The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Unemployment Benefits In California

By Richard Harroch

Laid-off employees, unbiased contractors, gig employees, freelancers, and self-employed people could also be eligible to obtain unemployment advantages from the Employment Growth Division (EDD) of the State of California.

Listed here are the 4 most vital factors coated on this article:

• The California Unemployment Insurance coverage (UI) program pays advantages to employees who’ve misplaced their job and meet this system’s eligibility requirements. 
• If in case you have grow to be unemployed or partially unemployed (or misplaced work as an unbiased contractor, gig employee, freelancer, or self-employed), chances are you’ll file a UI claim. 
• After you will have filed a declare, it’s essential to proceed to certify for benefits and meet eligibility requirements every week as a way to obtain profit funds.
• You get your advantages paid via an EDD Debit Card issued by Financial institution of America.

As a part of the federal CARES Act, the brand new Pandemic Unemployment Help (PUA) program helps unemployed Californians who’re enterprise house owners, self-employed, unbiased contractors, gig employees, have restricted work historical past; and others not normally eligible for normal state UI advantages who’re out of enterprise or whose companies are considerably decreased as a direct results of the pandemic.

On this article, I attempt to present solutions to lots of the regularly requested questions concerning the California unemployment advantages course of. Many of those questions and solutions are derived from the EDD web site, with applicable hyperlinks to the EDD web page the place up to date info could also be posted every so often. However the EDD web site is typically complicated and unfold out, so I’ve tried to deliver some order and clarification to the questions and solutions.

The questions and solutions are categorized into the next main sections:

A. Eligibility for California Unemployment Insurance coverage Advantages for Staff

B. How A lot You Are Entitled to in Unemployment Advantages in California

C. Submitting an Unemployment Insurance coverage Declare in California If You Had been an Worker and Laid Off

D. Unemployment Advantages for Impartial Contractors, Gig Employees, Self-Employed People, and Freelancers in California

E. Checking the Standing of Your Unemployment Declare in California

F. Reopening an Unemployment Insurance coverage Declare in California

G. Interesting an Hostile Resolution on an Unemployment Declare

H. How To Get Your Unemployment Advantages Paid—The EDD Debit Card

I. California Coaching Advantages for People Receiving Unemployment Advantages

J. Extra Assets Out there on California Unemployment Advantages

Ok. Contact Info for the EDD on Unemployment Claims

A. Eligibility for California Unemployment Insurance coverage Advantages for Staff

1. What are the necessities to have the ability to file a declare for unemployment insurance coverage advantages in California as a laid off worker?

To obtain Unemployment Insurance coverage (UI) profit funds in California, it’s essential to meet all eligibility requirements when submitting a declare and when certifying for advantages (which it’s essential to do weekly).

When submitting for UI advantages in California, it’s essential to have earned sufficient wages in the course of the base interval to ascertain a declare, and be:

• Completely or partially unemployed
• Unemployed via no fault of your individual
• Bodily capable of work
• Out there for work
• Prepared and prepared to just accept work instantly

A base interval is a particular 12-month time period the EDD makes use of to see in case you earned sufficient wages to ascertain a UI declare. To learn the way EDD determines your base interval, overview How Unemployment Insurance Benefits are Computed (DE 8714AB) (PDF).

Your weekly profit quantity ranges from $40 to $450, plus $600 every week in PUA advantages in case you are eligible. To get an estimate of what you’ll obtain, use the UI Benefit Calculator.

For extra details about how the EDD calculates a UI declare, overview the next sources:

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Eligibility.htm}

2. What are the weekly certification necessities for unemployment advantages in California?

To obtain Unemployment Insurance coverage (UI) advantages, it’s essential to present the EDD eligibility info each two weeks. This is called “certifying” for advantages. You should additionally meet all weekly eligibility requirements.

For assist answering the certification questions, overview this EDD web page: 

For those who stopped claiming advantages, even for one week, you will have to reopen your claim. In case your declare has expired, you will have to file a new claim.

Essential: For those who withhold or give false info to obtain advantages, reminiscent of not reporting work or wages, you might be committing fraud. Penalties might embrace a lack of advantages, a false assertion disqualification, and/or legal prosecution.

Submit your certification utilizing one of many following:

To avoid common errors and reduce payment delays, certify on-line or by telephone.

UI Online is the quickest option to certify for advantages and report work and wages. For those who don’t have work or wages to report, you should utilize UI Online Mobile out of your good telephone or pill.

To get began, log in to Benefit Programs Online and choose UI On-line or UI On-line Cellular.

Examine the Notifications part of your homepage. If weeks can be found, choose Certify for Advantages and reply all questions. If no weeks can be found, the system will inform you when to examine once more and can ship you an e mail reminder.

Word: The Work Search File display screen is non-compulsory and gives a useful software to file your work search efforts. To skip this display screen, choose Subsequent. It is a complicated display screen because the EDD has suspended the requirement to seek for work in the course of the pending of the pandemic.

You’ll obtain a affirmation quantity when your certification has been efficiently submitted. Preserve this quantity in your data.

^{Sources: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Eligibility.htm; edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/certify.htm; edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Understanding_the_Continued_Claim_Certification_Questions.htm}

CaUnderstanding the Continued Claim Certification Questions

three. I used to be fired from my job. Will I be eligible for UI advantages?

For those who have been fired out of your job, the EDD might conduct a telephone interview with you and your employer roughly two weeks after you file your declare to find out in case you are eligible for UI advantages. However most certainly they’ll overview your submitting on UI On-line to make a willpower.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/FAQ_-_Eligibility.htm}

four. I simply stop my job. Will I be eligible for unemployment advantages?

