Losing your job in California usually means you have to deal with the EDD — and the EDD site is thorough, but not always easy to follow.
This FAQ is meant to be the version you actually need: what to do first, if and when you qualify, how to keep getting paid, and where to get extra help.
It covers applying, UI Online, ID.me, payments, job search rules, overpayments, appeals, and training — with answers to the most common (and confusing) questions people actually wonder about.
What qualifies me for unemployment insurance in California?
You may qualify for Unemployment Insurance (UI) in California if you meet all the following conditions:
- You lost your job or had your hours reduced and it wasn’t your fault. This can be because of layoffs, business closure, or reduction in work hours. If you quit, you must show you had a good reason, like unsafe conditions or unpaid wages. If you were fired, you may still qualify unless you were let go for misconduct.
- You must have earned enough wages during your “base period” — usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before filing. To qualify, you must meet one of two wage thresholds during your base period: earn $1,300 in your highest quarter, or earn $900 in your highest quarter with total base-period wages equal to at least 1.25 times that quarter.
- You must also be physically able to work, available for work, and actively looking for a job each week you claim benefits. You need to accept suitable job offers and keep records of your job search.
- You must be authorized to work in the United States when you earned the wages used for your claim and remain authorized to work while receiving benefits.
- If you worked in California, you should file your claim there, even if you’ve moved to another state.
You can also check the EDD FAQ page has more information on eligibility.
What disqualifies me from unemployment in California?
You can lose your eligibility for unemployment benefits in California for several reasons.
- If you were fired for misconduct — like breaking serious workplace rules, missing too many shifts without notice, or acting against your employer’s interests — your claim will likely be denied.
- If you quit your job without a valid reason, such as leaving because you didn’t like the work, wanted to move, or had transportation problems, you usually won’t qualify either.
- You must also be able and available to work. That means you’re physically able to do your job, willing to accept reasonable work offers, and actively looking for a job each week. Refusing a job offer or skipping a required interview can stop your payments.
- You can also lose benefits if you don’t report your income correctly, hide part-time work, or give false information. The EDD can make you pay the money back and may charge penalties for fraud.
- You must have legal authorization to work in the U.S. during both your base period and when you file your claim.
- Finally, if you miss deadlines, fail to send requested documents, or don’t certify on time, your benefits may be delayed or stopped. And if you’re already receiving Disability Insurance or Paid Family Leave, you can’t collect unemployment for the same period.
How soon after losing my job should I file a claim?
Short answer: ASAP. The state recommends applying immediately, since benefits are not paid for any weeks before the claim is filed. Waiting too long can delay payments or even reduce the total amount received.
The claim’s “start date” is based on the Sunday of the week the application is submitted, so filing right away ensures eligibility begins as early as possible.
Even if your employer hasn’t yet issued a final paycheck or official layoff notice, the application can still move forward. As long as wages were earned in California during the base period, the claim can be processed.
If you’re not sure if you even qualify, it’s best to still apply. EDD will review your work history, determine if enough wages were earned, and if your reasons are valid. They will request more details if they need them.
How do I apply for unemployment benefits in California?
In California, the fastest and easiest way is to apply online through UI Online in your myEDD account. The system walks you through each step, lets you upload documents, and helps you track your claim.
If you prefer, you can also apply by phone, fax, or mail, but online is much faster and avoids mailing delays. In case you need help because of a language barrier, hearing impairment, or disability, the Employment Development Department offers support services in multiple languages and formats.
Once you submit your claim, EDD may ask you to verify your identity through ID.me. This is a secure process that confirms who you are before payments can begin. If you can’t verify online, you can complete it by phone or mail.
After applying, keep an eye on your email or mail for confirmation and next steps. You’ll need to “certify” every two weeks to show you’re still unemployed and looking for work.
What documents and information do I need when I file?
The EDD will ask for details that confirm who you are and where you’ve worked.
You’ll need to provide your:
- Full name
- Social Security number
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- All employers you’ve worked for in the last 18 months, including each company’s name, address, phone number, and your supervisor’s name
- Dates you worked
- Total wages earned
- Reason you’re no longer working (for example, laid off, hours reduced, or quit).
A photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID, may also be required, especially if you’re verifying your identity through ID.me.
Having your most recent pay stub or W-2 nearby can help ensure your wage information is accurate.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need your work authorization documents, for example, your alien registration number and expiration date.
Those who served in the military, worked for the federal government, or had a job outside California should also have the related employment records handy, since these may need to be verified separately.
It’s a good idea to double-check all the information before submitting your claim. Missing or incorrect details can delay payments.
How does EDD decide how much you get paid?
The Employment Development Department (EDD) calculates your weekly benefit amount (WBA) based on how much you earned during your base period, which is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim.
Learn more about standard base period and alternate base period here.
EDD looks at your wages during that time and picks the quarter where you earned the most. Your benefit amount is then based on those earnings, using a formula set by the state. In simple terms, the higher your wages during that quarter, the higher your weekly payment will be. The maximum you can get is up to $450 per week.
To qualify at all, you need to have earned at least $1,300 in your highest quarter, or $900 in that quarter plus total wages for the base period that are 1.25 times that amount.
EDD uses a benefit table to determine your exact payment. For example, if you earned $5,200 in your highest quarter, your weekly benefit would be about $200. If you earned $11,700, you’d get the maximum $450 per week.
You can estimate your benefit amount using EDD’s Unemployment Insurance calculator or by checking the benefit table linked above.
It’s important to note that if you work part-time or earn wages while receiving unemployment, your weekly payment may be reduced, but you may still receive partial benefits.
What’s the minimum and maximum weekly benefit I can receive?
The minimum weekly benefit is $40, and the maximum is $450. Where you fall within that range depends on your past earnings. The Employment Development Department (EDD) looks at your highest-earning quarter and uses a benefit table to determine the exact amount.
For example, someone who earned around $1,300 during their highest quarter would qualify for the minimum $40 per week, while someone who earned $11,674 or more would receive the maximum $450 per week.
How long can I stay on unemployment in California?
In California, unemployment benefits can last up to 26 weeks within a 12-month period, also called a “benefit year”. The exact number of weeks you qualify for depends on your work history and earnings during your base period.
Each week you file a certification counts toward those 26 weeks. Once you’ve used them up, regular state benefits end, and you’ll need to requalify for a new claim if you’re still unemployed and have earned enough new wages.
In rare cases, federal extensions may become available, but these are temporary and not guaranteed.
It’s also possible to receive fewer than 26 weeks of payments if your total base-period earnings are low or if you stop meeting eligibility rules, like being able and available to work or actively looking for a job.
To continue getting benefits, you must certify every two weeks, report any wages you earn, and respond promptly to any requests for information. Missing certifications or deadlines can delay or end payments.
How do I certify for benefits, and how often do I have to do it?
In California, you must certify for benefits every two weeks to confirm that you’re still unemployed and still meet all requirements.
The fastest and easiest way to certify is through UI Online in your myEDD account. You can also certify by phone using EDD Tele-Cert (1-866-333-4606) or by mailing the paper form (DE 4581) that EDD sends to you.
Each time you certify, you’ll answer a short set of questions about your work status, earnings, and job search during the past two weeks. Be honest and accurate. EDD verifies the information, and mistakes or missing answers can delay your payments.
If you earned any money during those weeks, you must report it, even for part-time or temporary work. EDD will adjust your payment, but you can still receive partial benefits in most cases.
You’ll receive a reminder when it’s time to certify. If you don’t certify on time, EDD can pause or stop your payments.You may be able to reinstate a late certification if you explain the delay.
What counts as actively looking for work while I’m receiving benefits?
To keep receiving benefits, you need to show you’re actively looking for work each week you certify. This means making a real, consistent effort to find a job, and not just saying you’re available.
Acceptable work search activities include things like:
- Applying for jobs online or in person
- Contacting employers about openings
- Updating and sending out your resume
- Attending job interviews
- Registering with a staffing agency
- Attending job fairs, career workshops, or training programs through CalJOBS or your local America’s Job Center.
