How to File for Unemployment in California

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  • Unemployment benefits are provided by the government to eligible unemployed workers while they search for a new job and can be used for food, housing and clothing. To file for unemployment in California, you must contact the Employment Development Department. Read on to learn everything you need to know about making an unemployment claim.

  • Introduction

    • Unemployment, formally known as "unemployment insurance," is a combined federal-state program that provides unemployed individuals with income as they search for a new job. Unemployment benefits can be used for food, housing and clothing. To receive unemployment in California, individuals must file a claim with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) via the internet, telephone, fax or mail.

  • Step 1: Determine If You Qualify

    • The Employment Development Department (EDD) decides if the claimant is eligible to collect unemployment benefits by reviewing written statements and/or conducting telephone interviews. Information provided to the EDD may be independently verified.EDD: Eligibility Eligibility requirements include:
    1. Meeting minimum earning requirements.
      1. Earned at least $1,300 in the highest quarter of your base period.EDD: Eligibility
        • The base period is a 12-month period of earnings, divided into three-month quarters.EDD: Eligibility
      2. Earned at least $900 in the highest quarter of your base period and a total of at least 1.25 times the high quarter earnings.EDD: Eligibility
    2. Being unemployed, as a result of circumstances beyond your control. Being fired for cause will generally disqualify you for unemployment.EDD: Eligibility
    3. Currently searching for work.EDD: Eligibility
      • Keep records of dates and contacts you've made during your job search, in order to substantiate that you are actively looking for work..
    • The amount of benefits an individual can receive depends on his or her previous earnings. The maximum payout is 26 times the weekly benefit amount, or one-half of the individual's base period wages, whichever is less.

  • Step 2: Gather the Necessary Information

    • To file a claim, you will need:
    1. Your legal name and Social Security number.
    2. Your driver's license or ID card number.
    3. Gross earnings information.
    4. Previous employer's name, address and phone number.
    5. Reason for unemployment.
    6. Last day of work.

  • Step 3: File a Claim

    • There are several ways to contact the EDD and file an unemployment insurance claim.

  • Filing Online

    • The fastest way to file for unemployment insurance is to file online.
    1. Go to the California Employment Development Department website.
    2. Click the Unemployment tab at the top of the screen.
    3. Click on Apply online (eApply4UI).
    4. Follow the step-by-step instructions on the screen.

  • Filing by Telephone

    • If you wish to speak to an EDD representative directly, you can call the EDD at one of its toll-free numbers:
    1. English: 1-800-300-5616
    2. Spanish: 1-800-326-8937
    3. Cantonese: 1-800-547-3506
    4. Mandarin: 1-866-303-0706
    5. Vietnamese: 1-800-547-2058
    6. Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-800-815-9387
    • You will be asked a series of interview-style questions.

  • Filing by Fax

    1. Obtain an Unemployment Insurance Application, form DE 1101I, from the EDD website or your state unemployment office.
    2. Fill out the form completely and accurately.
    3. Fax the form to 1-866-215-9159.

  • Filing by Mail

    1. Obtain an Unemployment Insurance Application, form DE 1101I, from the EDD website or your local state unemployment office.
    2. Fill out the form completely and accurately.
      • Use blue or black ink.
    3. Mail the form to:
        • EDD
        • P.O. Box 5007
        • Buena Park, CA 90622-5007
    4. Make sure to use enough postage.

  • Filing for Unemployment Insurance Tips

    • For the best results, keep the following in mind:
    1. File for unemployment benefits immediately.
    2. Once you have used up your regular unemployment benefits, you can file for a federal extension.
    3. You must contact the EDD by Friday to receive credit for that week.
    4. Make sure all information is accurate before filing your claim to prevent delays.
    5. Expect to receive your first benefit check within three weeks of filing for unemployment.
      • To find out where your check is, call the toll-free numbers listed above.





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