Unlikely. For those who stop your job, the EDD might conduct a telephone interview with you and your employer about two weeks after you file your declare to find out in case you are eligible for UI advantages.

For those who stop your job, it’s essential to present that there was good trigger for leaving, and that you simply made all cheap makes an attempt to maintain your job (reminiscent of requested a go away of absence or switch).

Word: Good trigger can embrace unsafe working circumstances, a medical physician’s recommendation, or defending your self or your little one from home violence.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/FAQ_-_Eligibility.htm}

5. What if I misplaced my job and can’t work due to a catastrophe?

In case you are unemployed as a consequence of a catastrophe (COVID-19 qualifies as a catastrophe), chances are you’ll be eligible for UI advantages or Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/FAQ_-_Eligibility.htm}

6. Can I attend faculty or coaching and obtain UI advantages?

In case you are certified, the California Training Benefits (CTB) program means that you can proceed receiving advantages whereas in coaching that’s permitted by the EDD. For extra info, overview:

For those who attend faculty or coaching and should not eligible for the CTB program, you should still qualify for UI advantages in case you proceed to be out there for work and actively search work.

For extra info, see Part I of this text (“California Coaching Advantages for People Receiving Unemployment Advantages”).

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/FAQ_-_Eligibility.htm}

7. What if I’m sick or injured? Can I get unemployment advantages?

In case you are not eligible for UI advantages since you are sick or injured, you’ll be able to file a declare for Disability Insurance as an alternative of unemployment advantages.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/FAQ_-_Eligibility.htm}

eight. What if I’m taking good care of a significantly unwell member of the family or bonding with my new little one and can’t work?

In case you are caring for a member of the family or bonding with a brand new little one, you’ll be able to file a declare with California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. Caring for a brand new little one contains the delivery of a kid, adoption, or foster care placement.

Word: You can not obtain PFL advantages for a similar time frame you obtain UI or Incapacity Insurance coverage advantages.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/FAQ_-_Eligibility.htm}

9. How does trip pay or vacation pay have an effect on my eligibility to obtain UI advantages?

If you got a particular return-to-work date on the time you have been laid off, EDD might deduct trip or vacation pay out of your advantages.

• In case you are not given a particular return-to-work date, any trip or vacation pay you obtain when your job ends will not be deducted out of your weekly profit quantity.
• For those who are given a particular return-to-work date, any trip or vacation pay for the interval of the momentary layoff is deducted out of your advantages. EDD will allocate your trip and vacation pay as follows:
• Trip pay will probably be allotted to match the variety of days you requested trip, or the variety of days your employer required you to make use of as trip in the course of the momentary layoff.
• Vacation pay that’s paid earlier than you come back to work will probably be allotted to match the vacation weeks. Vacation pay that’s paid after you come back to work will probably be allotted to match the week that you simply return to work.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/FAQ_-_Eligibility.htm}

10. I obtained a Discover of Willpower (DE 1080CZ) and I’m not eligible for unemployment advantages. What ought to I do?

You’ve gotten the fitting to file an enchantment if you don’t agree with all or a part of the choice. For extra info, go to Unemployment Insurance Appeals.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/FAQ_-_Eligibility.htm}

11. I’m not a U.S. citizen. Can I gather unemployment advantages?

To gather UI advantages, it’s essential to present that you simply have been in passable immigration standing and licensed to work in the USA when incomes the wages you used to ascertain your declare. You should additionally give proof that you’re at present in passable immigration standing, and are licensed to work every week that you simply declare advantages.

Word: The EDD verifies immigration standing and work authorization via the Division of Homeland Safety.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/FAQ_-_Eligibility.htm}

12. Would I qualify for unemployment advantages if I select to remain residence from work as a consequence of underlying well being circumstances and considerations about publicity to the coronavirus?

You will be eligible for advantages in case you select to remain residence. When you file your declare, the EDD will contact you in the event that they want extra info.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm}

13. Are unemployment advantages out there if my employer reduces my hours or shuts down operations because of the affect of the coronavirus?

In case your employer decreased your hours or shut down operations as a consequence of COVID-19, you might be inspired to file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim. UI gives partial wage alternative profit funds to employees who lose their job or have their hours decreased, via no fault of their very own. Employees who’re quickly unemployed as a consequence of COVID-19 and anticipated to return to work with their employer inside a number of weeks should not required to actively search work every week. Nevertheless, they have to stay in a position, out there, and able to work throughout their unemployment for every week of advantages claimed and meet all different eligibility standards.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm}

14. Can I gather unemployment advantages if I’m able to work remotely from residence?

Working your full regular hours remotely wouldn’t qualify you for advantages. Nevertheless, you could possibly gather some unemployment insurance coverage advantages in case your normal variety of work hours are decreased via no fault of your individual. The primary $25 or 25% of your wages, whichever is the higher quantity, will not be counted as wages earned and won’t be decreased out of your UI weekly profit quantity. For instance, in case you earned $100 in every week, the EDD wouldn’t depend $25 as wages and would solely deduct $75 out of your weekly profit quantity. For somebody who has a weekly profit quantity of $450, they’d be paid a decreased quantity of $375.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm}

15. Can I gather incapacity and unemployment advantages on the identical time?

You’ve gotten the fitting to use and file a declare for unemployment and incapacity advantages on the identical time, however you’ll be able to solely gather funds underneath one profit program at a time. You’re inspired to file a declare underneath one program primarily based in your circumstances or file underneath each applications in case you are uncertain of which program is most applicable. The EDD will overview the info and decide your eligibility for the suitable program.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm}

16. Will I be eligible for unemployment advantages if I reply “no” to the query about in search of work on my certification for ongoing funds?

