Welcome to the Employment Development Department

FAQ - Extended Unemployment Benefits

How do I file for the first extension?

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, the Department will automatically file the first extension and send you an additional Continued Claim Form, DE 4581. No action is required on your part.

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Do I need to reapply for the second extension?

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

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I received a letter stating that I may be eligible for a FED-ED (third) extension. Does this mean I need to apply for the extension?

Yes. To find out if you are eligible for a FED-ED extension, you must apply online at EDD’s Web site, or call the telephone numbers listed on the letter. You are encouraged to file online as the EDD is currently experiencing high call volumes. Filing online is the fastest way to file your claim.

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My regular UI claim has just ended and/or expired. Am I still eligible for the first extension?

The last date the first extension can begin is December 20, 2009. If you exhaust your entitlement to regular UI benefits before December 20, 2009, and meet all of the following eligibility criteria, you may be eligible for the first 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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My first extension has just expired. Am I still eligible for the second extension?

The last date the second extension can begin is December 27, 2009. If you collect all of the benefits on your first extension before December 27, 2009, and meet all of the following eligibility criteria you may be eligible for the second extension if you:

  • Were eligible for the first extension,
  • Collected all benefits on the first extension by December 26, 2009,
  • Are not qualified to file a new regular claim, AND
  • Meet all eligibility criteria.

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My second extension has just expired. Am I eligible for the FED-ED (third) extension?

You may be potentially eligible for FED-ED benefits if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are fully or partially unemployed on or after February 22, 2009.
  • Have exhausted your entitlement to a regular UI claim (up to 26 weeks of benefits).
  • Have collected all benefits on your first federal extension (up to 20 weeks of benefits).
  • Have collected all benefits on your second federal extension for weeks ending on or after February 21, 2009 (Up to 13 weeks of benefits).
  • Are not qualified to file a new regular UI claim.
  • Meet all eligibility criteria, AND
  • The total amount earned in the base period of your most recent regular UI claim 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 is the FED-ED extension?

The Federal-State Extended Duration Benefits (FED-ED extension) is a program that provides 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.

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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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How long will it take to get my first FED-ED check?

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.

UI benefit check information is available using our automated telephone system and 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 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 (UI) benefit check is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

If you want to speak to a Department 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

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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 the Department 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 a Department 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?

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 extension is filed for you, you will receive a Notice of Determination for Emergency Unemployment Compensation and a Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, for the first two weeks.

If the second extension is filed for you, you will receive a Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, for the first two weeks.

If the FED-ED (third) 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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