If you are a California resident and lost your job following a company layoff or downsizing, you are likely eligible for unemployment benefits. There is more than one way to file an unemployment claim in the Golden State. Read below for more information on how to get California unemployment benefits.
Steps
Step 1. Go to the California Employment Development Department website by clicking here
Step 2. Select "eApply4UI" to proceed to the online application
Alternatively, select "File or Reopen a UI Claim" under "Apply for UI or Reopen a UI Claim" among other claim options.
Step 3. Select the method by which you apply for unemployment benefits
Choose from "Online", "Mail or Fax" or "Telephone" as your preferred application method.
Call the phone number that will be provided to you after selecting the "Telephone" link to submit your California unemployment claim over the phone
Step 4. Click "Continue" after reading the next page when you select "Online" or "Mail or Fax" as the submission method
Step 5. Read the instructions for completing unemployment benefits applications
Step 6. Check the box to indicate that you have read the instructions, then click "Continue"
Step 7. Answer the mandatory questions if you have selected "Online" or "Mail or Fax" to access the online unemployment benefit application form
You can fill it out and submit over the Internet, or print it out, fill it out manually, and mail or fax it to the Employment Development Department (EDD).
To submit your application online, please continue to fill in the required questions and information until your application is complete to be submitted over the Internet. If you prefer to print and write by hand, fill in the necessary questions, then select the link for DE 1101I to open the.pdf version of the "Unemployment Insurance Application"
Step 8. If you select the DE-1101I link for the
pdf, fill it in online and print it, or print a blank form and fill it out by hand. You can mail it (additional postage required) to the EDD at the following address:
-
EDD
BIT. Box 12906
Oakland, CA
94604-2909
- You can also fax your application to the following number: 1-866-215-9159
Step 9. Provide all necessary information in the online application or in the.pdf file
When filling out your information, be sure to include:
- Social security number, name, address, job history for the last 18 months and information about your last employer.
- The specific reason you are out of work.
Step 10. You will receive your indemnity documents by post within 10 days of submitting your application if it has been approved
Advice
- The tax code must appear at the top of each application page.
- When filling in by hand, you must use black or blue ink.
- A waiting period of 1 week is required for all unemployment claims. This period is unpaid.
- Click the "Video" link under "Apply for UI or Reopen a UI Claim" on the California Employment Development Department website for helpful instructions on how to apply for unemployment benefits.
- You must create a personal identification number (PIN) if you are using the California EDD automated system.
- If you wish to submit your request by phone, please note that early Monday mornings and public holidays are times when there are a lot of calls.
Warnings
- Job history information must accurately include hiring dates and salaries earned.
- The California unemployment benefit application does not contain all the information you need about any delay or denial of benefits.
- When you send your request over the Internet, try not to automatically enter personal data through the use of any type of navigation tool.
