- Be unemployed through no fault of your own. To qualify for UI benefits in California, you must have lost your last job through no fault of your own.
- Meet the past earning requirements. When you file a UI claim, your past employers will report your wages to the EDD.
- Have a satisfactory immigration status. UI benefits are only available to individuals who are lawfully in the United States, either as a citizen or a legal immigrant.
- Be able, available, and actively seeking suitable employment. To qualify for UI benefits and to continue receiving benefits, you must be physically able to work, you must be immediately ...
Full Answer
What are the qualifications for unemployment benefits in California?
You must be:
- Physically able to work.
- Available for work.
- Ready and willing to accept work immediately.
How much does unemployment insurance pay in California?
The CARES Act improved unemployment benefits in the following ways:
- It provides an additional $600 per week in benefits and payments through July 31, 2020.
- It adds an additional 13 weeks of benefits through December 31, 2020. ...
- it expands benefits for part-time, seasonal, self-employed, and contract workers (such as those in the gig economy).
Who qualifies for unemployment in California?
- Work-related misconduct. …
- Misconduct outside work. …
- Turning down a suitable job. …
- Failing a drug test. …
- Not looking for work. …
- Being unable to work. …
- Receiving severance pay. …
- Getting freelance assignments.
How long can you collect unemployment insurance in California?
- Totally or partially unemployed.
- Unemployed through no fault of your own.
- Physically able to work.
- Available for work.
- Ready and willing to accept work immediately.
Will I be eligible for unemployment benefits in California I just quit my job?
If you quit your job, we will conduct a phone interview with you and your employer about two weeks after your file your claim to determine if you are eligible for UI benefits.If you quit your job, you must show that there was good cause for leaving, and that you made all reasonable attempts to keep your job (such as requested a leave of absence or transfer).Note: Good cause can include unsafe working conditions, a medical doctor’s advice, or protecting yourself or your child from domestic violence.
What should I do if I received notice that I am not eligible for unemployment benefits in California?
You have the right to file an appeal if you do not agree with all or part of our decision. For more information, visit Unemployment Insurance Appeals.
Where do I file a claim for unemployment benefits in Caifornia if I am sick or injured?
If you are not eligible for UI benefits because you are sick or injured, file a claim with Disability Insurance.
Am I eligible for unemployment benefits in California if I am taking care of a seriously ill family member?
If you are caring for a family member or bonding with a new child, you can file a claim with California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. Caring for a new child includes the birth of a child, adoption, or foster care placement.Note: You cannot receive PFL benefits for the same period of time you receive UI or Disability Insurance benefits.
How does vacation pay or holiday pay affect my eligibility to receive unemployment benefits in California?
See full answerIf you were given a definite return-to-work date at the time you were laid off, we may deduct vacation or holiday pay from your benefits.If you are not given a definite return-to-work date, any vacation or holiday pay you receive when your job ends is not deducted from your weekly benefit amount.If you are given a definite return-to-work date, any vacation or holiday pay for the period of the temporary layoff is deducted from your benefits. We will allocate your vacation and holiday pay as follows:Vacation pay will be allocated to match the number of days you requested vacation, or the number of days your employer required you to use as vacation during the temporary layoff.Holiday pay that is paid before you return to work will be allocated to match the holiday weeks. Holiday pay that is paid after you return to work will be allocated to match the week that you return to work.
Expert Q&A
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Tips
After EDD approves your benefits, you will be required to fill out a “Continued Claim Form" on a bi-weekly basis. These forms can be submitted via U.S. mail or online using the EDD Web Cert/UI Online feature on the EDD website. For an example of a “Continued Claim Form,” click here.
Warnings
Mondays, early mornings, and the days following a holiday are times of heaviest call volumes for filing an unemployment claim by phone.
About This Article
This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 206,699 times.
What happens if you run out of unemployment benefits?
If you have run out of benefits, you are unemployed, and your benefit year has expired, reapply for benefits through UI Online. If you have run out of benefits but you are still within the one year that your claim is good for, and your benefits: Ran out before February 2, you are probably not eligible for PUA.
Who is eligible for PUA?
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) If you are a business owner, independent contractor, self-employed worker, freelancer, or gig worker and only received a 1099 tax form last year , you are most likely eligible for PUA.
Can I file a new claim if I already applied for UI?
File a new claim if you have already applied for UI but are eligible for PUA because you are a business owner, independent contractor, self-employed worker, freelancer, or gig worker affected by COVID-19, and you have not already appealed a $0 award notice, been asked to verify your identity, or requested a wage investigation.
Can I get paid family leave if I am not eligible for UI?
If you’re not eligible for UI, you may be eligible for Disability Insurance or Paid Family Leave. You usually qualify if you paid into the State Disability Insurance program (noted as “CASDI” on paystubs), via taxes.
Can I still get unemployment if I work?
You can still receive unemployment benefits while working, depending on your pay. Your child’s school is closed, and you need to miss work to care for them. Your previous UI claim has expired. If you're already receiving UI, review Receive your benefits to learn how your UI claim may be affected by COVID-19.
Can I get unemployment if I am out of work?
If you are out of work or had your hours reduced, you may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits from California’s Employment Development Department ( EDD). First register or log in at Benefit Programs Online, then apply for unemployment benefits on UI Online℠. Go to Benefit Programs Online.
How to apply for unemployment in California?
