How To Apply For Unemployment In California Online 2023 | Full Guide

If you lost your job or had your hours reduced, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits in California.

To file a claim, follow the guidelines in this information.

Bear in mind that this article will cover the requirements on how to apply for unemployment in California but will focus mainly on how to apply online.

 Stay with us ‘cos it promises to be a good read.

What are The Eligibility Requirements To Apply For Unemployment In California Online?

You must qualify for unemployment benefits when certifying and applying for benefits.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be entirely or partially unemployed;
• Be unemployed for reasons other than your own;
• Possess the appropriate physical ability;
• Be accessible for work; and
• Be prepared and willing to begin working immediately.

If you believe your position as an independent contractor is erroneous, we invite you to apply for benefits; we will then determine your eligibility.

The EDD uses a base period, which is a specific 12-month period, to establish whether or not you earned enough money to make a claim.

Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) ranges from $40 to $450.

This is one article you should read: How To Apply For Unemployment In California

What is the Weekly Advantage Certification Requirements in California?

You must meet the eligibility requirements for each week you certify for benefits. You must be physically capable of working, available, and ready to accept a job immediately.

To request benefit payments, you must certify for benefits by sending in a certification via mail, phone, or online.

Applicants must serve a one-week unpaid waiting period on their claim before obtaining UI compensation. You can complete the waiting period only if you certify for benefits and meet all of the requirements for that week’s eligibility.

If you meet the qualifying standards for both weeks, your initial certification will usually include a one-week unpaid waiting period followed by a one-week payment period. You must recertify for benefits every two weeks to continue receiving payments.

The procedure for certifying consists of answering simple questions every two weeks to confirm that you are still unemployed and eligible to continue receiving benefits. Incorrect responses may result in a delay in your claim or payment.

If the details on your certification show that you did not fulfil the qualifications, EDD will schedule a phone interview to that effect. 

YOu can file an appeal if you do not agree with the decision. 

How To Register For Weekly Advantages Certification

Most users must register with CalJOBS and create an online resume that employers can view. You have 21 days after receiving your Notice of Duty to Register for Work (DE 8405) form to comply with this requirement.

Failure to meet this requirement may result in a delay or a reduction in payments.

What Happens If You Resign or Are Fired?

The state will set up a phone call to discuss your circumstances and claim. If you quit, you must provide a valid reason for doing so. Before firing you, your employer must demonstrate that there was misconduct. If either party disagrees with the verdict, they may file an appeal.

If we do not call you at the time of your appointment, we may have cancelled it after validating your eligibility or resolving the issue before your interview. If your appointment is cancelled, it will not appear in UI Online.

Requirement for Job Search for Unemployment in California

To be eligible for benefits, most people must make a reasonable effort to find acceptable work. We recommend that you retain a record of the dates of your employment searches and the contacts for your employers for future reference and prospective eligibility interviews.

Your Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award includes detailed instructions for conducting a job search (DE 429Z). For further information, go to Job Seekers: Returning to Work.

See also: How To File For Unemployment In Ohio

What Do I Do If My Application For Unemployment Gets Approved?

You must send the EDD eligibility information every two weeks. The process involved in this benefits certification. You can seek certification via UI Online, EDD Tele-Cert, or mail.

Report your wages and job accurately while claiming benefits.

You must record any labour you conducted and any money you received (even if you were not paid) every two weeks after certifying for benefits.

You must serve a one-week unpaid waiting period on your claim before obtaining UI compensation. You can complete the waiting period only if you certify for benefits and meet all of the requirements for that week’s eligibility.

If you meet the qualifying standards for both weeks, your initial certification will usually include a one-week unpaid waiting period followed by a one-week payment period.

The waiting period does not affect the maximum benefit amount that can be claimed. You must recertify for benefits every two weeks to continue receiving payments.

Online registration and account setup makes applying for unemployment easy. Follow these steps to register and create an account with Benefit Programs Online. Then, file a claim and manage your unemployment benefits.

How to Apply for Unemployment Online in California| Steps

You can also apply for unemployment by fax, mail, or phone.

Here is how you can apply for unemployment online in California;

Create an Account

Register for an Account

Creating an account as soon as you are qualified for unemployment benefits is a critical next step.

The first step in filing for unemployment is to open an account. To file, you must first create an account with Benefit Programs Online.

Once you have made an account and received a Welcome email verifying your registration, you are ready to use UI Online. After that, you can begin using UI Online immediately.

They will mail you your EDD Customer Account Number. After receiving this, you can register for UI Online.

Go to File Claim

From Benefit Programs, select UI Online to submit an unemployment claim or register for and access your UI Online account.

See also: How To Apply For Unemployment In Michigan

How to Submit a Claim Using UI Online| Requirements

Sign in to Benefit Programs Online and file a new claim for unemployment benefits.

Make certain that you supply all employment-related information accurately and completely.

• When listing your employers, double-check your spelling and be specific.
• Check the information on your Social Security card and California driver’s license or identity card.
• Confirm that the information provided matches what is on your tax filings.

