How to Extend Unemployment Benefits in California

Adding Extended Benefits

Wait to receive a notice from the EDD. In times of high unemployment on a national level, the federal government might offer extended unemployment benefits. These benefits are typically fully funded by the federal government. However, not all states offer extended benefits. The EDD is responsible for letting you know if extended benefits are available in California. Typically, you'll receive a written notice in the mail before your regular benefits run out. The notice will detail the number of additional weeks available and how many additional weeks you qualify for.Coronavirus Outbreak Tip: The CARES Act establishes an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to those who need it, along with an extra $600 a week in benefits on top of any benefits you already receive. There is no additional application necessary to receive these benefits.

Contact the EDD before your regular benefits end. If you don't receive a notice from the EDD but you know that California is offering extended benefits, contact the EDD directly and find out if you qualify. This is especially important if your benefits are ending within the next week or so, since you might not be eligible for extended benefits if your regular benefits end. Ask an EDD representative about the availability of any extended benefits and whether you qualify. If there's any question, continue filing weekly claims even after you exhaust your regular benefits. You will never get any benefits for a week in which you didn't file a claim.Tip: Extended benefits typically don't start until you've exhausted your regular benefits. If you find work before you've exhausted your regular benefits, the additional weeks might not be available if you re-open your claim within the year.

Continue to meet the usual eligibility requirements. With extended benefits, you generally still have to meet the same requirements that you had to meet for regular benefits. In other words, you must certify each week that you are able and available to work and that you're actively seeking new employment. The EDD will let you know if there are any exceptions or changes regarding eligibility for extended benefits. For example, work search requirements are relaxed for extended unemployment benefits during the coronavirus outbreak, because many employers are closed and are not having interviews or hiring new employees.

Submit weekly certifications each week during your extension. If you've applied for an extension, continue to file weekly certifications by the due date, even if the EDD hasn't yet notified you that your benefits have been extended. The EDD will determine the amount of benefits you're eligible for based on the information you provided in your certification. If the EDD determines that you aren't eligible for benefits for a particular week, you'll get a notice of determination instead of a payment. The notice includes instructions on how to appeal the determination if you believe the EDD made a mistake. If you appeal an EDD determination, continue to file weekly certifications during the appeal process. You'll get back payments if you win your appeal, but only for weeks in which you filed a weekly certification.

Qualifying for a Training Extension

Start school or training before your regular claim is exhausted. To be eligible for a training extension (CTB), you must have a current and valid unemployment claim. Evaluate your options and sign up for a program as soon as possible when you start unemployment to avoid losing the opportunity for an extension. Fill out applications for schools or training programs at the same time you're filling out employment applications. Take note of the start date of any program you apply for — you have to start before your regular unemployment runs out if you want to take advantage of the extension.Warning: EDD does not pay for your school or training, although the program may offer grants, loans, and other payment assistance.

Let the EDD know you're interested in CTB by week 16 of your benefits. Giving the EDD notice of your interest protects your potential right to a training extension. Contact the EDD online through your account, by phone, or in person at your local America's Job Center of California. If you want to contact the EDD by phone, call 1-866-333-4606 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 12 noon Pacific time to talk to an EDD representative. Lines are not open on California state holidays. If the maximum award of your claim is less than 16 weeks, contact the EDD at least a week before your claim reaches a zero balance. Look at your initial determination letter to figure out exactly when you need to do this.

Report your start date when you certify your weekly claim. You only need to report your school or training sessions on the week you start. Provide information about the school or training you've started on your regular Continued Claim Form. When reporting the start date of school or training, you can still send in your weekly certification online, over the phone, or through the mail — whichever way you usually send it. If you're getting school or training through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), your Career Planner or TAA Specialist at the America's Job Center of California will send the information about your program to the EDD. You don't have to include the information on your weekly certification.

Complete your application for CTB. Typically, the EDD will send you an application to fill out before your regular unemployment benefits are due to expire. The application requires you to provide information about the schooling or training you're receiving. The EDD will use the information you provide to determine if you're eligible for CTB. To qualify, your training needs to fall under one of the approved categories, including apprenticeship training, union members training, and non-union journey-level training.

Participate in a phone interview if necessary. If there isn't enough information in your application for the EDD to determine if you're eligible for CTB, they might schedule a phone interview with you to talk about your training program. Make sure you're available at the scheduled time of the interview. If you're working or involved in a training session during the scheduled time of your call, contact the EDD as soon as possible to have your interview rescheduled. Get together all the information you have about the school or training program you're enrolled in before the interview and keep it close at hand.

Wait for your notice of eligibility. After the EDD evaluates your application, they'll send a notice letting you know if you're eligible for CTB. If you're not eligible, the notice will include information on how you can appeal that determination if you believe it was made in error. If you're appealing a determination of ineligibility, continue to file weekly certifications while your appeal is pending. You should also continue to participate in your training program. If you're approved for CTB, your benefits will continue through the duration of your training.