It is a tough query, and it could be safer to simply reply “sure” to the query in case you are doing a little minimal effort to search out work.

However the EDD says: “It is best to reply the query honestly. Given the distinctive financial state of affairs and lack of accessible work created by COVID-19, the EDD has been capable of regulate our normal eligibility necessities to permit us to mechanically course of a big quantity of claims. You’ll not be penalized in case you reply “no” to the query about in search of work and will probably be paid advantages for that week in case you meet all different eligibility necessities.”

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm}

17. If my account says “pending” after I certify for advantages, what does that imply? How lengthy will I want to attend, and is there something I can do to hurry up my receipt of advantages?

After a claimant certifies for advantages via UI On-line, the EDD units the certification to “pending” within the system. It’s because the EDD should overview your responses to the certification questions as a way to decide your continued eligibility for UI advantages, as required by legislation. Though the net system might do that mechanically relying in your declare and the way you responded to the eligibility questions, in some circumstances the certification should be reviewed by EDD employees. As soon as your certification is reviewed (both mechanically or by employees), your advantages cost will be processed. The EDD has a number of educational YouTube movies and supplies to assist information claimants via the federally required certification course of. You possibly can confer with the Certifying for UI Benefits web page for extra info.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm}

18. My employer furloughed me when the enterprise closed because of the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. I’m at present receiving common unemployment insurance coverage (UI) advantages. My employer is reopening and has requested me to return to work. Will I lose my common unemployment advantages if I refuse to work as a result of I’m afraid of contracting COVID-19 within the office? 

A person is disqualified for UI in the event that they refuse to just accept “appropriate” employment when supplied. Underneath California legislation, the EDD will think about whether or not the actual work is “appropriate” in mild of things such because the diploma of danger concerned to the person’s well being and security. For instance, in case your employer has complied with the state’s necessities for reopening, and any and all authorities security laws, chances are you’ll not have good trigger to refuse to return to work and may very well be disqualified from persevering with to obtain common UI advantages for a chosen time frame.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm#collapseThirteen}

19. What if I get unemployment funds, however the EDD determines later that I used to be not eligible? 

The EDD might assess an “overpayment” and demand the cash again. If the EDD believes you deliberately made false statements in your claims utility, you could possibly face a penalty and forfeit future advantages. However offering info you consider in good religion mustn’t end in a penalty.

It’s possible you’ll obtain a Discover of Overpayment (DE 1444) since you have been paid Unemployment Insurance coverage (UI) advantages that you weren’t eligible for. Go to Benefit Overpayment Services for info on find out how to repay an overpayment.

The EDD classifies overpayments into two classes: “fraud” or “non-fraud”:

• Fraud: If the EDD finds that you simply deliberately gave false info or withheld info and, in consequence, obtained advantages that you shouldn’t have obtained, the overpayment is taken into account fraud. Withholding or giving false info to acquire advantages is a critical offense that can lead to penalties and legal prosecution. With a fraud overpayment, you’ll be able to obtain a penalty equal to 30% of the overpayment quantity. Moreover, you will be disqualified from getting unemployment advantages for five to 23 weeks. You should repay fraud overpayments and penalties.
• Non-Fraud: For those who obtained advantages you weren’t eligible for and the overpayment was not your fault, the overpayment is taken into account non-fraud. You’ll obtain a discover telling you if the overpayment should be repaid.

If you don’t repay your overpayment shortly, the EDD can deduct the cash out of your future UI or State Incapacity Insurance coverage advantages. The EDD may:

• Cut back or withhold your federal and state earnings tax refunds
• Cut back or withhold your state lottery winnings
• Cut back or withhold different cash the state owes you
• File a declare in opposition to you in court docket
• Cost you court docket prices and curiosity
• File a lien in your property

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Overpayments.htm}

20. If I earn any wages whereas gathering unemployment advantages, how will that have an effect on my advantages?

Some unemployed employees might discover alternatives for odd jobs, momentary work assignments, or part-time work whereas gathering Unemployment Insurance coverage (UI) advantages. If you weren’t fully-employed in the course of the week by which you labored, you might be able to obtain decreased UI advantages even when your earnings are larger than your weekly profit quantity so long as you meet all different eligibility standards.

You should report any wages in your declare types for the week by which you earned the wages, even in case you weren’t paid for that work till later.

Your gross wages are required (complete with out the payroll deductions), and the EDD will determine the quantity of wages to deduct out of your weekly profit quantity. A complete of $25 or 25% of these earnings, whichever is larger, will not be thought-about deductible out of your advantages. Any wages past that will probably be deducted out of your weekly profit quantity and you’ll be paid the distinction, if any.

For those who earn an excessive amount of cash in every week to obtain any UI advantages, the UI advantages stay in your declare to gather at a later time in the course of the profit 12 months of your declare, so long as you stay unemployed and eligible. For those who settle for full-time work for 2 weeks or longer, your declare will grow to be inactive and no extra declare types will probably be mailed. For those who grow to be unemployed once more, it’s essential to submit a brand new utility for advantages. The best approach to take action is to submit your utility on-line via EDD’s web site at www.edd.ca.gov.

