Resources

Unemployment

To receive Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefit payments, you must meet all eligibility requirements when filing a claim and when certifying for benefits.

https://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Eligibility.htm

Requirements to File a Claim

When filing for UI benefits, you must have earned enough wages during the base period to establish a claim, and be:

• Totally or partially unemployed.
• Unemployed through no fault of your own.
• Physically able to work.
• Available for work.
• Ready and willing to accept work immediately.
• Actively looking for work.

A base period is a specific 12-month term the EDD uses to see if you earned enough wages to establish a UI claim. To learn how we determine your base period, review How Unemployment Benefits are Computed (DE 8714AB) (PDF).

Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) ranges from $40 to $450. To get an estimate of what you will receive, use the UI Benefit Calculator.

For more information about how the EDD calculates a UI claim, review the following resources:

• How Unemployment Benefits are Computed (DE 8714AB) (PDF)
• A Guide to Benefits and Employment Services (DE 1275A) (PDF) 
• California Employer’s Guide (DE 44) (PDF)

Weekly Benefits Certification Requirements

You must meet eligibility requirements each week that you certify for benefits. You must be:

• Physically able to work.
• Available for work.
• Ready and willing to accept work immediately.
• Actively looking for work each week benefits are claimed.

To request benefit payment, you must certify for benefits by submitting a certification online, by phone or by mail. If the information on the certification shows that you did not meet eligibility requirements, we will schedule a phone interview to determine your eligibility. If you disagree with our decision to reduce or deny benefits, you may file an appeal.

Important: Most UI customers are required to register for CalJOBS and create an online resume that can be viewed by employers. You must meet this requirement within 21 days of receiving your Notice of Requirement to Register for Work (DE 8405) form. Failure to meet this requirement can result in a delay or loss of UI benefits. Watch How to Register for CalJOBS and Post a Resume (YouTube) for more information.

What Happens If You Quit or Get Fired

The EDD will schedule a phone interview to discuss your claim and circumstances. If you quit, you must prove good cause for quitting. If you are fired, your employer must prove there was misconduct. Either party can disagree with the decision and file an appeal.

More Information about UI:

• Filing a Claim – Claim Process: A step-by-step explanation of what happens when filing a UI claim.
• Benefit Determination Guide: Information about UI law based on state and federal regulations.
• FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about UI eligibility.
• Unemployment Insurance – After You File:  Information about what to expect when the EDD conducts an interview about eligibility issues.