EDD doesn’t require a set number of applications per week, but your job search must be reasonable and ongoing. For example, someone in a specialized field might send fewer applications but spend more time networking or interviewing.
You need to keep a record of your job search, including dates, employer names, and contact information, in case EDD asks to review your activity. If you can’t show proof, your benefits may be discontinued.
If you’re in an approved training or education program under the California Training Benefits (CTB) program, you may not have to search for work while you’re in training, but you must keep up with the program and follow its rules.
Can I earn part-time income and still get unemployment benefits?
Yes, it’s possible to work part-time and still receive unemployment benefits in California, as long as your earnings stay below a certain level.
When you certify for benefits, you need to report all wages earned during each week, even if you haven’t been paid yet. EDD will adjust your payment (not cancel it) so you may still receive partial benefits.
Here’s how it works:
- If you earn $100 or less, EDD ignores the first $25.
- If you earn more than $100, the first 25% of your total earnings will be ignored. The rest is subtracted from your weekly benefit amount. For example, if your weekly benefit is $300 and you earn $100, EDD will disregard $25 and reduce your benefit by $75, giving you a $225 payment that week.
Working part-time can actually help extend your total benefit period since you’ll receive smaller payments instead of using your full weekly amount.
You’ll still need to keep meeting all regular eligibility rules: being able to work, available for work, and actively looking for a full-time job. If you start working full-time or earn more than your weekly benefit amount, you won’t be paid for that week, but your claim will stay open in case your hours drop again later.
How do I update my personal or banking information in the EDD portal?
Log in to your myEDD account and go to UI Online. You can manage your claim details directly.
From there, go to “Profile”, then “Update Contact Information” to change your address, phone number, or email.
For banking updates, EDD now allows direct deposit setup right in UI Online. You can link your personal bank account or continue using the new Money Network EDD Debit Card, which replaced the old Bank of America card in 2024.
Why do I need to verify my identity through ID.me?
EDD uses ID.me to verify your identity when you apply for unemployment benefits. This helps to prevent fraud and makes sure payments go to the right person. It’s a secure process that confirms your identity using a photo ID, a selfie, or a short video call with an agent.
After you file your claim, EDD will tell you if you need to complete this step. You’ll get an email or text with a link to ID.me. The process usually takes just a few minutes if your documents are clear.
If you can’t verify online, there are other options.
You can verify your identity by phone or mail directly with EDD. In some cases, you may also be able to verify in person at a local ID.me partner location. EDD will share instructions in your notice on how to use these alternatives.
Your claim can’t be paid until your identity is verified, so it’s important to complete this step. If you’ve already tried ID.me and had trouble, contact EDD to ask for another way to confirm your identity.
What are the main reasons a claim gets delayed or denied?
In California, unemployment claims can be delayed or denied for several common reasons.
- Incomplete or incorrect information — Errors like wrong dates, wages, or Social Security numbers can cause delays while EDD verifies your work history or contacts your employer.
- Unverified identity — If you don’t complete identity verification through ID.me or ignore document requests, this will put payments on hold.
- Eligibility issues — Claims may be denied if you were fired for misconduct, quit without good cause, or didn’t earn enough during your base period.
- Not meeting work requirements — Benefits can stop if you’re not able, available, or actively looking for work, or if you refuse a suitable job offer without a valid reason.
- Missed certifications — Forgetting to certify every two weeks or submitting late certifications can delay or interrupt payments.
- False or missing wage reports — Not reporting part-time income, giving false information, or collecting other benefits (like disability insurance) at the same time.
You can easily avoid most of these mistakes if you provide accurate information and respond to EDD quickly.
How do I check the status of my unemployment claim online?
To check the status of your claim, log into your myEDD account and open UI Online. That’s where you can see updates in real time.
Once you’re in, go to the Current Claim Summary or Claim History section. There, you can view your payment status, recent certifications, and any pending issues or messages from EDD. If a payment was issued, you’ll see the date and amount.
If your claim says “pending”, it usually means EDD is reviewing your information, verifying wages, or waiting for an identity check. Some claims take longer if EDD needs to confirm details with your former employer or schedule a phone interview.
