Will EDD extend unemployment benefits beyond 26 weeks in 2025? Seems rare but possible?

I've been through a couple of these cycles before. Federal Extended Benefits (EB) and Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) are both real programs that can kick in during high unemployment periods. But they're actually pretty rare - they only happened during the 2008 recession and COVID pandemic in recent memory. The government tracks something called the "insured unemployment rate" that has to hit certain thresholds before extensions trigger automatically. Right now we're nowhere near those levels nationally, but it could vary by state. Check out claimyr.com if you need to speak with an EDD rep directly about your specific situation - their service helped me get through when I couldn't reach anyone (they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km). Hope this helps with your planning!

Extensions are only triggered during major economic crises. The last big one was during COVID when they created PUA, PEUC, etc. Before that, the 2008 recession. Some states got up to 99 weeks total during the worst periods! But these are EXTREMELY rare - like once-a-decade events. Don't count on extensions for your budget planning.

I WENT THROUGH THIS EXACT THING IN 2009!!! The economy crashed and suddenly I got letters saying my benefits were extended by 13 weeks, then ANOTHER 13 weeks after that! But let me tell you, don't get your hopes up. The system is RIGGED to make it as hard as possible. I had to call EDD like 50 times to even get my extensions processed correctly and half the time the paperwork got "lost" or they claimed they never received my certification. Even with extensions the payments were constantly delayed. The whole system is designed to frustrate you into giving up!!!

My sister got extensions last yr but only after her industry (hospitality) got hit really bad... think it was some special program tho not the regular extension thing

I'm also wondering about this... but more importantly has anyone had luck with the work search requirements lately? I'm putting in applications but not hearing back and worried EDD will disqualify me. Sorry for going off topic a bit but it's related to my anxiety about benefits running out too.

To directly answer your question: Federal extensions of unemployment benefits beyond the standard 26 weeks are possible but uncommon. They typically require federal legislation and are triggered by significant economic downturns. California has two potential extension programs: 1. Fed-Ed (Federal-State Extended Duration): Provides up to 13 additional weeks when California's unemployment rate exceeds certain thresholds 2. Federal emergency programs: Created through specific legislation during major economic crises (like the 2008 recession and COVID-19 pandemic) Currently, neither program is active in California because unemployment rates don't meet the triggering thresholds. While manufacturing is experiencing challenges, the overall California unemployment rate would need to rise substantially before extensions would activate. I recommend focusing on maximizing your current 26-week benefit period by: - Creating a detailed budget assuming benefits end after 26 weeks - Following all certification requirements precisely - Meeting work search requirements thoroughly - Exploring retraining options through EDD's workforce services Extensions are possible but should be viewed as a rare safety net, not something to include in your regular planning.

my benefits ran out after 26 wks last yr and no extension. had to take a job outside my field for less pay. system sucks