^{Supply: sdcl.org/PDF/UI_FAQ_Tips.pdf}

21. How are faculty staff and academics handled with respect to unemployment advantages?

The EDD web site at www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/FAQ_-_School_Employees.htm solutions the next questions on academics and faculty staff:

• Is a college worker eligible for Unemployment Insurance coverage advantages throughout a recess interval?
• If my faculty employer notifies me in the course of the recess interval that I not have a job when the following time period begins, am I eligible to obtain advantages in the course of the the rest of the recess interval?
• On the finish of the varsity time period, my faculty employer gave me a return-to-work date for the following faculty 12 months. Earlier than the time period started, I used to be laid off as a result of my place was eradicated. Am I eligible for advantages?
• Am I eligible for retroactive advantages?
• What’s the distinction between a college worker and a college supportive worker?
• I’m a substitute instructor and my faculty employer supplied me work within the subsequent faculty 12 months or time period. Nevertheless, I didn’t obtain a particular return-to-work date. Am I nonetheless eligible for advantages in the course of the recess interval?
• Earlier than I filed for advantages, my final day of labor was at my part-time job for a non-school employer. I additionally work for a college employer who has supplied me work when the recess interval ends. Am I eligible for advantages in the course of the recess interval?
• The supply I obtained from a college employer for the following 12 months or time period is dependent upon ample enrollment, funding, or modifications in this system. Will I be eligible to obtain advantages in the course of the recess interval no matter my classification?

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/FAQ_-_School_Employees.htm}

22. Do I have to seek for work as a way to proceed getting unemployment advantages?

As a result of coronavirus disaster, the EDD has acknowledged that you do not want to observe the same old rule that you might want to seek for work every week to be eligible for unemployment advantages. That might change sooner or later.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Eligibility.htm}

23. Do I qualify for unemployment advantages if I get paid by my employer utilizing a Paycheck Safety Program (PPP) mortgage?

No, you’ll be able to’t receives a commission by an employer from a PPP mortgage and nonetheless gather unemployment advantages. PPP loans are for use to assist corporations pay their employee salaries and different enterprise bills.

B. How A lot You Are Entitled to in Unemployment Advantages in California

1. If I’m a laid-off worker, how a lot in unemployment advantages am I entitled to?

The conventional quantity you might be entitled to for unemployment advantages ranges from $40 per week to $450 per week, plus the $600 per week offered by the Federal CARES Act (PUA). The EDD has an online calculator that can assist you decide the precise quantity.

When you file your claim, the EDD will confirm your eligibility and wage info to find out your weekly profit quantity (WBA). For extra info, confer with How Unemployment Insurance Benefits Are Computed (PDF) or the Unemployment Insurance Benefit Table (PDF).

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI-Calculator.htm}

2. How a lot can unbiased contractors, gig employees, self-employed people, or freelancers get in PUA/unemployment advantages?

With a view to present advantages as shortly as potential, funds will probably be issued by the EDD in phases. For those who qualify for PUA (described later on this article), the preliminary funds you’ll obtain are as follows:

• $167 per week, for every week from February 2, 2020 to March 28, 2020, that you simply have been unemployed as a consequence of a COVID-19 associated cause.
• $167 plus $600 per week, for every week from March 29, 2020 to July 25, 2020, that you’re unemployed as a consequence of a COVID-19 associated cause.
• $167 per week, for every week from July 26, 2020 to December 26, 2020, that you’re unemployed as a consequence of a COVID-19 associated cause, as much as a complete of 39 weeks (minus any weeks of normal UI and sure prolonged UI advantages that you’ve obtained).

For those who qualify in your declare to be backdated to an earlier PUA efficient date primarily based in your final day of labor, you could possibly obtain cost for prior weeks you have been unemployed as a consequence of COVID-19. You may be required to offer the EDD eligibility info each two weeks. This is called “certifying” for advantages.

After these preliminary funds, relying in your prior earnings, your weekly quantity of $167 per week could also be elevated. You should have a possibility to certify your prior earnings in your PUA utility. The EDD is working to ascertain environment friendly procedures to find out if a rise to the weekly PUA quantity will probably be applicable after a person receives the preliminary weekly quantity.

Along with making use of to future advantages, any enhance from the $167 quantity additionally applies retroactively. This implies that you could be additionally obtain cost to make up the distinction it is best to have been paid in case your advantages had initially been primarily based on the elevated quantity. You may be notified of any enhance that you’re entitled to obtain.

Instance: For those who utilized for PUA on April 28, 2020, the primary day it was out there, and also you licensed you have been unemployed as a consequence of COVID-19 since March eight, 2020, you will have been unemployed for seven full weeks. For those who meet the COVID-19-related standards for PUA, EDD will calculate your quantity as follows:

March eight to March 28 = three weeks x $167/week = $501

March 29 to April 25 = four weeks x $167/week (with further $600 per week) = $three,068

TOTAL: $three,569 (from March eight to April 25)

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs.htm}

three. When will the additional $600 every week in advantages from the federal authorities expire?

The extra $600 per week in advantages offered by the federal authorities via the CARES Act (PUA) is efficient till July 31, 2020. There have been discussions and laws proposed to increase that date, however nothing has handed but.

four. Are unemployment insurance coverage advantages taxable to the recipient?

Sure, they’re taxable on the federal degree on the unusual earnings charge. However in your California tax return, unemployment advantages should not taxable. It is best to obtain an IRS Kind 1099-G on the finish of the 12 months. On the time you make an unemployment declare, you will have the choice of getting tax withheld from every cost.

^{Supply: ftb.ca.gov/file/personal/income-types/unemployment.html}

5. How lengthy do unemployment advantages final?

California pays unemployment advantages for 26 weeks. The CARES Act prolonged advantages by time in addition to cash, including an additional 13 weeks.

6. If I make some cash from self-employment, piece work, odd jobs, again pay, or different work, does that scale back my unemployment profit funds?

You’re required to report back to the EDD in case you earn any “wages” from a number of classes: self-employment, gig work, again pay, bonuses, commissions, jury obligation pay, and many others. See “What are wages?” on the EDD web site.

For those who do report such wages, the EDD site has a formulation and examples of how your unemployment advantages may very well be decreased.