You’ll also get updates in your EDD Messages inbox, so check it regularly. EDD may request additional documents or ask you to respond to questions that affect your payment. Responding quickly helps prevent delays.
If you’re receiving payments through the Money Network EDD Debit Card, you can track deposits on the card’s website or app. If you can’t access your online account, you can also call EDD, but remember that phone lines are often busy.
What should I do if I was overpaid — and how can I request a waiver?
If EDD thinks you got benefits you weren’t eligible for, they’ll send you a “Notice of Overpayment” (or sometimes a “Notice of Potential Overpayment”).
Read the notice carefully. It will tell you how much you owe, which weeks the overpayment covers, and your right to appeal. Respond promptly. If the notice is a Potential Overpayment one, you may have only 15 days to supply info.
If you really owe money, you’ll need to pay it back or set up a repayment plan. EDD has an online tool called “Benefit Overpayment Services” to manage this.
A waiver means you ask the EDD to forgive the overpayment, so you don’t have to repay because it wasn’t your fault and it would cause extraordinary hardship if you had to.
Here’s how it works:
- You can only ask for a waiver if your overpayment is non-fraud (you didn’t hide income on purpose, lie, or commit misconduct).
- The EDD will send you a form called Application for Overpayment Waiver (DE 1446UI) along with your overpayment notice if you’re eligible.
- On that form you’ll need to show that you didn’t cause the overpayment through fault, and that repaying it would cause you serious financial hardship.
The EDD uses a Family Income Level Table to check income vs. hardship. Let’s say you’re a single-person household — the gross monthly income limit is about $1,587 (for July 1 2025–Jun 30 2026) to qualify.
If you qualify, EDD will send a notice saying how much of the overpayment was waived. If you don’t qualify, they’ll send a denial with reason.
How do I file an appeal if my claim is denied?
When EDD denies your claim, they’ll mail you a Notice of Determination explaining why your benefits were denied, the law or reason they used, and how to appeal.
You’ll see a deadline on that notice — usually within 30 days from the mailing date. You can mail or fax the Appeal Form (DE 1000M) that comes with your denial notice, or write a simple letter that includes your name and address, SS number (last four digits are fine), the decision number from your denial letter, a statement like “I want to appeal this decision because I believe it is incorrect”, plus your signature and date. Mail or fax your appeal to the return address listed on your notice (your local EDD office).
Your case then goes to the CUIAB, which is separate from EDD. They’ll mail you a hearing notice with the date and time of your hearing, if it’s by phone or video, and what documents you should bring.
At the hearing, the judge will ask you questions about why you lost your job, your availability for work, and your work search. You can bring in witnesses (like a former supervisor or co-worker), submit documents that support your case, and ask questions if your former employer joins the call.
If you need help to prepare for your hearing, your local Legal Aid office or America’s Job Center of California can help for free.
After the hearing, you’ll get a written decision in the mail. This usually takes a few weeks. If the judge sides with you, your benefits will start (or restart), and EDD will pay what you’re owed. If you lose, you can appeal again to a higher board within 20 days.
Do I have to register for job-training or other programs to keep my benefits?
Yes. In California, you usually need to register with CalJOBS (the state’s official job search website), soon after you file your unemployment claim. You’ll be asked to upload your resume, keep your information current, and record your weekly job search activities. If you don’t register or keep your account active, your payments could be delayed or stopped.
If you want to take classes or job training while on unemployment, you can apply for the California Training Benefits (CTB) program. This way you keep getting benefits while you’re enrolled in approved training that helps you find work, but you need to keep EDD in the loop and get their approval.
Does my severance pay, pension, or 1099 income affect my unemployment eligibility?
It can. Severance pay usually doesn’t affect your unemployment benefits unless it’s considered wages for a specific period after your separation — EDD will tell you if that applies in your case. Pension payments might reduce your weekly benefit if your employer contributed to the pension fund, but not if it’s fully funded by you.
If you earn 1099 or self-employment income while getting unemployment, you must report it when you certify. EDD will subtract part of what you earned from your weekly benefit. If you don’t report it, it could lead to overpayment or penalties.
