Learn About Unemployment Insurance in California

Filing an unemployment claim helps out-of-work California residents combat the consequence of joblessness. California unemployment insurance (UI) is available to workers who meet the initial and ongoing requirements set forth by the state.

Those who are eligible and know how to file an unemployment claim in CA can receive more than financial compensation, as the program offers many services to assist participants in obtaining employment. The state’s Employment Development Department (EDD) that handles UI claims also oversees CalJOBS, an online resource for job seekers.

Like other government assistance programs, the UI program requires beneficiaries to engage in services that will increase their ability to be self-sufficient.

Learn About About Unemployment Benefits in California

The unemployment insurance program requires businesses to contribute by paying taxes as well as reporting the wages of each employee. These California unemployment taxes are the funds in which approved UI beneficiaries receive.

When petitioners file for California EDD unemployment benefits, they are requesting a portion of their past reported wages from the funds contributed by the former employer. As the state with largest economy in the nation (sixth in the world), California officials understand the importance of providing aid to residences to pay for basic housing and living costs.

However, simply being out-of-work may not make laborers eligible to claim UI benefits. Applicants must meet the financial and non-financial conditions set by the state to qualify from compensation payments. There are several types of UI claims including compensation specifically for former service members and federal employees, so it’s vital for applicants to meet the explicit qualifications.

Applying for Unemployment Benefits in California

Terminated workers can register for unemployment benefits in California online, over the phone, via mail or fax. Prior to applying for unemployment benefits in California, petitioners should gather the documents necessary to complete the EDD application.

The California unemployment claims application requires information regarding the applicants’ identity, previous work experience and ability to accept new job opportunities. Employment data will include all positions held for the past 18 months.

EDD authorities will verify the information furnished on an application with applicants’ former employers. The information provided will determine UI petitioners’ eligibility as well as the awarded compensation amount.

Understand California Unemployment Claims Requirements

To qualify for unemployment insurance benefits, applicants must meet the conditions set by the state. Unemployment benefits in California are available for residents who are without a job completely or are underemployed and working part-time only.

For an unemployment claim to be successful, however, applicants must have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. This includes those laid off due to the business closing or having insufficient work for employees.

While workers who voluntarily quit are typically ineligible for UI compensation, an EDD representative will conduct a phone interview in these cases to determine if the applicant has just reason, such as trade dispute. Petitioners wrongfully fired from their job will also have the same opportunity to defend the professional separation.

UI applicants must meet financial requirements to enroll. The earnings of petitioners determine if they are eligible for UI compensation in addition to the amount in which they are entitled. Residents must have earned enough to establish a claim.

Claiming California Unemployment Benefits

Beneficiaries should understand that eligibility for unemployment in California is ongoing and they must continue to certify for UI compensation. Enrollees must file an unemployment claim each week they require financial assistance. In the same manner, as filing for unemployment initially, UI participants answer a series of questions about their ability to accept work via online, by phone or mail.

Completion of these weekly certifications must be prompt and within the designated period, as failure to submit will result in a loss of that period’s benefits.

While compensation payment is dependent on the beneficiary’s earning when working, the state has a maximum amount that they will not exceed. All UI payments are subject to federal taxes and applicants will indicate on the weekly certification form if they wish to have the taxes deducted or if they will be responsible when they file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Learn About Unemployment Benefits Extensions in California

Beneficiaries will only be able to collect unemployment compensation until they have exhausted their initial award amount. California unemployment insurance coverage typically lasts half of the year but can be longer for claimants who work part-time.

An unemployment extension is possible when UI participants have exhausted their benefits during very high periods of state or federal unemployment. If extensions become available due to a recession, UI beneficiaries must meet the specific eligibility requirements. UI extensions may only cover a few more weeks at a reduced compensation amount.

Appealing Denied Unemployment Benefits in California

EDD authorities will deny applicants from the unemployment insurance benefits program if they do not meet the initial eligibility requirements or the former employer appeals the claim. An unemployment claim denial can also occur for those currently enrolled in the program if they fail to meet the ongoing qualifications.

However, applicants can appeal an unemployment insurance decision and request a hearing if they receive a denial notice. The UI appeal process requires petitioners to submit a plea by the deadline or forfeit their right to appeal.

Denied applicants should review the determination notice to discover the reasons for rejection from the UI program. If the denial is due to the occupation separation, applicants should include a letter detailing the situation with the appeal, particularly in cases of wrongful termination.

However, UI program rejection due to insufficient earnings or other eligibility requirements will often not result in a successful appeal, unless there is a clerical error that needs correction. The state offers two different levels of appeals, so those who do not win the first hearing may file for a second appeal.