Unemployment insurance recipients in California who have exhausted regular unemployment benefits may be interested in how to file for California Extended Unemployment Benefits in order to continue receiving relief during times of economic strife or joblessness. California unemployment benefit recipients must qualify for extended unemployment benefits and will need to follow an application process in order to become eligible for supplemental benefits. While applying for extended benefits is a simple procedure, all program requirements and criteria must be met prior to filing in order for a claim to be activated successfully.http://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/Federal_Unemployment_Insurance_Extensions.htm

In order to file for extended unemployment benefits in California, one will need to follow three steps. Begin by determining eligibility for the program. Next, gather important information regarding the claim such as employer correspondence, pay stubs and earning statements. Once supporting documentation is collected, an application to activate an extended unemployment benefit claim must be submitted to the California Employment Development Department.http://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/FAQ_-_Extended_Unemployment_Benefits.htm

• On July 21, 2010, the U.S. Senate voted to extend EUC benefits until November 30, 2010. The measure does not allow for claimants who have already exhausted their EUC tiers to receive any additional benefits. Those who stopped receiving their EUC benefits after the bill expired on June 2 will receive compensation retroactive to that date.http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/21/BUSO1EHQ9G.DTL The California Employment Development Department will notify those who are eligible to receive EUC by mail.http://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/Federal_Unemployment_Insurance_Extensions.htm
• Previously, the United States Senate extended EUC benefits until June 2. On June 4, 2010, the House of Representatives voted to extend the filing deadline beyond that date, but the Senate did not vote to pass the bill.http://thebreakroom.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978271985&grpId=3659174697241980
• Unemployed workers in California were eligible to receive a maximum of 79 weeks of benefits, including initial unemployment compensation, state extended benefits, and the first two tiers of EUC prior to this new legislation. With this legislation, up to two years of benefits became available for eligible claimants.http://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/New_Federal_Unemployment_Insurance_Extensions.htm
• On November 6, 2009, President Obama signed a new law called the Worker Assistance Act of 2009. This Act provides federal funding for all fifty states to extend current Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) by an additional 14 weeks. For states with unusually high unemployment rates, such as California, the extension was set to cover an additional 6 weeks.http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/fact-sheet-worker-homeownership-and-business-assistance-act-2009

Before you can file a claim for extended unemployment benefits in California, you will need to determine if you are eligible to receive additional tiers of EUC. The main requirement you will have to meet is to have exhausted all of your available compensation related to regular unemployment insurance benefits. If your current benefits have not yet run out you will not qualify for the extended benefits program.

Additional benefits are reserved for those who have been out of work in the state for the longest amount if time. Those who file their initial claims after the extension deadline will only be eligible for extended benefits if a new extension is approved by the U.S. Congress.http://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/New_Federal_Unemployment_Insurance_Extensions.htm

Remaining employable nd maintaining eligibility for an initial unemployment compensation claim is also a requirement.http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-file-for-unemployment-in-california This means that you will have to continue meeting the following criteria:

1. You must be currently unemployed
2. You must have lost your job through no fault of your own - Generally, if you were fired due to misconduct or if you voluntarily leave your job, you will not qualify for benefits.
3. Remain able and available for full time work
4. Search actively for suitable employment
5. Be a United States citizen or be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

You will also have to meet certain monetary requirements to receive benefits. Your eligibility will be based on your wages earned during your base period, a period of four calendar quarters prior to the job loss.

If you determine that you qualify for extended benefits, your next step is to assemble information that you may need to support your claim. Most eligible claimants will not need to present information in order to refile a claim, but if you do not receive a letter from the California Employment Development Department indicating that a claim has been initiatied, then you may need to provide proof of eligibility in order to file your application.http://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/FAQ_-_Extended_Unemployment_Benefits.htm#WhatdoIneedtodoifIbelieveImeligibleforthenewextensions

If you do need to refile your claim, you will need to provide information relating to your personal identification and your most recent work history.http://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Need_More_Information.htm The personal information you will need includes the following:

1. Full name (and any names you worked under) along with your Social Security number
2. Complete mailing address and telephone number
3. California Drivers' License or state-issued ID card
4. United States Alien Registration ID number and expiration date, if you are not a U.S. citizen

You will also need the following work history information:

1. Business names of all of your employers for the last 18 months
2. Addresses and phone numbers of these employers
3. Start and end dates of your employment at these jobs
4. Amount of wages you earned at these jobs and the way you received your pay
5. Any additional pay received, such as sick pay, vacation pay or pension payments
6. The exact reason for your job separation

The above information will be verified by contacting your past employers, so it is very important that you report this information accurately and completely. Making a false statement regarding your claim can disqualify you to receive benefits for up to 52 weeks and may even be punished by criminal prosecution.http://www.edd.ca.gov/pdf_pub_ctr/de1275a.pdf

Once you have assembled all of your vital claim information, you can submit your application for extended unemployment benefits. How you will do this will vary depending on your current status with the California Employment Development Department.

Most unemployed workers who are eligible to receive extended benefits will have their claims for the additional compensation filed automatically by the Employment Development Department (EDD). If this happens, you will receive a two-week claim form in the mail. You will need to fill out this form and send it back. Shortly thereafter you should begin receiving your benefits checks along with additional claim forms. You must continue to submit your bi-weekly claim forms through the post or over the Internet in order to continue receiving your extended benefits.http://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/FAQ_-_Extended_Unemployment_Benefits.htm#WhatdoIneedtodoifIbelieveImeligibleforthenewextensions

If you have just exhausted your benefits, you will also receive a notice in the mail along with your new claim forms. If you have not received one of these notices within 10 days of exhausting your benefits, contact the EDD to file a new claim. In this case, you will need the information detailed in step 2.

Should you need to file a new claim, you can do so either online through the EDD website systemhttps://eapply4ui.edd.ca.gov/ or over the telephone. Those with access to the Internet are strongly encouraged to file online to avoid long telephone wait times. Online filing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you do need to file over the telephone, you can do so by calling the EDD Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Limited assistance will also be available on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. EDD assistance is not available on state and federal holidays.http://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Days_and_Hours_of_Service.htm

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional financial advice. Please contact your financial adviser before using the information presented here.