I've almost exhausted my unemployment benefits—I’m at 20 weeks, and 26 is the max—and I live in California. It's not that I haven't been trying to find work, but I'm struggling to secure a job. I suspect that ageism might be a factor. Has anyone in this state had success in getting an unemployment extension? Thank you in advance; I'm really stressing out right now.

12 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 30,2024 at 5:30PM UTC

   No, right now 26 weeks is the maximum. Also you can look into food stamps and welfare. These will help you if your in crisis.

2. AnonymousJune 30,2024 at 6:42PM UTC

   Yes. I was extended when I was in a similar position. Definitely go for it. Make sure you can prove your job search and that you are applying to jobs on indeed .com. Take ageism out of your mind. Some places want seasoned old folks like us. My boss is almost 20 years younger than me. Our president is a woman in her mid 70s. You’ll find the right fit.

3. AnonymousJune 30,2024 at 10:00PM UTC

   I am sorry to hear your situation. Unfortunately, age discrimination is a true issue.

4. AnonymousJuly 1,2024 at 12:11AM UTC

   Serious question: how can you conclude age discrimination with absolutely zero information from the OP on her actual search? She’s shared nothing about her background, experience, search tactics or resume and interview feedback. Please FGB, let’s get away from this victim mentality as our permanent default position.

5. AnonymousJuly 1,2024 at 12:43PM UTC

   I was laid off after 18 yrs and received unemployment for 1 year, then 10 yrs, and laid off; again received unemployment for the time out of work. I have been in my current job 4 yrs and I'm 68 going on 69 yrs of age. I'm in California and am a senior executive assistant. I removed my old work history from my resume (used a company to revise and revamp it for me). Well worth it. Love my current job and will hopefully retire from this one.

   Best of luck to you. Praying something comes along for you.

6. AnonymousJuly 1,2024 at 2:07PM UTC

   Let’s take a moment to cheer for this respondent starting a new job at 64! This should give everyone encouragement that us older folks are valued!

7. AnonymousJuly 2,2024 at 1:17PM UTC

   64 is not old to start a job. If you have to work, you have to work - regardless of age.

   Additionally, she is under full retirement age! I am not sure why you would point that out as some type of anomaly. She brings valuable experience and wisdom to the table!

8. AnonymousJuly 1,2024 at 2:54PM UTC

   from 20 to 26, the secret behind is 26 ghosting in companies payroll, they lied to plaintiff of “unemployed” to hide the fact of unspoken wage theft at historical state park. … notice power outrage in heat wave? Some gangs are sneaky stealing

9. AnonymousJuly 1,2024 at 7:58PM UTC

   I’m in the same boat but on Washington unemployment. The only possibly helpful thing I know is that you will get an extension of benefits if you have a job of some sort like a part time service job. Other than that, I’d love to know too if we can get an extension.

10. Erin VegaJuly 1,2024 at 11:17PM UTC

    Ditto!

11. AnonymousJuly 2,2024 at 12:15PM UTC

    With the holiday season hiring a couple months away, I'm confident you can find something. Stretch yourself to get back out there in any capacity you can. It might be the chance you never knew you would get.

12. AnonymousJuly 2,2024 at 3:12PM UTC

    I was in the same situation and could not get an extension. Im 42 years old, and I had 2 head hunters and was searching like mad. Im a single mom with no outside support and I was about to fall apart. I finally got a job when I literally had $40 left in my pocket and was selling everything I owned to keep afloat. The job doesn't pay great, but it's a job, and Ive been here for a year and am so grateful for it. You will find one, keep pushing forward, don't give up, and sadly don't depend on the gov to help. I was told when I asked for an extension that CA does not give them out post covid, but maybe that was just my experience.