Unemployment benefits in California provide temporary financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. These benefits are administered by the California Employment Development Department (EDD) and come with specific Eligible for Unemployment criteria, application processes, and ongoing responsibilities. This article explores who qualifies for unemployment in California, the requirements for benefits, what happens if you quit or are fired, and the necessary steps to maintain benefits once they are approved.
Unemployment Eligibility Requirements
To get unemployment benefits, you must meet all requirements when you apply and when you certify for benefits.
Requirements to Apply Eligible for Unemployment
When you apply for unemployment benefits, you must:
- Have earned enough wages during the base period.
- Be fully or partially unemployed.
- Be unemployed through no fault of your own.
- Be physically able and available to work.
- Be looking for work each week.
- Be ready and willing to accept work right away.
The base period is a specific 12-month period that tells us if you earned enough to set up an unemployment claim. To learn more, review How Unemployment Benefits are Computed (DE 8714AB) (PDF).
If you qualify, your weekly benefit amount will be between $40 and $450. You can use the unemployment benefit calculator to get an estimate of what you might receive.
If you think you are misclassified as an independent contractor, please apply. We will let you know if you qualify for benefits.
Requirements After You Apply
- Weekly Benefits Certification Requirement
- Work Search Requirement
- What Happens If You Quit or Get Fired
Additional Resources
- Filing a Claim – Claim Process: Guidance to help you apply for unemployment benefits
- Benefit Determination Guide: Information about unemployment law, based on state and federal regulations
- Unemployment Insurance – After You Apply: Steps to ensure your payments are not delayed or denied
Requirements for Benefits Eligible for Unemployment
To qualify for unemployment benefits, applicants must meet certain wage and work history requirements during a defined base period. Additionally, ongoing eligibility necessitates that claimants are ready and willing to accept suitable employment immediately. The EDD provides a thorough FAQ section addressing these requirements.
FAQs – Unemployment Eligibility
To get unemployment benefit payments, you need to meet all eligibility requirements when you apply for benefits and when you certify for benefits.
- I was fired from my job. Can I still get benefits?
- I just quit my job. Can I get benefits?
- I lost my job because of a disaster. Can I get benefits?
- Can I go to school or training and still get benefits?
- I am sick or hurt and can’t work. Can I get unemployment benefits?
- I am taking care of a seriously ill family member or bonding with my new child. Can I get unemployment benefits?
- How does vacation or holiday pay affect my unemployment benefits?
- I got a Notice of Determination (DE 1080CZ) that says I’m not Eligible for Unemployment benefits. What can I do?
- I’m not a US citizen. Can I still get unemployment benefits?
- Money was taken out of my paycheck while I was working. Why am I not Eligible for Unemployment benefits?
What You Should Do if You Quit or Got Fired
If you quit your job or are fired, the Unemployment Development Department will need to check your eligibility. EDD will either send you an email questionnaire, mail you a Request for Eligibility Information (DE 4365FF) to complete, or schedule a phone interview. If you quit, you need to show that you had a good reason. If you are fired, your employer must prove there was misconduct. For more information, see Unemployment Determinations and Eligibility.
What You Need To Do When Receiving Benefits
Once you begin receiving unemployment benefits, you must fulfill specific responsibilities to maintain eligibility:
Certifying for Benefits Eligible for Unemployment
Every two weeks, claimants must certify their eligibility by answering questions about their job search activities and any income earned. Certification can be completed online, by phone, or via mail.
Job Search Requirements
To continue receiving benefits, you must actively seek work and keep records of your job search efforts. The EDD may request proof of your job search, including:
- Applications submitted
- Interviews attended
- Contact with potential employers
Failure to provide this information may result in a suspension of benefits.
Reporting Any Earnings
If you work part-time while receiving unemployment benefits, you must report your earnings. The EDD will adjust your benefits accordingly. Failure to report income accurately can lead to penalties, repayment requirements, or disqualification from the program.
Availability for Work
You must be available to accept a suitable job offer. If you turn down a reasonable offer without a valid reason, your benefits may be discontinued.
Understanding Benefit Duration
California typically provides up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits. However, additional federal benefits may be available during periods of economic downturn.
Conclusion
Unemployment benefits in California provide crucial financial support to job seekers. If your claim is denied, consider an unemployment benefits appeal for legal assistance.If you need an unemployment attorney in California because you believe the EDD incorrectly denied you benefits, contact Pershing Square Law Firm. Our lawyers can help you get your case ready and work to ensure you get the highest payout you can. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.
