California offers fantastic benefits for its residents. You can receive the help you need from the Employment Development Department (EDD). Read about these EDD resources everyone should know about to seek the appropriate assistance.
Whether you’re unemployed, disabled, or simply seeking career advancement, the California Employment Development Department (EDD) offers a broad range of services to support individuals through various life and career stages. This article highlights four major areas—Disability Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, Employment Resources, and Job Training Services—while providing the most relevant online links for each.
Disability Insurance
The California State Disability Insurance (SDI) program provides short-term Disability Insurance (DI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) wage replacement benefits to eligible workers who need time off work. Managed by the EDD, this partial wage-replacement program supports millions of Californians annually.
What is Disability Insurance?
Disability Insurance (DI) offers short-term benefit payments to eligible workers who lose wages when they are unable to work due to disability or pregnancy. The program ensures that workers can maintain a portion of their income during their recovery period.
You may be eligible for PFL to:
- Care for a seriously ill family member.
- Bond with a new child.
- Participate in a qualifying event because of a family member’s military deployment to a foreign country.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify, individuals must:
- Be unable to perform their regular work due to a physical or mental condition.
- Have earned at least $300 from which SDI deductions were withheld during the base period.
- Submit a claim within 49 days of becoming disabled.
- Be under the care of a licensed physician or practitioner.
How to Apply
To file for benefits, read messages from the EDD, submit online forms, or manage your profile, access your SDI Online account.
Disability Insurance Sources
- Disability Insurance Overview
- DI Claim Process
- SDI Online
- Am I Eligible for DI Benefits?
- DI and PFL SMS Texts
- File a Claim (SDI Online): https://www.edd.ca.gov/en/Disability/DI_Online/
SDI Online allows claimants to file new claims, view their claim status, and submit documentation electronically, speeding up processing times.The fastest and easiest way to apply for disability or Paid Family Leave benefits is through myEDD.
When applying online, select direct deposit for benefit payments. Direct deposit is a safe, fast, and easy way to automatically receive your payments deposited into your personal bank account. Receive updates about the status of your claim and payments through myEDD, and more.
Paid Family Leave Resources
- About Paid Family Leave
- PFL Claim Process
- SDI Online
- Am I Eligible for PFL Benefits?
- DI and PFL SMS Texts
Unemployment Insurance
For those currently unemployed or seeking career development opportunities, the EDD provides a suite of employment resources designed to enhance job search strategies, connect individuals with employers, and provide labor market information. You can apply now if you have your information ready.
Apply Now
Otherwise, go to Step 1 and get your information in order.
What are Unemployment Benefits?
Step 1: Get Your Information in Order
Step 2: Apply
Step 3: Register in CalJOBS
Step 4: Review Benefit Documents
Step 5: Certify for Benefits
Step 6: Receive Your First Payment
Step 7: Continue to Certify
Step 8: End Your BenefitsOther State Programs
You may qualify for other State programs to help cover food, housing, and healthcare expenses.
Employment Resources
For those currently unemployed or seeking career development opportunities, EDD Resources provides a suite of employment resources designed to enhance job search strategies, connect individuals with employers, and provide labor market information.
America’s Job Center of California
America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM (AJCC) is your one-stop shop for no-cost job and training services. We help connect employers with job openings to people who are looking for work.The AJCC is a network of local and state organizations, as well as private and public groups, working together to provide these services at no cost.
To find an AJCC near you, visit CareerOneStop’s American Job Center Finder. You can also check out the AJCC Virtual Orientation (YouTube) video and Job Search and Training Services (PDF) for more details.
Online EDD Resources Resources
Here are some tools to help you find a job, training, or file for benefits like Unemployment Insurance (UI), Disability Insurance (DI), or Paid Family Leave (PFL):
- Employment Development Department (EDD): Offers many resources for job seekers, including help for veterans, youth, people with disabilities, and more.
- CalJOBSSM: Lets job seekers create resumes, search for jobs, and explore training or education programs and connect with employers.
- Debit CardSM: We use a debit card from Money Network to deliver benefit payments for all EDD benefit programs including disability, PFL, and unemployment.
DI and PFL
- SDI Online: File or manage your Disability Insurance (DI), or Paid Family Leave (PFL) through SDI Online. Visit myEDD to log in or sign up.
UI OnlineSM
- UI Online: Your fast, convenient, and secure way to manage your UI claim. You can, reopen a claim, certify for benefits, and manage your claim 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To log in or register for access to UI Online, visit myEDD.
Tips for While You’re Here
- Need an email account? Create an account with a free email provider such as Google, Yahoo!, or Microsoft.
- CalJOBS
If you have a CalJOBS account, make sure it is up to date with your most recent contact information. - Job Fairs and Workshops
Looking for a job fair or workshop? Find an event near you.
Note: To apply for benefits online, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are underage, you can apply by phone, fax, or mail.
Job Training Services
Job training is vital for individuals aiming to reenter the workforce or upgrade their skills in an ever-evolving labor market. The EDD offers access to numerous training opportunities through federal and state-funded programs.
US Department of Labor Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
WIOA aims to assist job seekers in gaining employment, retaining jobs, and advancing their careers through high-quality workforce development services. WIOA services include:
- Vocational training
- On-the-job training (OJT)
- Career counseling
- Assistance with job placement and follow-up
Eligibility typically includes individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, veterans, or youth looking for entry into the job market.
Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)
The ETPL is a database that features approved training providers and their corresponding programs across California. Users can search for programs by:
- Occupation
- Provider
- Location
- Type of training (classroom, online, hybrid)
This tool ensures that individuals enroll in certified programs that are eligible for state and federal funding support.
Workforce Services
- Jobs and Training
- Labor Market Information
- Training Resources for Job Seekers
- Jobs and Training – Forms and Publications
- Office Locator
- Workforce Partner
Find Jobs and Training for You
Access Employment Services
America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM connects employers with job seekers at no cost.
CalJOBS
CalJOBSSM is the State of California’s online job search system. Create an account, log in, and access services for employers and job seekers.
Additional Resources
Can’t find what you are looking for? View these resources for more information.
Conclusion
Did you know that the EDD offers free training programs for job seekers? Continuous education allows people to qualify for different (and better) job opportunities through EDD Resources. Along with training, services include resume assistance, job referrals, and career exploration tools.
Here at Pershing Square Law Firm, we’re EDD lawyers in California who can help you with EDD troubles. Fight benefit denials and receive money faster. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us today!