7. What’s IRS Kind 1099-G: Assertion for Recipients of Unemployment Compensation Funds?

In January of every 12 months, the EDD mails a duplicate of IRS Kind 1099-G to every one that was paid unemployment advantages in the course of the earlier calendar 12 months.

The quantity proven on the IRS 1099-G type contains all advantages paid to you in the course of the earlier tax 12 months. The overall additionally contains advantages you will have paid again due to an overpayment. For those who repaid advantages, you don’t embrace the quantity repaid within the complete you report back to the IRS in your tax return. Nevertheless, you might want to make this adjustment if you file your tax return.

You employ the knowledge on Kind 1099-G to arrange your tax return, together with another 1099 types you will have obtained, plus any W-2 types from employers you labored for.

The 1099-G type will probably be despatched to your final identified handle, so maintain your handle present with the EDD.

C. Submitting an Unemployment Insurance coverage Declare in California If You Had been an Worker and Laid Off

1. When ought to I file an Unemployment Insurance coverage (UI) declare?

File your UI declare within the first week that you simply lose your job or have your hours decreased. Your declare begins on the Sunday of the week you submitted your utility.

For those who beforehand filed a UI declare throughout the final 52 weeks and haven’t exhausted your advantages, it’s essential to reopen your claim to renew advantages.

Ready to file can delay your advantages.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm}

2. What info do I have to file an unemployment declare in California if I’m a laid-off worker?

You will want to offer your private info and your:

• Final employer info, together with firm identify, supervisor’s identify, handle (mailing and bodily location), and telephone quantity
• Final date labored and the rationale you might be not working
• Gross earnings within the final week you labored, starting with Sunday and ending together with your final day of labor
• Info on all employers you labored for in the course of the previous 18 months, together with identify, handle (mailing and bodily location), the dates of employment, gross wages earned, hours labored per week, hourly charge of pay, and the rationale you might be not working
• Discover to Federal Staff About Unemployment Insurance coverage, Customary Kind eight (former federal staff solely)
• DD 214 Member four copy (ex-military solely)
• Citizenship standing and, in case you are not a US citizen, info out of your employment authorization doc

Tip: Use How to Set Up a UI Online Account (DE 2338H) (PDF) to gather the knowledge you might want to full the method.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm}

three. How do I file an unemployment declare in California on-line? UI Online is the quickest and most handy option to file your unemployment insurance coverage declare. UI Online Mobile is accessible for smartphone and pill customers. You possibly can file your declare via UI On-line in the course of the occasions (Pacific time) listed under:

When you’ll be able to file a declare with UI On-line:  

Sunday 5 a.m.–eight:30 p.m.

Monday four a.m.–10 p.m.

Tuesday–Friday 2 a.m.–10 p.m.

Saturday 2 a.m.–eight p.m.

Supply: ^{edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm}

four. How can I file an unemployment declare in California by telephone?

Telephone traces to the EDD have been extraordinarily busy. However if you wish to try to file an unemployment declare by telephone, right here is the knowledge, however count on to incur lengthy waits. To file a declare or for cost info, representatives can be found on the following toll-free numbers, Monday via Friday from eight a.m. to 12 midday (Pacific time), besides on state holidays:

English 1-800-300-5616

Spanish 1-800-326-8937

Cantonese 1-800-547-3506

Mandarin 1-866-303-0706

Vietnamese 1-800-547-2058

TTY 1-800-815-9387

For basic program questions or technical assist, together with registration, password resets, EDD Account Quantity, and find out how to use UI On-line, contact EDD at 1-833-978-2511 from eight a.m. to eight p.m. (Pacific time), 7 days every week, besides state holidays.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm}

5. How can I file an unemployment declare in California by mail or fax?

File your UI declare by accessing the paper Unemployment Insurance Application. For quicker and safe processing, fax the finished utility to the quantity listed on the shape. For those who mail your utility, use the handle listed on the shape and permit extra time for processing. You possibly can contact your native America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) for assist with mailing or faxing a paper UI utility. The quickest option to apply continues to be via UI Online.

Choose one of many following UI functions that finest describes your employment. If in case you have been affected by a catastrophe, full the catastrophe part of the UI utility:

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm}

6. What’s the California Unemployment Insurance coverage On-line (UI On-line) system?

UI On-line is California’s web-based system for people to use for and handle unemployment advantages, discovered here for computer systems and laptops and from here for entry from cell units.

The UI On-line system means that you can:

• File or reopen a declare
• Certify for continued advantages and report work and wages*
• Get your newest declare and cost info
• Replace your handle and telephone quantity
• Obtain vital notifications reminiscent of reminders to certify for advantages
• View in-person and telephone appointments, and reschedule a telephone interview appointment
• View, print, or request a duplicate of your Kind 1099-G tax info from the previous 5 years
• Ask a query

Word: It might be essential to ship some paperwork by way of U.S. mail.

*Prospects on Partial or Work Sharing claims are unable to certify for advantages or reopen an present declare utilizing UI On-line presently.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_Online.htm}

7. What ought to I count on after I file my unemployment declare in California?

You may be mailed vital details about your declare and the UI program. Remember to learn and reply to all requests to keep away from cost delays. For extra info, confer with After You File a Declare.

Essential: Most UI clients are required to register for CalJOBS and create an internet resume that may be seen by employers. You should meet this requirement inside 21 days of receiving your Discover of Requirement to Register for Work (DE 8405) type. Failure to satisfy this requirement can lead to a delay or lack of UI advantages. Watch How to Register for CalJOBS and Post a Resume (YouTube) for extra info.

It usually takes a minimum of three weeks to course of a declare for unemployment advantages and difficulty cost to most eligible employees.

