UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BASICS

What is Unemployment Insurance (UI)? Unemployment insurance is a joint state-federal social insurance program designed to help workers pay the bills while looking for work. California employers pay into the system and workers who lose a job through no fault of their own are entitled to benefits.

For complete background on the UI system, see the State of California's UI Fact Sheet. 

When do I apply?  ASAP after losing your job.  You claim period begins when you file. 

Does it cost money? No. Applying for unemployment insurance is FREE and easy.  BEWARE of scams trying to charge for this service.

How much help do I get?  $40 - $450, based on your previous wages.  A new federal law has temporarily increased all benefits by $25 a week. To see how much you qualify for, visit http://www.edd.ca.gov/pdf_pub_ctr/de1101bt5.pdf

What information will I need to apply? You will need to have the following information ready:

• Your name and social security number
• Your mailing and residence addresses (if different)
• Your telephone number
• Your last employer information (regardless of the length of time you worked for the employer) including name, address (mailing and physical location) and telephone number (including area code)
• Information on all employers you worked for during the 18 months prior to submitting your applications and filling your claim, including name, period of employment, wages earned and how you were paid
• Your last date worked and the reason you are no longer working
• Your gross earnings in the last week you worked
• Your driver's license or ID card number, if you have either
• Your citizenship status (which may include your alien registration number)

How soon will I get the money?  The State estimates that it will take about 3 weeks.

How long will my UI benefits last?  Benefits normally last up to six months, but because of the high rates of unemployment across the country, Congress has extended the maximum length of benefits to 79 weeks in California. If you qualified for the first two extensions, you should automatically receive an extra twenty weeks of help if you need it.

Even if your benefits have recently stopped, you may be eligible for the most recent extension and you should receive a notice in the mail. For full details on the newest help available, visit the State of CA website on this topic.

To see if you qualify for any extensions or to apply for them, call:

• English: 1-800-300-5616
• Spanish: 1-800-326-8937
• Cantonese: 1-800-547-3506
• Mandarin: 1-866-303-0706
• Vietnamese: 1-800-547-2058
• TTY: (NON VOICE): 1-800-815-9387

For a full description of the claim process from the State of CA, click here.

APPLYING FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSUANCE

1. Prepare to apply:  EDD has several ways to apply for benefits. Before you head to the computer or reach for the phone, make sure you have as much of the information listed above as possible. Once you’re ready, you have three ways to apply:

2. Choose the easiest way to apply: You can apply online, by phone, or by mail. You cannot apply in person.

Online – this is the fastest way to apply and the method recommended by EDD. Go to https://eapply4ui.edd.ca.gov/ to get the process started. The forms can also be filled out in Spanish at https://eapply4ui.edd.ca.gov/default_Sp.htm

By phone – because of the record levels of calls that EDD has been processing, workers filing applications by phone are experiencing long wait times. Phone filing hours are between 8am - 5pm M-F (except holidays) &10am -2pm on Saturday.

• In English: 1-800-300-5616      
• En Espagnol: 1-800-326-8937

By mail or fax – if you prefer to fill out a hardcopy application, you can go to the website listed above, print out the application and mail or fax it to EDD.

 

What happens next? If the state needs more information to determine your claim, they will call you to schedule a phone interview. Once the state has all the information it needs, the state will send you a letter notifying you of the approval or denial of your claim.

 

What happens if my claim is denied? You have the right to appeal and should definitely appeal if you feel you are entitled to benefits. To appeal a claim, use this form:

http://www.edd.ca.gov/pdf_pub_ctr/de1000m.pdf