Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

If you are a California resident and have lost your job as a result of the suspension or downsizing of your company, then you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. There are several ways to apply for unemployment benefits in the Golden State. Read below for more information on how to get unemployment benefits in California.

Steps

1. 1 Log in to the California Employment Development Department website. Access the site here
2. 2 Select "eApply4UI" to complete your online claim. Alternatively, click "File or Reopen a UI Claim" under the "Apply for UI or Reopen a UI Claim" heading to view other options for filing a claim.
3. 3 Decide on the method by which you will apply for unemployment benefits. Select Online, Mail or Fax, or Telephone as your preferred application method.
   • Call the appropriate telephone number provided after clicking the Telephone link to apply for California Unemployment Insurance benefits by telephone.
4. 4 Click “Continue” after reading the next page when choosing “Online” or “Mail or Fax” methods.
5. 5 Read the instructions for completing your Unemployment Insurance claim.
6. 6 Check the box indicating that you have read the instructions, then click Continue.
7. 7 Answer the required questions when choosing the "Online" or "Mail or Fax" method to access the online Unemployment Insurance claim. This application can be completed and submitted online, or printed, completed by hand and mailed or faxed to the Employment Development Department.
   • When submitting your application online, continue to answer the required questions and provide the required information until it is fully completed, then submit it online. If you chose the paper option, then answer the required questions and then select DE 1101I to open the pdf version of the Unemployment Insurance Application.
8. 8 If you chose link DE-1101I for Unemployment Insurance Application in pdf format, then fill it out online or print a blank form and fill in the data by hand. You can mail the completed form to EDD (additional shipping charges will be required) to the following address:
   • EDD
     P.O. Box 12906
     Oakland, CA
     94604-2909
   • You can also fax your application to the following number: 1-866-215-9159
9. 9 Provide all required information in the online application or in pdf format. When filling in the data, do not forget to include:
   • Social Security number, name, address, employment history for the year, and details of your last employer.
   • The specific reason for not having a job.
10. 10 Receive materials on your appeal by mail within 10 days from the date of application, if your request has been approved.

Tips

• When filling out the Unemployment Insurance Application manually, be sure to use black or blue ink.
• Your social security number should appear at the top of every page on your application.
• The one week waiting period applies to all claims for unemployment benefits. This period is not paid.
• Mondays, early mornings and the days following holidays are the most difficult times in terms of the volume of calls for applying for unemployment benefits over the phone.
• Click on the “Video” link under the heading “Apply for UI or Reopen a UI Claim” on the California Employment Development Department website for helpful instructions on how to apply for unemployment benefits.
• You need to create a Personal Identification Number (PIN) when using the California Employment Development Department automated system.

Warnings

• Work experience information should include the exact periods of employment and the amount of wages received.
• Personal information cannot be filled in automatically using any internet browser tool when entering information into an online application.
• Claiming California Unemployment Insurance benefits without providing all the required information will result in delays or denials of benefits.