For those who select to obtain funds by way of an EDD Debit Card, Financial institution of America will mail you a card as soon as profit funds can be found. As a result of excessive quantity of claims being processed, it could take a number of further days to obtain your EDD Debit Card.

For those who obtained Unemployment Insurance coverage, Incapacity Insurance coverage, or Paid Household Depart advantages on an EDD Debit Card within the final three years, you’ll obtain your profit funds on that card. In case your card has expired, a brand new card will mechanically be despatched to you as soon as funds can be found.

Word: For those who have been issued a card earlier than 2015, it’s essential to request a brand new one. Go to Replace My Card on Financial institution of America’s web site or contact Financial institution of America at 1-866-692-9374 (TTY: 1-866-656-5913).

For those who misplaced your EDD Debit Card, contact Financial institution of America as early as potential within the utility course of to request a alternative card earlier than your first cost. Your new card will arrive 7 to 10 enterprise days from the order date. You’ve gotten a pair choices to request a brand new card:

• Go to Replace my Card on the Financial institution of America web site.
• Contact Financial institution of America at 1-866-692-9374 (TTY: 1-866-656-5913). You don’t want to have your previous card quantity to talk to a consultant. Select the Misplaced or Stolen choice within the automated menu. The decision heart is experiencing larger than regular wait occasions and Financial institution of America is working to handle the problem.

Word: Financial institution of America representatives can’t reply questions on your declare or pending funds.

Fee info is up to date every day and is accessible via your UI Online account or by calling the UI Self-Service Telephone Line at 1-866-333-4606.

For extra info on the advantages of utilizing an EDD Debit Card, supply, activation, monitoring funds, expired playing cards, and extra, go to EDD Debit Card on the Financial institution of America web site.

See additionally Part H of this text (“Tips on how to Get Your Unemployment Advantages Paid—The EDD Debit Card”).

D. Unemployment Advantages for Impartial Contractors, Gig Employees, Self-Employed People, and Freelancers in California

1. Are Unemployment Advantages Out there for Impartial Contractors, Gig Employees, Self-Employed People and Freelancers?

As a part of the federal CARES Act, the brand new Pandemic Unemployment Help (PUA) program helps unemployed Californians who’re enterprise house owners, self-employed, unbiased contractors, have restricted work historical past; and others not normally eligible for normal state UI advantages who’re out of enterprise or whose companies are considerably decreased as a direct results of the pandemic. The provisions of this system embrace:

• As much as 39 weeks of advantages beginning with weeks of unemployment starting February 2, 2020, via the week ending December 26, 2020, relying on if you turned immediately impacted by the pandemic.
• A brand new 13-week federal extension for individuals who run out of their common state-provided UI advantages (most 26 weeks). File a PUA declare and chances are you’ll be transformed to the federal extension as soon as it’s out there.

The PUA advantages are payable in case you don’t qualify for normal Unemployment Insurance coverage (UI) advantages in California or one other state, and likewise don’t qualify for state Incapacity Insurance coverage or Paid Household Depart advantages. This contains:

• Enterprise house owners
• Self-employed people
• Impartial contractors
• Freelancers
• Gig employees

You can even be eligible in case you certified for normal UI advantages, however have already collected all of these advantages.

In case you are not a U.S. citizen, you’ll be able to solely be paid PUA advantages in case you have been legally working in the USA if you have been affected by COVID-19. You possibly can solely declare advantages for the weeks that you simply have been legally allowed to work.

You should additionally meet one of the next standards:

• You’ve gotten been recognized with COVID-19 or are experiencing signs of COVID-19 and are looking for a medical analysis.
• You’re unable to work as a result of a well being care supplier suggested you to self-quarantine as a consequence of considerations associated to COVID-19.
• A member of your family has been recognized with COVID-19.
• You’re offering look after a member of the family or a member of your family who has been recognized with COVID-19.
• A toddler or different particular person within the family for whom you will have main caregiving duty is unable to attend faculty or one other facility that’s closed as a direct results of the COVID-19 and faculty or facility care is required so that you can work.
• You turned the breadwinner or main assist for a family as a result of the top of the family has died as a direct results of COVID-19.
• It’s a must to stop your job as a direct results of COVID-19.
• Your house of employment is closed as a direct results of COVID-19.
• You have been scheduled to begin a job that’s now unavailable as a direct results of the COVID-19 public well being emergency.
• You’re unable to achieve your house of employment as a direct results of the COVID-19 public well being emergency.
• For those who work as an unbiased contractor with reportable earnings, you may additionally qualify for PUA advantages in case you are unemployed, partially employed, or unable or unavailable to work as a result of the COVID-19 public well being emergency has severely restricted your capacity to proceed performing your customary work actions, and has thereby pressured you to cease working.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance.htm}

2. How do I apply for the PUA/unemployment advantages out there to unbiased contractors, gig employees, self-employed people, or freelancers?

You possibly can file a PUA declare via UI Online, simply as you’ll for normal Unemployment Insurance coverage (UI) advantages. The EDD started accepting functions from new candidates on Tuesday, April 28, 2020.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs.htm}

three. How a lot can unbiased contractors, gig employees, self-employed people, or freelancers get in PUA/unemployment advantages?

See the reply underneath Part B (“How A lot You Are Entitled to in Unemployment Advantages in California”), query 2 of this text.

four. Will I have to submit with my PUA utility any paperwork to show my earnings?

