Popular California Unemployment Benefit Questions

What are the eligibility Requirements for California Unemployment Benefits?

To apply for CA unemployment benefits:

  • You must have earned enough wages during your base period.
  • You must be totally or partially unemployed.
  • You must be unemployed through no fault of your own.
  • You must be physically able to work.
  • You must be available for work.
  • You must be ready and willing to accept work immediately.
  • You must have worked in the past 18 months before certification 

How do I Apply for California UI benefit?

  • To apply for CA Unemployment Benefits visit their Unlined Application Portal
  • You will receive important reminders to certify for benefits.
  • You can get your latest claim and payment information.
  • The portal allows you to view your phone appointments.
  • You can reschedule your phone interview appointment.
  • Update your address and phone number.
  • View, print, or request copies of tax Form 1099G for the past five years.

What is the maximum amount Of Unemployment Benefits I can get in California 

  • You can get from $40 up to $450 per week in UI Benefits
  • You can receive up to a maximum of 26 weeks in UI benefits
  • If you did not work in the last 18 months your UI benefits will be 0
  • Calculate your benefits using CA Unemployment Benefits Calculator

How do I Certify for CA Weekly UI Benefits?

To certify for your weekly unemployment benefits:

  • You must be physically able to work.
  • You must be available for work.
  • You must be ready and willing to accept work immediately.
  • You must certify for benefits Online OR by phone at 1-866-333-4606 by using EDD Tele-Cert.

How can I get status updates on my CA UI Benefits?

  • For your benefit status Call 1-866-333-4606 to get information on your most recent payment.
  • Most payments will be deposited on your EDD Debit Card within 24 hours.
  • Allow 10 day processing for certification by mail or if requested benefits by check
  • Get fast access on your unemployment benefit claim Online

Does CA provide training to help me get employed?

Yes! California Training Benefits (CTB) program has many programs that:

  • Allows you to attend school or training while receiving UI benefits.
  • To be eligible you must continue to certify for unemployment benefits.
  • You do not have to be available for work
  • You do not have to be seeking work, or accept work while attending school or training
  • Participation in CA CTB program requires a current and valid unemployment benefits claim.
  • For information on or Registering for the CTP program, call 1-800-300-5616

How do I File a CA Unemployment Insurance Appeal?

  • You have a right to appeal the CA Employment Development Department’s decision to reduce or deny your benefits.
  • You must submit your appeal in writing within 30 days of your Notice of Overpayment
  • You can download the CA Unemployment Insurance Appeal Appeal Form
  • Mail your appeal to the return address shown on the decision notice.
  • The Office of Appeals will notify you of the time and location of your hearing at least 10 days in advance.
  • While your appeal is pending, you must continue to certify for benefits.
  • If found eligible, you will only be paid for periods which you have certified for.
  • The appeal decision will include information about filing a second level appeal.

How do I Report CA Unemployment Benefit Fraud?

  • Call the CA EDD Fraud Hotline at 1-800-229-6297.
  • Report Fraud By fax at 1-866-340-5484
  • Send fraudulent documents by mail to EDD PO Box 826880, MIC 43, Sacramento, CA 94280-0225.

How Do I contact California Employment Development Department?

Unemployment Insurance
Employment Development Department
PO Box 826880 – UISD, MIC 40
Sacramento, CA 94280-0001

Phone numbers:

English and Spanish: 1-800-300-5616
Cantonese: 1-800-547-3506
Mandarin: 1-866-303-0706
Vietnamese: 1-800-547-2058
California Relay Service (711): Provide the UI number (1-800-300-5616) to the operator
TTY: 1-800-815-9387

Unemployment Automated Self-Service Line

English: 1-866-333-4606
Spanish: 1-866-333-4606