By SDCN Editor
Sacramento, CA–The federal programs extending unemployment benefits in California expired September 4 for an estimated 2.2 million people.
Another approximately 500,000 Californians will continue on regular state unemployment insurance but without the $300 federal PAC supplement. The Employment Development Department (EDD) sent claimants whose federal benefits were ending the second round of notices with links to other vital benefit programs that continue beyond September 4.
Extended Duration (FED-ED) extension ends September 11.
Expired federal unemployment benefits:
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
• Pandemic Additional Compensation (PAC) (also known as Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) supplement)
• Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC).
Federal rules allow those who still have FED-ED weeks available to continue receiving benefits as late as 11:59 p.m. on September 11, 2021. Similarly, if a claimant’s PEUC benefits end September 4—and that person has not already had a FED-ED extension and now qualifies for one—EDD will transfer them to FED-ED until September 11.
Claimants should continue to certify for benefits if eligible. Any weeks of unemployment that occurred before these programs expire can still be paid retroactively if a claimant is later determined to be eligible for those weeks of benefits.
The federal government does not allow benefit payments for weeks of unemployment after federal unemployment programs end, even if claimants have balances left on their claim. A person who had no income in the past 18 months does not have enough wages to qualify for a new regular state unemployment insurance claim. EDD has a calculator to estimate any potential benefit available.
While the federal programs extending unemployment benefits in the state have expired, the American Rescue Plan and California Comeback Plan substantially expanded other vital benefits that continue to help eligible California families. EDD is supporting a partnership, #TogetherWeBenefit, with other state agencies and departments and county and community organizations to actively raise awareness about these other benefit programs:
• Over $234 per person per month for food via CalFresh (GetCalFresh.org or by phone at 1-877-847-3663), whether a person is working or not.
• Money for rent and utilities—including 100 percent rent and utilities—via Housing is Key (HousingIsKey.com or by phone at 1-833-430-2122).
• Free or low-cost health insurance through Covered California or Medi-Cal (CoveredCA.com or by phone at 1-800-300-1506). Californians who received unemployment insurance in 2021 may be eligible for Covered California’s best coverage for $1 per month. Individuals already enrolled in Medi-Cal or a Covered California health plan should report any loss of unemployment benefits to Covered California because this will lower health coverage costs.
• Cash aid for families with children (CalWORKs) through county human services agencies at BenefitsCal.org (where people can also apply for food assistance [CalFresh], and free health coverage [Medi-Cal]).
• Golden State Stimulus payments for millions of qualified residents who file taxes, even if not required. (By phone at 1-800-845-6500). Filing taxes may also qualify you for the child tax credit under the American Rescue Plan.
The EDD has posted links to vital benefit programs on UI Online—the unemployment insurance online portal.