No, you do not want to submit any paperwork to the EDD together with your PUA utility. You’ll enter your complete earnings for the 2019 Calendar 12 months on the appliance. Initially, this will probably be used to pay the minimal advantages of $167 per week plus $600 per week from March 29 to July 25. If the earnings info you present signifies that you simply meet an annual earnings threshold of $17,368 or extra, the EDD will work as shortly as potential to confirm your earnings utilizing different sources out there to the division as a way to enhance your PUA weekly profit quantity. If extra info is required, the EDD will contact you.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs.htm}

5. If the EDD contacts me and asks for proof of my earnings, what paperwork ought to I submit?

The EDD will inform you of the paperwork you’ll be able to submit. Typically, chances are you’ll submit gadgets reminiscent of an annual tax return, 1099 types, W-2s, pay stubs, or different paperwork that present your earnings.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs.htm}

6. Which PUA candidates are eligible for a rise above the minimal of $167 every week?

It’s possible you’ll be eligible for greater than the minimal weekly profit quantity of $167 in case your annual earnings for 2019 that you simply report in your PUA utility meets a minimal threshold. You may be required to substantiate that earnings if requested by the EDD. For those who earned at or under this quantity, you’ll stay at $167 per week. In case you are entitled to greater than the minimal, that larger quantity will even apply retroactively to any weeks of the minimal $167 per week in PUA advantages that you simply obtain.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs.htm}

7. What ought to I do if I already filed a declare for normal Unemployment Insurance coverage (UI) and I obtained a Discover of Unemployment Insurance coverage Award exhibiting $zero in advantages?

For those who filed for UI and obtained an award discover (which reveals your weekly and most advantages quantities) indicating $zero in advantages out there, it may very well be due to one in every of three situations:

• EDD couldn’t confirm your id with its data. You’ll obtain by mail directions on find out how to confirm your id. You’ve gotten 10 calendar days from the mail date to ship the EDD two completely different id paperwork from the listing of Acceptable Documents for Identity Verification (DE 1326CD) (PDF). As soon as they confirm your id, you’ll obtain a brand new discover telling you what EDD’s wage data present for weekly UI profit funds in case you meet all different eligibility necessities.
• You have been misclassified by your employer as an unbiased contractor (as an alternative of an worker) or your employer might have inadvertently reported your wage info incorrectly to the EDD. For those who consider EDD’s file of your employment wages isn’t correct, chances are you’ll present the EDD with a short abstract of why you disagree with the discover and details about your wages, and request that the EDD examine your case. The EDD will observe as much as acquire any particulars or documentation wanted to make a willpower.
• You’re self-employed or an unbiased contractor and haven’t paid contributions to the state Unemployment Insurance coverage Belief Fund. As a part of the federal CARES Act, the brand new Pandemic Unemployment Help (PUA) program helps unemployed Californians who’re normally not eligible for normal state unemployment advantages and are unemployed or partially unemployed for causes immediately associated to the COVID-19 pandemic, together with enterprise house owners, the self-employed, and people with restricted latest work historical past.

Word: In case you are one of many employees underneath query three above (self-employed or unbiased contractor) who obtained the $zero profit award discover, and you haven’t requested a wage investigation as described in query 2 above, then chances are you’ll apply for PUA by submitting a brand new declare via UI Online.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs.htm}

eight. What ought to I do if I consider I’m an worker (was misclassified as an unbiased contractor) however my declare for normal unemployment advantages was denied as a result of I’ve inadequate earnings?

For those who consider you have to be thought-about an worker however the EDD’s wage investigation concluded there weren’t ample earnings reported to substantiate a daily UI declare, then you’ll obtain a type referred to as a Discover of Standing of Wages (that is completely different from a $zero profit award discover). The Discover of Standing of Wages signifies that you don’t qualify for normal UI, and chances are you’ll apply for PUA by submitting a brand new declare via UI On-line. For those who consider the Discover of Standing of Wages was in error, you will have the fitting to enchantment inside 30 days. However in case you enchantment, then you shouldn’t apply for PUA.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs}

9. I’m already receiving common Unemployment Insurance coverage (UI) advantages. Can I select to change over to PUA advantages if I need to establish myself as an unbiased contractor or as self-employed?

No. In case you are already receiving common UI advantages, then you definitely can’t qualify for PUA advantages.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs.htm}

10. What ought to I do if I don’t know if I’m eligible for normal unemployment insurance coverage or PUA?

UI Online is the EDD’s utility portal for each common UI and PUA claims. All candidates will probably be requested the identical fundamental questions, together with about employment historical past and earnings info, together with some new questions wanted to find out PUA eligibility. Based mostly in your responses in addition to wage info reported to the EDD, the EDD will decide in case your declare is processed as a daily UI declare or a PUA declare.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs.htm}

11. What if I’m out of labor as a consequence of COVID-19, have a small quantity of W-2 earnings, and a considerable amount of earnings from self-employment? Can I not declare the W-2 wages and simply depend on self-employment to get PUA?

No, if EDD has wages reported from an employer during the last 18 months that might qualify you for a daily UI declare, then the EDD is required by legislation to proceed with a daily UI declare for you.

Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs.htm

12. If I already utilized for UI however I meant to use for PUA, what do I do?

In case you are self-employed, an unbiased contractor, or somebody who might in any other case qualify for PUA, and also you already filed for UI advantages (earlier than April 28 when the PUA utility was out there), please learn this info rigorously to make sure you get the fitting advantages as shortly as potential:

