What to do if you're unemployed in California

A person who files for unemployment has to meet the California Unemployment criteria. To get unemployment insurance benefits in California, a worker must:

- Have been paid enough wages during a specific base period to establish a claim
- Be completely or partly unemployed
- Be unemployed through no fault of his/her own. If you quit or are terminated, the State of California will determine fault. If you are laid off, you are likely eligible.
- Have the physical ability to work
- Be prepared, willing, and available to start work immediately
- Be actively looking for work
- Continue to meet requirements each week employment benefits are received
- Get approval for training before any training benefits are paid

When must I apply?
Apply as soon as your job is terminated or hours are reduced.

What information do I need?

1. Your Information
- Name, mailing address, telephone number, and Social Security number.
- Driver's license or ID card number.
- If you're not a citizen, you'll also need your alien registration number and expiration date.
- If you served in the military in the last 18 months, you'll also need DD Form 214 if you served in the military in the last 18 months.

2. Information about your last employer
- Business name
- Mailing address, phone number, and name of supervisor.
- explanation for employment reduction or unemployment.

3. Narrative of your employment
- Name each employer you worked for in the last 18 months, with beginning and ending dates.
- Wages were paid and how often you were paid.

Once you have all the information gathered, the next step is to file with the State of California.

How can I file for California Unemployment Benefits?

There are a few different ways to file for unemployment benefits in California.
The fastest way to file your claim is on the web at www.edd.ca.gov. The website is available in English or Spanish. filing for benefits on the internet is safe, reliable, and available 24 hours a day. If you run into problems, you can use the Contact Us feature to get help. If you want to file for benefits by mail or fax instead, you can get a printable application on the internet. Phone numbers for phone filing are also available there.

If you are eligible, you will receive a Continued Claim form within 10 days of EDD processing your application. Fill out the form and return it. If all eligibility requirements are met, EDD will send you a check with another Continued Claim form. You will need to submit a Continued Claim form every two weeks.

How much will I receive?
Unemployment benefits in California are between $40-$450 weekly. The exact figure is determined by your wage history. To qualify for the maximum amount each week ($450) an individual must earn at least $11,674.01 during the base period before unemployment.

What should I do next?
After you've filed for unemployment, you need to start seeking new employment.

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