Will GED classes disqualify me from EDD benefits? Twice weekly training question
Hey everyone, I'm in a situation where I need to improve my job prospects long-term, but don't want to mess up my current unemployment benefits. I've found a GED program that meets twice a week (3 hours each day). Before I sign up, I need to know if EDD considers this type of education as approved training? Would taking these GED classes affect my weekly certifications or disqualify me completely from benefits? I really need both the education and the benefits to stay afloat right now. Has anyone gone through something similar with part-time education while on unemployment?
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Laila Prince
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.
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Drew Hathaway
•That's a relief to hear! So I didn't need to get any special approval for the classes? Did you mention them on your weekly certifications?
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Isabel Vega
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.
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Drew Hathaway
•Thank you for explaining the difference! Since my classes are only 6 hours total per week, I'm definitely still available for work. So I just mark "yes" for school/training on my certification but also confirm I'm still job searching and available?
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Dominique Adams
•That's exactly right. Just be honest on your certification. I attended community college part-time while receiving benefits. The key is answering YES to the school/training question but also confirming you remain AVAILABLE for work and are continuing your work search requirements. Your 6 hours weekly is very manageable and shouldn't raise any flags as long as you maintain your job search activities. Keep documenting your work search efforts thoroughly in case of any questions later.
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Marilyn Dixon
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.
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Louisa Ramirez
•I've tried calling EDD about this exact question for 3 weeks straight and can't get through to anyone!!! I keep getting the "maximum callers" message and then disconnected. So frustrating when you just need a simple answer!!!
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TommyKapitz
•I was in the same boat trying to get answers about my training situation. I discovered Claimyr.com and it actually worked to get through to EDD. Their system calls EDD for you and then connects you when there's an agent. Saved me days of redial hell. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Worth checking out if you need a definitive answer from EDD about your specific situation.
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Angel Campbell
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!
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Drew Hathaway
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!
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Dominique Adams
•You've got it exactly right. Good luck with your GED program! It's a smart move to improve your long-term employment prospects while maintaining benefits during this transition period.
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