Welcome to the Employment Development Department

FAQ - Extended Unemployment Benefits

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What benefits are available as part of the most recently approved federal extensions?

The legislation approved by the U.S. Congress and implemented on November 8, 2009, provides a total of up to 20 more weeks of benefits for unemployed workers who have run out of all other available benefits. The new benefits combined with prior available extensions create a new record high for the total number of benefit weeks available in a federal extension program of up to 99 weeks. The total number of benefit weeks will vary depending on the individual’s situation, when the prior claims were filed and California’s unemployment rate. They are also quite complex in how they are to be administered. The most recent addition to the federal extension program adds:

  • One week of benefits to the second federal extension already available in California,
  • Thirteen (13) weeks in a third extension or third tier extension for states with an unemployment rate of at least 6 percent, and
  • Six (6) weeks of benefits in a fourth extension or fourth tier extension for states with an unemployment rate of 8.5 percent or higher.

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Who is eligible for federal extension benefits?

Federal extension benefits are designed to provide further income support to eligible unemployed workers who have been out of work for a long period of time. Some Californians could now be potentially eligible to file the most recently added third federal extension of benefits by the current February 28, 2010, filing deadline. Since someone has to start such a third federal extension and use up all of those benefits before they can qualify for the fourth federal extension, the number of people potentially eligible for those additional six weeks of benefits is much smaller. The deadline for filing for the fourth federal extension is currently February 28, 2010.

It is possible that Congress will act again in pushing back filing deadlines for claimants to move into the next level of these extensions. But for now, those individuals filing a typical 26-week original UI claim after August 16, 2009, will most likely not be eligible for any of the four federal extensions. There is simply not enough time left before the current end of February deadlines to use all of their regular UI benefits and start a federal extension claim. However, claimants may be eligible for some extended benefits under a separate FED-ED program later in 2010 if the state meets certain levels of unemployment required by law. Watch the EDD Web site for any potential further developments.

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What do I need to do if I believe I’m eligible for federal extension benefits?

The EDD should be able to automatically file federal extension claims for unemployed workers who have exhausted all available benefits. This will help you transition seamlessly into your first federal extension or into the next available federal extension as long as you remain otherwise eligible.

Once the federal extension is filed, a notice and/or claim forms will be sent to eligible claimants. If you do not receive a claim form in the mail from EDD after 10 days from the date you received your last check, you will need to contact EDD regarding your UI claim. A very small percentage of claims may not have been filed automatically and therefore, if you have not received any type of correspondence from EDD regarding the new extension, you may need to file a claim. You may apply online at EDD’s Web site, www.edd.ca.gov, or contact EDD by telephone. The EDD anticipates high call volumes so you are encouraged to apply online. Filing online is the fastest way to file your claim.

Again, we encourage you to monitor our Web site and follow us on Twitter for further updates.

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If I run out of my regular UI benefits, how do I file for the first federal extension that’s been available?

Once you have exhausted your entitlement to your regular UI claim, you may be eligible to file the first extension. If you are eligible to file the first extension, EDD will automatically file the first extension and send you an additional Continued Claim Form, DE 4581. No action is required on your part.

Once the federal extension is filed, a notice and claim forms will be sent to eligible claimants. If you do not receive a claim form in the mail from EDD after 10 days from the date you received your last check, you will need to contact EDD regarding your UI claim. A very small percentage of claims may not have been filed automatically and therefore, if you have not received any type of correspondence from EDD regarding the new extension, you may need to file a claim. You may apply online at EDD’s Web site, www.edd.ca.gov, or contact EDD by telephone. The EDD anticipates high call volumes so you are encouraged to apply online. Filing online is the fastest way to file your claim.

Again, we encourage you to monitor our Web site and follow us on Twitter for further updates.

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Do I need to reapply for the second federal extension?

Once you have collected all benefits payable on your first federal extension, you may be eligible to file the second federal extension. If you are eligible to file the second federal extension, EDD will automatically file the second federal extension and send you an additional Continued Claim Form, DE 4581. No action is required on your part.

If you do not receive a claim form in the mail from EDD after 10 days from the date you received your last check, you will need to contact EDD regarding your UI claim. A very small percentage of claims may not have been filed automatically and therefore, if you have not received any type of correspondence from EDD regarding the new extension, you may need to file a claim. You may apply online at EDD’s Web site, www.edd.ca.gov, or contact EDD by telephone. The EDD anticipates high call volumes so you are encouraged to apply online. Filing online is the fastest way to file your claim.

Again, we encourage you to monitor our Web site and follow us on Twitter for further updates.

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What are the deadlines for filing for the first federal extension?

Under current federal extension filing deadlines, the last date the first federal extension can begin is February 21, 2010. If you exhaust your entitlement to regular UI benefits before February 21, 2010, and meet all of the following eligibility criteria, you may be eligible for the first federal extension if you:

  • Are fully or partially unemployed on or after July 6, 2008,
  • Have exhausted your entitlement to your regular UI claim,
  • Are not qualified to file a new regular claim,
  • Have had a valid claim that began on or after May 7, 2006,
  • Meet all eligibility criteria, AND
  • Have a regular UI claim where the total amount earned in the base period is either:
    • More than 40 times your weekly benefit amount

      OR
    • More than 1.5 times the highest quarter in your base period.

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What are the deadlines for filing for the second federal extension?