What happens if I move out of California while receiving benefits?
You can usually keep getting your California benefits even if you move out of state, as long as you keep meeting all eligibility requirements. That means you must still be able to work, available for work, and actively looking for a job each week you certify.
Once you move, you’ll need to update your address in your UI Online account and let EDD know. You may also have to register with the local workforce agency in your new state to continue your work search. You can lose your benefits if you don’t update your contact info or follow local job search rules.
Are unemployment benefits taxable, and can I withhold taxes from them?
Yes. Unemployment benefits in California are subject to federal income tax, but not state income tax. EDD doesn’t automatically withhold taxes, so you need to choose if you want 10% of each payment withheld for federal taxes.
You can set up or change your withholding preference in your UI Online account. At the end of the year, EDD will mail you a Form 1099-G, showing how much you received in benefits and any taxes withheld. You’ll use that form when you file your federal tax return.
How long does it take to get unemployment benefits in CA?
It usually takes about three to four weeks after you file your claim to get your first payment — if everything is complete and there are no issues. You can speed things up by submitting all required documents and certifying for benefits on time.
What payment methods are used by the EDD (debit card, direct deposit, etc.)?
You can receive your payments by direct deposit, prepaid debit card, or mailed check. EDD automatically issues payments to a Money Network prepaid debit card, unless you choose a different option.
Once your first payment is issued, you’ll get the card in the mail within 7–10 days. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, withdraw cash, or transfer funds to your bank account.
You can change your payment method anytime through your myEDD account under Benefit Payment Options.
If you have questions about your debit card, visit Money Network or call their 24/7 customer service at 1-800-684-7051.
What happens if I miss a certification deadline?
If you miss your certification deadline, your payments will pause until you certify. You can usually submit your certification late through UI Online or by phone, but you’ll need to explain why you were late. If EDD accepts your reason, they’ll process your payment. If not, you might lose benefits for that period.
If too much time passes, your claim could become inactive, and you may have to reopen it before certifying again. You can set reminders on your phone to certify every two weeks as soon as your “Certify for Benefits” button appears in your UI Online account.
EDD sends certification reminders every two weeks, typically by email and as UI Online/myEDD notifications. If you certify by paper, they will mail you the Continued Claim Form (DE 4581) as a reminder. You can also opt in to text alerts (messages come from 510-74 or 918-06).
Don’t wait for EDD to remind you. It’s your responsibility to certify on time.
Can self-employed or gig workers qualify for regular UI in California?
Short answer — no. Self-employed and gig workers don’t qualify for regular UI in California because traditional UI only covers employees whose employers pay into the state unemployment fund. Independent contractors, freelancers, and gig workers typically don’t have that coverage.
However, if you believe you were misclassified, meaning your employer treated you as a contractor when you actually worked like an employee, you can ask EDD to review your case.
What happens if I go back to school or start training — does that end my benefits?
You can still get unemployment benefits while going to school or training, but only if EDD agrees that your classes won’t stop you from accepting full-time work. You must keep certifying that you’re available and actively looking for a job.
If your program is full-time or limits when you can work, you can apply for the California Training Benefits (CTB) program. CTB lets you keep receiving payments while you attend approved programs or training that can improve your chances of getting a job. You need to inform EDD as soon as you enroll, and they’ll decide if your program qualifies.
Where can I find additional support for job search, mental health or financial planning during unemployment?
Here are some online and in-person resources you can try for job search:
- CalJOBS: California’s official online portal to find jobs, create resumes, and access state workforce services.
- My Next Move: This tool will help you explore careers based on your interests, skills, and education.
- CareerOneStop: An American Job Center finder to locate local centers.
- Indeed: A good platform to find openings.
- America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC): A network of centers offering 1:1 employment and training assistance, often free. You can find your local center and specific services through CareerOneStop’s finder.
- Big Interview Resources: A collection of free resources to practice resume writing, interviewing skills, plus a resume generator and AI-based mock-interview software that gives you personalized feedback, just like a coach would.
