and a letter from the school - Payments went pending for exactly 3 weeks (felt like forever!) - Got approved and all pending payments were released at once The key things that helped my approval: 1. My program was only 4 months (shorter programs seem to get approved easier) 2. Classes were evenings/weekends so I could still work if offered a job 3. I wrote a detailed explanation about how UX design directly addressed the skill gaps employers mentioned in my rejection feedback Your data analytics program sounds perfect - it's in super high demand right now and 6 months is reasonable. Just make sure to emphasize in your DE 3100 how this specific training addresses the "overqualified but lacking certifications" feedback you've been getting. One more tip: keep applying for jobs even during the review period. I actually got 2 interviews while waiting for CTB approval, which I think helped show EDD I was still serious about finding work. You've got this! The investment in your skills will pay off.

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This is so encouraging to hear! I'm definitely feeling more confident about moving forward with the program now. The fact that you got interviews during the review period is actually really smart - it shows you're still actively job searching. Did EDD ask you about those interviews when they were reviewing your CTB application, or did they just focus on the training program details? I'm planning to keep my job search going too, but wasn't sure if I should mention ongoing interviews in my DE 3100 form or just focus on the training aspects.

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I'm in almost the exact same situation! Been job hunting for 6 months with similar feedback - either overqualified or missing specific skills. I've been hesitant to start any training because I was scared EDD would cut me off, but reading all these success stories is really encouraging. A few questions for those who've been through CTB approval: 1. Do you have to wait until the program actually starts to answer YES to the training question, or can you do it once you're enrolled but before classes begin? 2. If you get a job offer while in the training program, are you required to take it and drop out of school? 3. Has anyone had issues if their program runs slightly longer than their remaining benefit weeks? Like if you have 10 weeks left but the program is 12 weeks? I'm looking at a digital marketing certification that starts next month and these details would really help me plan. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - this community is so helpful!

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Great questions! I went through CTB approval last year and can help with a few of these: 1. You should wait until classes actually start to answer YES to the training question. If you answer yes before starting, they might ask for proof that you're actively in training, which could complicate things. 2. You're not required to take any job offer that comes up while in training - that's one of the benefits of CTB approval! You can be selective and wait for roles that make sense with your career goals. 3. For the benefit weeks issue, I've heard mixed experiences. Some people get training extensions like @Zadie Patel mentioned, but others have their benefits end when their claim expires. I d'recommend calling EDD directly to ask about this specific scenario before enrolling. Digital marketing is definitely in-demand right now, so your program should qualify. Just make sure to emphasize how it addresses the specific skills employers have told you you re'missing. Good luck!

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I can answer #3 from personal experience! I was in a similar situation where my program was going to run 2 weeks longer than my remaining benefits. When I submitted my DE 3100 form, I mentioned this concern in the comments section. EDD actually extended my claim by 8 weeks under the training extension provision. Not everyone gets this, but if your program is approved and considered essential for your employability, they can extend benefits to cover the full training period. Definitely worth mentioning in your application - the worst they can say is no, but you might get those extra weeks like I did. Digital marketing is super in-demand right now so I think you have a good shot at approval!

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I'm currently going through the CTB process myself and wanted to share some recent updates that might help! I submitted my DE 3100 form about 10 days ago for a project management certification program and just got word that it was approved. A couple things I learned that weren't mentioned yet: 1. **Documentation timing matters** - I made sure to submit the DE 3100 form on the same day I received it. The faster you respond, the faster they can process your request. 2. **Be specific about employability** - In my form, I didn't just say "this will help me get a job." I listed 3-4 specific job titles I was targeting, average salaries in my area, and exactly which skills from the program matched the job requirements I'd been seeing. 3. **Program format is key** - Your evening data analytics program is perfect because it shows you can still accept full-time employment. Make sure to emphasize this in your application. One heads up: even though my program was approved, I still had a brief phone interview where they asked about my commitment to job searching while in training. Just be honest that you'll continue applying and interviewing - that's exactly what they want to hear. Your situation sounds very similar to mine (long job search, skill gap feedback from employers) and data analytics is definitely in the "high-demand" category EDD looks for. I'd say go for it! The worst case is a few weeks of pending payments, but the upside of getting those skills could be huge for your job prospects.

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Thanks for sharing your recent experience @Sebastián Stevens! This is really reassuring. I'm curious about the phone interview part - what specific questions did they ask about your job search commitment? I want to make sure I give the right answers if they call me too. Also, you mentioned being specific about job titles and salaries in your DE 3100 form - did you include actual salary ranges you found in job postings, or more general market data? I've been tracking the requirements in data analyst job postings I've been applying to, so I have good documentation of the skills gap I'm trying to fill. One more question - how long was the phone interview? I get pretty anxious on calls so knowing what to expect would help me prepare. Thanks again for all the detailed info!

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