How to File an Unemployment Claim in California

In California, the Employment Development Department is the state office that processes all unemployment claims. When you are ready to file your initial claim with the California EDD, you need to have your work history for the previous 12 months, including the contact details for each employer. The base period for an unemployment claim in California is the previous 12 months. As of October 2010, California EDD offers three ways to file an unemployment claim in California.

Instructions

1. Access the eApply4UI page of the California EDD website (see the Resources section of this article). This online application is listed by the California EDD as the fastest way to file your California unemployment claim.

2. Call EDD at 800-300-5616 to file your claim over the phone. The representative will ask you the claim questions and record them in the EDD computer system.

3. Complete form UI Application, DE 1101I from the EDD website (see the Resources section). You can mail the completed form to EDD #019, P.O. Box 1041, Atwood, CA 92811-1041. Or, you can fax the completed form to 866-215-9159.

References

• California EDD: Filing A Claim

Resources

• California EDD: eApply4UI
• California EDD: UI Application, DE 1101I