To receive California unemployment benefits, you must certify that you remain eligible. The Employment Development Department (EDD) asks you to complete certification about two weeks after it processes your application and again every two weeks.
When You Need to Certify
The EDD will notify you by email or mail when it is time to certify. In myEDD, the Notifications section shows weeks that are available. If no weeks are available, the system states when to check again and sends an email reminder. Review the EDD’s certification instructions before submitting your answers.
Ways to Certify
myEDD is the fastest option. After logging in, select UI Online, then choose Certify for Benefits when weeks are available. You can also certify through EDD Tele-Cert or by mail. If you need to report work or wages, change your address, or change your phone number, use myEDD or the paper form rather than Tele-Cert.
Before You Start
Set aside the information you need for each certification week. Read every question carefully and answer based on that week. The EDD’s certification-question guidance explains the current questions and when an answer may lead to a follow-up review.
- Keep a record of any work, wages, or other income you received.
- Check the dates of the weeks you are certifying for.
- Keep your contact information current so you can receive EDD notices.
Reporting Work and Wages
If you worked or earned wages, report the work and your gross wages for the week you worked and earned them, not the week you received payment. Gross wages are earnings before deductions. The EDD’s work-and-wage reporting guidance includes examples for paper certifications and different types of income.
If your payroll period does not match the certification week, keep a daily record of your hours and earnings. In myEDD, the Weekly Wage Reporting Tool can help you calculate gross wages before you certify.
If You Need to Correct or Clarify Information
If you make a mistake when reporting earnings, contact the EDD promptly. A certification issue can lead to a request for more information, an interview, or a determination. If you receive a determination you disagree with, the notice explains your appeal rights. Our unemployment claim denial and appeal overview explains the broader process.
Keep a Record of Each Certification
Save confirmation information and maintain your own record of work, wages, and answers submitted for each week. Those records can help you respond if the EDD asks for clarification later.
If a notice raises a question about how certification rules apply to your claim, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your options. Our unemployment benefits team works with claimants on eligibility notices and appeals.
