Will GED classes disqualify me from EDD benefits? Twice weekly training question

u should be fine. i was taking online courses last year (12 hrs weekly) while on EDD and didnt have any issues. as long as u can still look for work and be available for interviews if they come up ur good.

You need to understand the difference between regular training and California Training Benefits (CTB) program. For your GED classes, as long as you remain able and available for work, you can attend school or training while receiving regular UI benefits. Just make sure to answer "Yes" to the question about attending school when you certify, but also indicate you're available for work. If you want full-time training protection (where you don't have to search for work), you'd need to apply for the CTB program, but part-time GED classes generally don't require this. The key is being able to accept work if offered.

There's some confusion here that needs clarification. You have TWO options with EDD when taking classes: 1) If your classes don't interfere with your ability to look for and accept full-time work, you simply answer YES to attending school when certifying, but also confirm you're available for work. This works for part-time classes like your GED program. 2) If you want to attend full-time training without job search requirements, you need to apply for the California Training Benefits (CTB) program for approval. Your twice-weekly GED classes fall under option #1. Just be honest on your certification and continue your work search. If you ever have doubts, call EDD directly to confirm your specific situation.

my sister went thru this in 2025 with her nursing assistant program and she did get disqualified at first but then appealed and WON. the key is being able to prove u can still look for work while in school. she had text msgs showing she was applying to jobs while taking classes and that helped her case. document EVERYTHING just in case!

Thank you everyone for such helpful responses! Based on what I'm understanding, since my GED classes are only 6 hours per week (and flexible scheduling), I should: 1. Answer YES to attending school/training when I certify 2. Confirm I'm still available for work and actively job searching 3. Keep detailed records of all my job search activities 4. Continue meeting my work search requirements I think I'll try to get official confirmation from EDD just to be 100% sure, but this gives me confidence to move forward with the GED program. I definitely need both the education and the benefits right now, so I appreciate all the guidance!

Drew, you're making a smart decision! Just wanted to add that you should also keep copies of your GED program enrollment paperwork and schedule in case EDD ever requests documentation. I had a friend who was asked to provide proof that her training was part-time and didn't conflict with work availability. Having that documentation ready made the process much smoother. Also, some GED programs can lead to additional training opportunities that might qualify for the CTB program later if you decide to pursue further education. Best of luck with your studies!

Great thread everyone! I'm actually an EDD caseworker and wanted to clarify a few things. Drew, your GED program at 6 hours/week is absolutely fine as long as you maintain availability for work. The key distinction is that part-time education (generally under 20 hours/week) allows you to continue regular UI benefits while full-time programs typically require CTB approval. One important tip: when you certify and answer YES to school/training, there's a follow-up question about whether the training affects your availability - make sure to answer NO since your schedule is flexible. Also, keep a simple log of when you're available for work each day (even if it's just "available 9am-5pm except Tues/Thurs 6-9pm classes"). This documentation can be invaluable if any questions arise later. Your GED is exactly the type of skills improvement EDD wants to see - it shows you're working toward better employment prospects. Just stay consistent with your work search efforts and honest on certifications!

Just want to echo what Emma said - having an actual EDD caseworker confirm this is gold! I went through a similar situation with my welding certification classes (8 hours/week) and everything worked out fine. The key really is that availability documentation. I kept a simple note in my phone showing my available hours each day and it gave me peace of mind. Drew, your GED is going to open so many doors - stick with it! And thanks Emma for the insider perspective, this kind of official guidance is exactly what this community needs.