Unemployment Benefits in California: How to Apply for Benefits

In these uncertain times, being let go from a job is a fact of life that many people have to face. In California, like the rest of the nation, many people have to file for unemployment benefits for the first time in their lives. Luckily for the newly unemployed of California, the process of filing for unemployment benefits is relatively easy and takes only about 30 minutes.

How Much Money will I be paid per Week for Unemployment Benefits in California?

In California, unemployment benefits range from a minimum of $40 per week to a maximum of $450 per week. The amount you will be paid weekly is determined by your last salary. Once you've applied for unemployment benefits, you'll receive a letter stating if you qualify, and if so, how much you'll receive per week. To qualify for unemployment benefits, you must have lost your job through no fault of your own (such as layoff, downsizing, etc.), be actively looking for a new job, and be ready to take a new job if one is offered.

How do I File for Unemployment in California?

Claiming Unemployment in California can be done either online at https://eapply4ui.edd.ca.gov or by phone at 800-300-5616 (by phone is only available Monday - Friday during normal business hours). However, I recommend claiming online as the wait times to talk to a call center agent can reach an hour or more due to the increased volume of calls the state of California is handling.

Before you apply, you'll want to have some information handy. You'll need the name and address of your last employer, the dates worked, and the reason for separation. Remember, to be eligible you must have lost your job through no fault of your own. If you were fired, or you quit, your unemployment claim will not be accepted.

The claiming process is simple, regardless if you apply online or over the phone. You just answer some questions about your last job and the reason for leaving. The process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

What to Expect after you File Your Unemployment Claim

About a week after applying, you'll receive a letter stating if you qualify and, if so, how much you'll receive weekly as your benefit. If you do not qualify for unemployment benefits, the letter will explain why and tell you what you should do if you wish to appeal the decision. Once you've qualified to receive benefits, you must claim your benefits weekly in order to continue to receive unemployment compensation. The initial letter you receive will also give you a date on which you must call or go online and answer a few questions about your continued eligibility such as "did you looking for a job in the past week" and "did you refuse any job offers." Failure to reclaim your benefits every week will delay the payment of benefits to you.