How to Receive Unemployment in California

Unemployment is at an all time high across the country. Unemployment offices are overwhelmed with claims coming in from all sides. California is one of the states that has been hardest hit by the economic crisis. However, you can still collect unemployment benefits in the state of California. They have a website that makes it easy to file online for unemployment benefits.

Instructions

1. To file an unemployment claim in California, go to the resources link listed below and it will take you to the California unemployment website.

2. Under "Information About," you will see "Unemployed workers/job seekers. Underneath this, you will see "File a Claim for." If you have lost your job or been laid off and would like to file an unemployment claim, just click "Unemployment."

3. Once you are on the next page, look to your left and you will see links that say "File Now," "Eligibility," "Benefits and Services," and "Way to File a Claim." You might want to check out the eligibility requirements needed to claim unemployment benefits before you file. They include not being at fault for the job loss, and actively looking for work presently.If you lost your job through no fault of your own, you are probably eligibe.

4. If you meet the requirements, just click "File a Claim," and you will be walked through the steps necessary to receive unemployment in California. There are some wage requirments that you must meet.

5. You will see in "Ways to File a Claim," that you can also file by telephone from 8 AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. You will need to meet all of the same requirements when filing for unemployment by telephone as those requirements needed to file for unemployment compensation online. Filing for unemployment over the phone can be faster than filing online.

6. The California website has many other services as well as unemployment services and allows you to keep track of all of your unemployment payments and other important information for those who have lost a job and are unemployed.

7. It is that easy to receive unemployment in California. Just go to the unemployment website and apply. If you have lost or job or been laid off, you will need to wait at least 2 weeks after applying for unemployment benefits to know if you have been approved to receive unemployment compensation.

Resources

• CA.gov: Employment Development Department