California Unemployment

California Unemployment Insurance Benefits

California’s Employment Development Department manages the state’s unemployment insurance benefits program. It is designed to provide temporary financial support while unemployed California workers who have lost jobs through no fault of their own look for new employment.

These jobless benefits help the state minimize the negative effects of unemployment on unemployed Californians, individual families, local communities, and the statewide economy.

California Unemployment Services

Am I Eligible for Unemployment Benefits in California?

Individual eligibility determinations for unemployment aid are made on a case by case basis, guided by the following eligibility criteria for any California worker who applies:

• A claimant must have earned enough wages during the base period for review, as defined by California law – this helps determine benefit amounts
• The claimant must be completely or partially unemployed through no fault of their own – layoffs, business shutdowns, etc.
• The claimant must physically be able to work
• The claimant must be available for work – meaning all applicable transportation and child care arrangements have been made
• The claimant must be ready and willing to accept suitable work immediately once it is offered

Benefit Payments and Duration

How To Apply for Unemployment Benefits in California

The state of California encourages claimants to submit their initial unemployment benefits claim online after setting up an account through the state’s online services via the EDD website.

Online jobless claims are accepted during the following times:

• Sunday: 5 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Monday: 4 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Tuesday-Friday: 2 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 2 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Claimants also may call any of the following numbers to file a new claim for benefit payments over the phone, seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (except for state holidays).

• English and Spanish: 800-300-5616
• Cantonese: 800-547-3506
• Mandarin: 866-303-0706
• Vietnamese: 800-547-2058
• TTY: 800-815-9387

If you need to mail your new unemployment claim, you can download a printable form from the California Employment Development Department website. Once complete, you can mail your UI benefits claim to the address included on the form.

How Do I Manage My Unemployment Benefits?

For every week you request a weekly benefit payment, you must show the state of California that you are eligible to receive payments. To do so, you’ll answer a series of basic questions about your job search activities, any income or wages you’ve earned during the previous week and any job offers you have received.

You may submit your weekly claim certification online, by phone, or by mail. Further information about submitting your weekly claim is available within your online portal.

Filing an Appeal

If you disagree with a decision about your UI claim, you have the right to appeal. To do so, you must submit your request for appeal in writing within 30 days of the postmarked date on your official decision letter.

You can download the appeal form or use the copy included within your decision notice. Your notice also will outline the address to which you should mail your request for appeal.

If you prefer, you also may write a letter to the Employment Development Department to request an appeal. Your letter should include all of the following:

• Full name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Social Security number
• Name and mailing address of any representative
• Reason for your appeal
• A copy of the original decision you are appealing
• Any request for language assistance or special accommodations

How Do I Report Fraud?

The California Employment Development Department is dedicated to stopping unemployment insurance fraud and protecting California workers in legitimate need.

If you suspect someone of fraudulently collecting benefits, please make a report. The best way to report fraudulent claims to the state of California is by visiting Ask EDD and selecting Report Fraud. You can also call the EDD Fraud Hotline at 800-229-6297 or fax a summary of your concerns to 866-340-5484.

California Unemployment Office Locations