In May 2010, California remained the third highest state in the U.S. for unemployment rates. The May rate held steady in the same range finishing the month at the 12.4%. California Unemployment rate has remained steadily above the U.S. average for an extended length of time. The rate of 12.4% is 1.1% higher than May 2009's rate. http://www.bls.gov/news.release/laus.nr0.htm

While the nation as a whole averages around 9.7% unemployment rate California only has 5 out of 58 counties which are below that rate. These five counties are Santa Barbara at 8.3%, San Mateo at 8.8%, Marin with a 7.9% rate, Inyo 9%, and Orange at 9.2%. http://www.sacbee.com/2009/03/19/1698037/unemployment-in-california.html

In March 2010, California unemployment rate reached an all time high of 12.6% while 100,000 unemployed workers were reaching the end of their benefits and extensions. http://www.reliableplant.com/Read/24175/Chart-state-unemployment-rates http://www.calmis.ca.gov/file/lfmonth/countyur-400c.pdf

In May 2010, Imperial County continued to be the highest spot for unemployment at 27.5%. In addition to Imperial, Sutter County remained at the 20% mark for unemployment rate. http://www.sacbee.com/2009/03/19/1698037/unemployment-in-california.html

The current 12.4% rate is still a stark contrast from the low unemployment rate of 4.8% in 2006. Unemployment Insurance is a nationwide program created to provide partial wage replacement to unemployed workers while they conduct an active search for new work. Unemployment Insurance is a federal-state program, based on federal law, but executed through state law. In California, the program is administered by the Employment Development Department (EDD). http://www.edd.ca.gov/

Business Insider ran an overview of the Top 20 Most Unemployed cites in the United States in May 2010. The list was complied using Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Of the 20 cities, 12 were located in the state of California.

The cities making the list included:http://www.businessinsider.com/tough-times-meet-americas-cities-with-the-highest-unemployment-rate-2010-5

• ElCentro - 27%
• Merced- 22.1%
• Yuba City - 21.7%
• Visalia Portersville - 19.4%
• Modesto - 19.2%
• Fresno - 18.7%
• Hanford - Corcoran - 18.6%
• Stockton - 18.4%
• Bakersfield Delano - 18.3%
• Redding - 17.7%
• Madera-Chowchilla - 17.5%
• Salinas - 16.8%

Under current legislation for unemployment, Californians could file for a first extension on benefits up to Sunday, May 23, 2010, if their regular UI claim runs out. Someone who receives their last payment on their regular state UI claim for a week that ends after this date is not eligible for an extension. This situation applies to people who started a typical 26-week regular state claim after November 15, 2009. Without further legislation there is no extension benefit for these individuals. http://www.edd.cahwnet.gov/Unemployment/Federal_Unemployment_Insurance_Extensions.htm

As of May 2010 more than 100,000 California claimants have used all their benefits and this number is expected to grow week by week. No additional weeks of extension beyond the 99 weeks are currently being considered.http://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/Federal_Unemployment_Insurance_Extensions.htm

In California, there are currently second, third, and fourth federal extensions for those who qualify. It is important to stay in touch with the unemployment division and know what extensions you are eligible for and what the application deadlines are.

Applicants for unemployment benefits in CA should be aware that some items impact the insurance benefit. For instance, wages, pension payments, holiday pay, and vacation or sick pay may be deducted from the benefit. Severance pay has been determined to not be deducted from the benefit and does not impact the eligibility to receive unemployment in CA.http://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Before_you_Start.htm

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