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How to Apply

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Introduction

Anyone may file a claim for California UI benefits. It does not mean that one will have a valid claim or collect benefits, but one has the right to file a claim and try. It is best to file as soon as unemployed. The only time the Department should refuse to file a claim is when the individual states that s/he is still employed full time.

Generally, you will be eligible for more benefits the sooner you file, so file as soon as you can.

But if you've waited, you should still apply!

Step 1    Collecting Basic Information

When applying for benefits the claimant should have information ready that is necessary to file a claim and to identify that the person who is calling is indeed the person who earned the wages and wishes to file the claim. At a minimum the claimant should have the following identification and employment information available when calling or completing the application:

Identifying Information:
  • Social Security Number(s) used
  • Name(s)
  • Mailing and residence addresses
  • Telephone number
  • Drivers license or ID card number
  • Immigration Status information for non-citizens – alien verification numbers and any other immigration information
Employment Information:
  • Name, address, and telephone number of the very last employer regardless of the length of employment
  • Date of last day physically worked at the job
  • Reason no longer working
  • Earnings and employment information for all employers for at least the last 18 months
  • Any information on monies the employer may pay in the future such as pensions or early retirement packages.

Step 2    Contacting the EDD

There are three ways to file a claim for benefits, described below. The best way to file depends on the specifics of each case, so you might want to see whether you fit into one of the following special cases:

Special Cases

Military, federal, or out-of-state work, or out-of-state claims: An individual must file a claim by telephone if during the last 18 months the person worked for the U.S. military, the federal government, worked in another state, or applied for UI benefits against another state.

You had or want part time work: A person who has been working part-time during the last 18 months and restricts to part-time work in the future should also apply by phone.

It's after 5 on a Friday: The beginning date of a claim is the Sunday of the week that an individual contacts the Department. If you are unable to contact the Department by telephone before Friday at 5 p.m. PST, it is best to use the eAPPLY4UI process. This can be used as late as Midnight on Saturday. The written application DE 1101 can also be used as long as it is postmarked by Saturday.

You need more help: If time is not an issue and there is any information you need more help with or facts you would like explained it is best to file the claim by telephoning the Call Center. (As long as time is not a pressing issue, see above.)

1. Telephone

Contact the Employment Development Department at their Call Center:

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm PST

English 1-800-300-5616
Spanish/Español 1-800-326-8937
Cantonese/粵語 1-800-547-3506
Mandarin/普通話/國語 1-800-303-0706
Vietnamese/tiếng Việt 1-800-547-2058
TTY 1-800-815-9387

2. Online

File using the Internet application eAPPLY4UI, in English or in Spanish.

3. By Mail

File using the paper application DE 1101 and mail the form to the Department to be processed.