Under current federal extension filing deadlines, the last date the second federal extension can begin is February 28, 2010. If you collect all of the benefits on your first federal extension before February 28, 2010, and meet all of the following eligibility criteria you may be eligible for the second federal extension if you:

  • Were eligible for the first extension,
  • Collected all benefits on the first extension,
  • Are not qualified to file a new regular claim in California or in any other state(s), AND
  • Meet all eligibility criteria.

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What is the FED-ED extension?

The Federal-State Extended Duration Benefits (FED-ED extension) is a program that provides up to 20 weeks of additional UI benefits to individuals who are unemployed and have collected all of their available UI benefits. The program begins once the State’s unemployment rate reaches a certain percentage according to state and federal law. Once the State’s unemployment rate drops below a certain percentage the program will end. No FED-ED extended benefit payments can be made for weeks of unemployment that begin after the FED-ED program has ended.

For eligible claimants who have collected all of benefits on their second federal extension with a week-ending date after November 21, 2009, they must collect the one week added to the second federal extension, and the new third and fourth federal extension before they can potentially collect the FED-ED extension.

For eligible claimants who have collected all of the benefits on their second federal extension with a week-ending date prior to November 21, 2009, a FED-ED extension will be filed for the claimants if eligible. The claimants must collect all available benefits on the FED-ED extension before they can file and collect the one week added to the second federal extension, and the new third and fourth federal extensions.

At this time the last date a qualified individual can file a FED-ED extension prior to collecting the added week to the second federal extension, and the new third and fourth federal extension is November 22, 2009. However, it is possible FED-ED benefits may become available later in 2010 if the state maintains high levels of unemployment. Please monitor this EDD Web site for any further developments.

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What are the deadlines for filing for the FED-ED extension?

There is no deadline for filing the FED-ED extension at this time. When the FED-ED program ends depends on California’s unemployment rate. Once California’s unemployment rate drops below a certain level the FED-ED program will end and no further FED-ED extensions can be filed.

For eligible claimants who have collected all benefits on their second federal extension with a week-ending date after November 21, 2009, they must collect the one week added to the second federal extension, and the new third and fourth federal extension before they can potentially collect the FED-ED extension.

For eligible claimants who have collected all of the benefits on their second federal extension with a week-ending date prior to November 21, 2009, a FED-ED extension will be filed for the claimants if eligible. The claimants must collect all available benefits on the FED-ED extension before they can file and collect the one week added to the second federal extension, and the new third and fourth federal extensions.

If California’s unemployment rate continues to meet the State requirements to file FED-ED extensions, California can continue to file FED-ED extensions. Please closely monitor our EDD Web site for further developments.

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How are FED-ED requirements different from previous extensions?

The requirements to receive FED-ED extended benefits are stricter than the requirements from previous extensions. In order to receive FED-ED extended benefits, you must continue to meet all UI eligibility criteria. You may be required to:

  • Document at least three (3) work search contacts on the back of your Continued Claim Form, DE 4581.
  • Accept offers of suitable work that may not be in your normal occupation.

For more information regarding FED-ED requirements refer to the Notice of Determination for Federal-State Extended Duration (FED-ED Extension) that was mailed to you when your FED-ED extension was filed.

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Do I still need to fill out a Continued Claim Form for extensions?

Yes. As one of the requirements to receive UI benefits, including extended benefits you must continue to complete the Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, and mail it to EDD in a timely manner.

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My check didn’t include a Continued Claim Form. Where can I get one?

Individuals who did not receive a Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, should contact EDD online, or call the toll-free number. You are encouraged to contact EDD online as the EDD is currently experiencing high call volumes. Contacting EDD online is the fastest way to get your Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, mailed to you.

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Can I check the status of my extended benefit checks online?

No, you cannot check the status of your extended benefit checks online. However, you can check the status of any UI benefit check, including extended benefit checks, by using our automated telephone system. You will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access your information. You create your PIN using the automated telephone system.

You can call the automated self-service system at 1-866-333-4606 for check information and One-Stop Career Center locations. The automated self-service system can be used by individuals who do not need to speak to a representative. The recorded information about your most recent Unemployment Insurance benefit check is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

If you want to speak to an EDD representative you can call one of EDD’s toll-free numbers.

English 1-800-300-5616
Spanish 1-800-326-8937
Chinese 1-800-547-3506
Vietnamese 1-800-547-2058
TTY 1-800-815-9387

If you have not received your check or any response from EDD within 10 days of mailing your Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, contact EDD. Also contact EDD immediately if you lose your check.

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Can I use the same PIN number that I use to check the status of my regular UI checks to check the status of my extension benefit checks?

Yes, you can use the same PIN number to check the status of any UI benefit check, including extended benefit checks.

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If I’m granted an extension, will I get benefits for any missed weeks?

In general, if you qualify for an extension you will be mailed a bi-weekly Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, for the first two weeks of your extension. You cannot be paid extended benefits unless you submit a completed and signed Continued Claim Form, DE 4581. Once EDD receives your Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, and it is determined you meet all the eligibility criteria, your extended benefit check will be issued with the next bi-weekly Continued Claim Form, DE 4581 attached to the check.

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If an extension is automatically filed for me by EDD, what will I be receiving in the mail?

If the first, third, or fourth federal extension is filed for you, you will receive a notice informing you that your federal extension has been filed, and a Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, for the first two weeks.

If the second federal extension is filed for you, you will receive a Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, for the first two weeks. You will have already received notification of the amount of your second extension on the check stub for the last payment on your first federal extension.

If the FED-ED extension is filed for you, you will receive a Notice of Determination for Federal-State Extended Duration Benefits (FED-ED Extension) and a Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, for the first two weeks.

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