Regular Unemployment

File for unemployment during the first week of losing your job or having your hours reduced. Your claim formally begins on the Sunday following the week you filed your unemployment claim.

• If you filed for unemployment during the last 52 weeks (12 months) and have yet to use up all of your benefits, you must reopen your claim to begin collecting benefits. This phase can be completed with the help of UI Online.
• If your benefit year has passed, you are unemployed, and your benefits have run out, you must file a new claim through UI Online.

Federal workers and former service members are not eligible to use the online filing system.

How To Register In Order To Manage Claims

Sign in to UI Online to manage your claim.

After making an online claim, you can use UI Online to:

• Get the most up-to-date information on your claim and payment.
• Report your labour and income, and confirm your eligibility for continuous benefits.
• Update your phone number and mailing address.
• Receive critical alerts, such as reminders to apply for benefits.
• Reschedule a phone interview by seeing in-person and in-person appointments.
• Request a copy of form 1099G tax information from the preceding five years.
• Handle any potential benefit overpayments.
• Ask a question.

You must certify your claim every two weeks. you can complete this stage on UI Online.

Identity Documents

ID.me is an easy and secure technique for verifying your identity in UI Online. When you file a new claim, you’ll be directed to the ID.me website, where you can upload a photo of your ID and a selfie (personal photo) to establish your identity.

If we need more information to prove your identification, you must attend a video conference with ID.me and submit one of the following:

• Two primary documents
• One primary document and two secondary documents

After your video session with ID.me, you must finish your unemployment application. Log in to UI Online, and return to your application. You can use UI Online to access the ID.me login page. Log in to authorize ID.me to allow the EDD access to your identity information. Submit your unemployment application after selecting Allow.

If ID.me cannot help you establish your identity when you apply online, you must claim by phone, fax, or letter.

You can contact an ID.me video agent through your ID.me account for help with the ID.me verification procedure.

ID.me agents are available on video calls all day all week. 

• Visit ID.me Support for help.

What are the Steps to Prepare To Apply Online for Unemployment in California?

These are the steps involved while preparing to apply for unemployment in California online;

File for unemployment during the first week of losing your job or having your hours reduced.

Your claim formally begins on the Sunday following the week you filed your unemployment claim.

You must serve a one-week unpaid waiting period on your claim before obtaining UI compensation.

You can complete the waiting period only if you certify for benefits and meet all of the requirements for that week’s eligibility.

If you meet the qualifying standards for both weeks, your initial certification will usually include a one-week unpaid waiting period followed by a one-week payment period. You must recertify for benefits every two weeks to continue receiving payments.

See also: How To File For Unemployment In Florida

How Long Does Unemployment Benefit Last in California?

Regular unemployment insurance benefit year ends 12 months after the initial claim is filed.

Even if your claim has a balance, you cannot be rewarded for weeks of unemployment after your benefit year has expired. Continue certifying for benefits if you still have weeks left in your benefit year.

Can I Reapply For Unemployment In California?

You can file a new claim if you earned enough money in the preceding 18 months and are still unemployed or working part-time. Apply online, and we’ll notify you as soon as your new claim is processed. This usually takes two to three weeks.

Suppose you served in the military, worked for a federal agency, or provided employment-related services in a state other than California within the past 18 months. In that case, you must reapply by phone, mail, or fax for a new claim.

 If you needed to earn more money in the previous 18 months to sustain a new claim, there is no need to reapply.

Check your Claim Summary in UI Online to see when your benefit year ends. The end of your benefit year is 12 months after the start of your benefit year.

Apply Online

When can you file a claim with UI Online?

Applying online through UI Online is the best way to submit your claim. Submit your online form between the following hours:

Days of the Week	Available Time
Sunday	5 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Monday	4 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Tuesday – Friday	2 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday	2 a.m. – 8 p.m.

You must be at least 18 years old to submit an online claim. If you are under 18, you can submit your claim by mail, fax, or phone.

What Other Benefit In California Can I Be Eligible For Asides Unemployment?

If you are unable to qualify for unemployment benefits, you may be able to obtain paid family leave or disability insurance.

Disability Insurance

If you are in any of the following situations:

• You are unable to work due to sickness, injury, or pregnancy that is unrelated to your job;
• You are ill or in quarantine as a result of COVID-19, making it impossible for you to carry out your regular work responsibilities; and
• Contributed to the State Disability Insurance program through taxes 

See also: How To File For Illinois Unemployment

How Does Paid Family Leave Work?

You may be eligible for Paid Family Leave benefits if you need time off work to care for a seriously ill child, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or registered domestic partner.

If you are a parent who needs time to bond with your new child through birth, adoption or foster care placement, you may also be eligible.

FAQs on How To Apply For Unemployment In California Online 2023 | Full Guide

Conclusion

This article has provided a step-to-step guide to applying for unemployment in California. Follow the steps and your application will be successful.

References

• Edd.gov
• EDD Requirements
•  Edd claim

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