How to Determine Eligibility For California Unemployment Benefits

If you have recently been laid off in California, you may be wondering if you are eligible to apply for unemployment insurance The rules can be confusing and getting through on the phone is hard to do. California unemployment benefits are within reach of most California workers.

Things You'll Need

• Internet
• Phone

Instructions

1. Eligibility is first determined by the reason for your unemployment. If it is for any reason other than a layoff, you will need to speak directly to a representative of the California Employment Development Department. This person will, typically by telephone, ask you questions and determine if you are eligible for benefits. Once a determination has been made, you will be notified by mail. You must be completely or partially unemployed (part time job) at the time you file the claim. You will not be allowed to apply in advance of getting laid off. Once you are laid off, get your claim in as quickly as you can as there is a high volume of claims received on a daily basis and there may be a backlog.

2. In addition to how you became unemployed, you will have to figure out how much you earned in wages during a specific 12 month period determined by the date you file the claim. For example, if you were laid off in January, your base dates would be for a 12 month period ending September 30 of the previous year. For your exact dates you should check the EDD website, www.edd.ca.gov/.

3. The location of your work is important as well. Most of the work during the base period must have been done in California or you may need to apply to another state for benefits.

4. To be eligible, you must not only be physically able to work, but also be actively looking for work. This also means that if you find an opportunity, you must be ready to start work immediately. You will need to re-file your claim on a bi-weekly basis, and if you do not continue to follow these eligibility rules, your benefits can be reduced or eliminated. If you choose to take advantage of the training benefits, be sure to get approval from the EDD prior to retraining. After you are approved, you will not need to be ready to work, or be actively looking for work. Once the training is completed, the above rules would apply.

5. The EDD website, www.edd.ca.gov/, has links and information to help you get started on your job search. Search under finding a job to find the links for job search engines, networking sites and even a listing of job fairs.

6. These tips will get you on your way but for specific information go to www.edd.ca.gov/.

Resources

• CA Employment Development Department