Tips for Applying for Unemployment Benefits in California

Unemployment itself is not easy to handle as we all need money to live and pay our bills. Emotionally, is one of the worst feelings I ever had, especially if you receive a layoff notification near December Holidays. As if things weren't bad enough, it can get worst by not getting the help needed on time, so you don't get problems paying all the debts, like the rent or mortgage, bills, loans, and more bills.

Most people describe filling a claim with EDD in California with the words "frustrating experience". The main cause is the high unemployment rate in California that was 11.6 percent in June, and climbing. When you compare this numbers with the service representative personnel of EDD, then you'll know you have to wait at the phone line, a lot. California's unemployment service offers only the following 3 options to file your claim.

1- You can file your claim online by accessing eApply4UI at https://eapply4ui.edd.ca.gov/ at any time you want; the eApply4UI online service is available in English, and Spanish languages.

2- File your claim by telephone using the following phone numbers between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday:

English 1-800-300-5616, Spanish 1-800-326-8937, Vietnamese 1-800-547-2058, Cantonese 1-800-547-3506, Mandarin 1-866-303-0706, or by Teletypewriter (TTY) 1-800-815-9387.

3- File your claim by mail or fax, you can find the paper application using this link https://eapply4ui.edd.ca.gov/default.htm?target=paper. You can fill it out online, and print it, or you just can print out the application and hand write your answers. Then you just have to fax or mail the application for processing.

It looks like you have a lot of resources and options to file your unemployment claim. But wait, there is no unemployment office in California where you can talk with a real person and file the claim, your only options are at the phone, mail, and online. Some will tell there is only one option, the EDD automated phone system. If you don't know anything about applying for unemployment benefits in California, then you are going to spend some time at the phone. Here are some California unemployment benefits application tips to help you get your unemployment benefits as quick as possible avoiding common mistakes.

1- Check Boxes: When filling the form make sure the check boxes are dark enough, use black ink. This is very important because this information is processed by computers.

2- Make Photocopies: Make photocopies of your claim form; you never know when you are going to make a mistake. If you make a mistake you can't get another online there is no downloadable form online. Your only option is to request a new one online.

3- Alternate Phone Access: Trying to get unemployment benefits in California with a service representative at 1-800-300-5616 (the English language phone line) can be almost impossible most of the time. You can try using the other languages phone numbers Vietnamese, Cantonese, and Mandarin. You have a high probability of getting in fast in a less busy line with a bilingual representative from these phone numbers. You can also try calling on less busy weekday like Wednesday and Thursday. Always avoid calling on Monday, and after a holiday.

4- Fill all the Form: Make sure to fill the form completely to avoid delays with your claim. An error in the form can delay your payment for days of weeks.

5- Don't forget your Resume: Now is the time to update it and have some copies available. You can get help with your resume at EDD's One Stop Career Centers or CalJOBS, you can get more info calling 1-877-US 2 JOBS.