What to Do when Filing for Unemployment in California

Unemployment insurance is a service provided by the government to assist individuals in meeting the cost of living while they are engaged in a search for new employment.  The program works by providing partial wage replacement to help cover essentials like food, shelter, and clothing in the interim period between jobs.  Economically, unemployment is intended to benefit both individuals and communities based on the idea that as individuals get back on their feet, they will spend money where they live, thus benefitting local businesses in their community.  Though the program is mandated by the federal government, it is implemented at the state level, and funded by employers through taxation.

There is a booklet entitled “For Your Benefit - California’s Programs for the Unemployed, DE 2320” that is required by state law to be provided by employers to previous employees now unemployed.  The booklet outlines the necessary steps to undertake in order to obtain unemployment insurance.

There are three different methods by which an individual can apply for unemployment insurance: online, via telephone, or using a paper application.  The online application is available on the Employment Development Department website.  The application is called eApply4UI.  Applying online is the quickest way to get your case reviewed.  Simply answer a series of questions on the online application and then submit it and you will subsequently receive word from the Employment Development Department regarding your unemployment insurance.  The telephone method is quite the same, the only difference being that you are asked questions over the phone by an employee of the Employment Development Department rather than filling them in online.  Your answers are then recorded in order to be later evaluated.  The paper application for unemployment insurance can be either printed off your computer, or picked up at an EDD branch.  Once filled out, it can then be mailed or faxed to the EDD for review.

Once your claim has been filed, you will receive the following documents in the mail:

• A Guide to Benefits and Employment Services, DE 1275A
• Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, unless the claimant is participating in a Partial or Workshare Program
• Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award, DE 429Z
• Notice of Unemployment Insurance Claim Filed, DE 1101CLMT
• CalJOBSSM brochure, DE 2456

Your previous employer will also receive a notice, alerting them that you have applied for unemployment.

The next step involves the decision process by the Employment Development Department.  Decisions are based on telephone interviews and written statements from applicants, employers, and other representatives.  Applicants are notifed by mail as to whether they will receive unemployment benefits.  Individuals whose claims are denied have the right to undergo an appeals process.

Once approval is secured, applicants must fill out a continued claim form for every week they wish to receive benefits.  Upon first payment, a notice is sent to the individual’s previous employer, who must then verify that the information is accurate.  The previous employer may or may not be required to pay some or all of the individual’s unemployment benefits.