To submit an California unemployment application for UI benefits, you will need to visit the EDD website and click on the link that says “File for Unemployment.”. Determine the amount and duration of your benefit. After you apply, you will receive a Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award.
How to substantiate unemployment claim in California?
To substantiate your California unemployment claim, you should keep a record of your work search dates, contacts, and other pertinent efforts to validate your claim. As part of your work search, you should register with EDD Workforce Services, CalJOBS.
How to contact EDD about unemployment?
In addition to the methods mentioned above, you can also access the EDD website or call the self-service number at 1-866-333-4606. If you do not certify for benefits in a timely manner, your benefits may be delayed.
What happens if you don't have enough unemployment in California?
If you do not have enough earnings to establish a claim, then you will be denied benefits. Wages that have already been used to determine your California unemployment amount of benefits to be paid on a claim cannot be used again to file another claim. You will be required to serve a one week unpaid waiting period.
How long can you wait to receive unemployment benefits in California?
If you wait longer than 10 days, it may result in a delay of receiving your benefits. California unemployment laws are strict when it comes to fraud, so it’s important to report mistakes as soon as possible. You will also receive a Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award.
What is the state agency for unemployment in California?
The state agency in charge of administering unemployment insurance claims for California residents is the Employment Development Department (EDD). It provides financial benefits for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own and who are ready, willing, and able to actively seek work.
What happens after you apply for unemployment?
After you apply, you will receive a Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award . This gives you information about when your claim begins and ends, what your maximum benefit amount will be, what your weekly benefit amount will be, and what your highest quarterly earnings are.
What is the California unemployment program?
California’s unemployment insurance program can help you navigate the temporary financial crunch brought on by job loss. Be sure to read all the eligibility criteria carefully before filing your claim for California unemployment benefits.
How long can you get unemployment in California?
Typically, California unemployment benefits are available for a maximum of 26 weeks. But under the new federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, the state expanded the length of time workers can receive benefits by an additional 13 weeks.
How often do you have to recertify for unemployment?
To keep receiving benefits, you have to continue to meet these requirements. Every two weeks, you’ll have to resubmit information to the EDD, a process known as certifying for benefits. Your benefits will end if you don’t recertify your eligibility every two weeks.
How long can you get unemployment in the US?
You can receive unemployment benefits for 26 weeks in a one-year time frame that begins the week you file your first claim. This can mean either 26 continuous weeks or varying periods of unemployment throughout the year. To keep receiving benefits, you have to continue to meet these requirements.
How to file an EDD?
and noon Pacific time on weekdays. If you choose to file by mail or fax, you can download the form here.
How much unemployment do you get if you make 36,000 a year?
For example, if you earn a salary of $36,000 per year, your high-quarter wages would be $9,000 and your weekly benefit amount will be $347. You can estimate your benefit amount using California’s unemployment benefit calculator.
How much is the minimum weekly benefit in California?
The maximum weekly benefit amount in California is $450 and the minimum weekly benefit is $40. How much your weekly benefit will be depends on the wages you earned in the past during a specific period of time called a base period.
What is the eligibility for unemployment in California?
Eligibility for unemployment is based on various factors, such as prior earnings, the reason for unemployment, and other eligibility requirements created by California's Employment Development Department (EDD).
How much do you have to earn to get a job in California?
In California, qualified applicants must have earned at least $1,300 in their highest-paid quarter of the base period, or have earned at least $900 in their highest-paid quarter of the base period and at least 1.25 times their earnings in the highest-paid quarter during the entire base period.
Why do people get laid off from unemployment?
Reasons for Unemployment. Most people who collect unemployment benefits have been laid off from their jobs, either permanently or temporarily. An employee who is laid off, loses a job in a reduction-in-force, or gets downsized for economic reasons, will meet the department's requirements. When it comes to employees who are fired, ...
What does the Employment Development Department ask for?
The Employment Development Department asks employees to affirm that they meet these requirements when submitting benefits claims. The EDD may also ask for the names of employers contacted, the dates on which the applicant contacted potential employers, and the outcome of those communications. Talk to a Lawyer.
Can you collect unemployment if you quit your job?
Although people are generally unable to collect unemployment if they quit their jobs, there are certain reasons for quitting that won't render them ineligible for benefits. For example, an employee who quits because of adverse or unsafe working conditions may be able to receive benefits.
Can you get laid off from unemployment?
Most people who collect unemployment benefits have been laid off from their jobs, either permanently or temporarily. An employee who is laid off, loses a job in a reduction-in-force, or gets downsized for economic reasons, will meet the department's requirements.
Can you get unemployment if you are fired in California?
In California, an employee who is fired for misconduct is ineligible for benefits only if the employee failed to perform a material duty to the employer, in a manner that showed wanton or reckless disregard for the duty and tended to harm the employer's interests. (Learn more about unemployment benefits for those who are fired ).
How much do you have to earn to be accepted for unemployment?
For a claim to be accepted you must have either earned at least $1,300.00 in the highest quarter (3-month term) of your base period, or at least $900.00 in the highest quarter and total base period earnings of 1.25 times your highest quarter earnings.
How long does it take to get $450 unemployment?
If these criteria are met, and the claim is approved, you can receive up to $450 per week for up to 26 weeks while you seek new employment. On the other hand, collecting unemployment might be more difficult if you were fired for misconduct.