• If in case you have worker wages reported (e.g., as reported by an employer on a W-2) for the prior 18 months, and the quantity of wages you earned qualifies you for a daily UI declare, then you don’t qualify for PUA. It is best to observe the EDD’s instructions as they relate to the UI declare that you simply already filed.
• If in case you have already obtained common UI advantages and you continue to have a steadiness in your UI declare, you don’t qualify for PUA presently. Please observe these instructions to proceed to get UI advantages.
• For those who don’t have worker wages for the previous 18 months (self-employed or an unbiased contractor), chances are you’ll apply for PUA. You don’t want to cancel your present UI declare. You don’t want to name the EDD concerning the prior UI declare you filed the place you will have obtained both a discover from EDD indicating a $zero award quantity, or a discover of disqualification. For those who consider the $zero UI award quantity or disqualification discover was in error and that you simply did obtain wages as an worker that might qualify you for UI (for instance, confer with How much would I receive in PUA benefits?), you will have the fitting to enchantment inside 30 days. For those who enchantment the EDD discover about your UI declare, then don’t apply for PUA.
• In case you are eligible for PUA, you’ll obtain PUA funds on an EDD Debit Card. If permitted for PUA and after certifying for advantages, you might be able to obtain your first PUA cost inside roughly 2 days of your utility if in case you have an present EDD Debit Card (and there are not any points that require an extra overview of eligibility), and inside four to 7 days when new debit playing cards and checks are mailed.

You will need to word that in case you qualify for a daily UI declare (for instance, confer with I am already receiving regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. Can I choose to switch over to PUA benefits if I want to identify myself as an independent contractor or as self-employed?), then chances are you’ll not file a PUA declare. Nevertheless, it is best to look out for the next notices:

• For those who obtain a particular discover referred to as the Discover of Standing of Wages (that is completely different from the Discover of Unemployment Insurance coverage Award that tells you your weekly and most profit quantities), indicating that you simply don’t have ample earnings to qualify for normal UI, then chances are you’ll apply for PUA by submitting a brand new declare via UI Online. For those who enchantment the Discover of Standing of Wages in your common UI declare, then you shouldn’t apply for PUA.
• For those who obtain a Discover of Unemployment Insurance coverage Award exhibiting $zero in advantages, and that you’re self-employed or an unbiased contractor so you don’t enchantment this determination in your UI declare, then chances are you’ll apply for PUA by submitting a brand new declare via UI Online.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs.htm}

13. I’m unable to obtain common state Unemployment Insurance coverage (UI) advantages as a result of I needed to serve penalty weeks or was discovered ineligible. Is there another monetary help that I can obtain?

It’s possible you’ll be eligible to obtain federal Pandemic Unemployment Help (PUA) advantages. The PUA program helps people who should not eligible for normal state UI advantages and who’re unemployed, partially unemployed, unable to work, or unavailable to work as a direct results of a COVID-19 associated reason. This contains people who can’t gather common UI advantages as a result of they’re serving penalty weeks or have been discovered ineligible for advantages as a consequence of sure authorized causes.

For instance, chances are you’ll be eligible for PUA advantages in case your unemployment is immediately associated to COVID-19, and you might be ineligible for conventional UI advantages since you are serving penalty weeks or since you stop or have been fired from a earlier job.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs.htm}

14. I’ve heard that UI advantages are solely counted starting on the day after I apply. If I have been unemployed since March, and I apply for unemployment advantages in April, can I get UI advantages again to the interval since I turned unemployed?

While you apply for PUA advantages on UI On-line, listing the precise date of unemployment that immediately resulted from COVID-19. The EDD will assess your eligibility for normal UI and PUA. For those who qualify for PUA, your declare will start efficient the week if you turned unemployed. For those who apply for normal UI advantages, you will have to contact the EDD to request that the efficient date in your declare be modified to the week if you turned unemployed. As well as, the $600 per week in extra unemployment advantages that’s out there from March 29 via July 25, 2020, can also be out there even in case you apply after March 29.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs.htm}

15. I’m making use of for PUA via UI On-line, and the appliance asks me to listing my complete earnings. Is that this gross or internet earnings, and why am I being requested for this info?

While you apply for PUA, you’ll be requested in your complete earnings obtained in calendar 12 months 2019. The earnings you report could also be used to extend your PUA weekly profit quantity from the minimal quantity of $167 as much as $450, primarily based in your earnings (whatever the quantity of earnings you report, you’ll obtain an extra $600 together with your PUA weekly profit quantity for the weeks you have been out of labor as a consequence of COVID-19 from March 29, 2020 to July 25, 2020). In case you are self-employed or an unbiased contractor, the legislation requires that the EDD have a look at your internet earnings, complete after taxes, to find out your PUA weekly profit quantity.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs.htm}

16. I’m primarily self-employed however have labored sometimes as an worker. What’s the foundation for not letting me get PUA simply because I’ve some minimal earnings as an worker?

The federal CARES Act, which created the PUA program, requires that a person might solely obtain PUA advantages if they don’t seem to be eligible for normal or prolonged UI advantages or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) advantages. This contains people who’ve exhausted all rights to such advantages, self-employed people, unbiased contractors, or those that have inadequate work historical past.

Usually, if in case you have sufficient worker earnings (e.g., W-2 wages) which were reported to EDD by an employer, you’ll be eligible for normal UI advantages (plus any extra or prolonged UI advantages, such because the $600 weekly profit offered underneath the CARES Act). As a result of the existence of ample worker wages would make you eligible for normal UI, underneath federal legislation, you wouldn’t be eligible for PUA.

But when your earnings as an worker are minimal, you’ll seemingly not qualify for UI, which suggests you’ll then be eligible for PUA if in case you have a COVID-19 cause for being unemployed.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance/faqs.htm}

17. What ongoing “certification” necessities are there for unbiased contractors, gig employees, self-employed people, and freelancers?

You may be required to “certify” in your profit funds. Certifying is the method of answering fundamental questions each two weeks that tells the EDD you’re nonetheless unemployed and in any other case eligible to proceed receiving biweekly funds.

Usually, it would take a couple of week after you certify earlier than you obtain your first profit cost. In case you are eligible for advantages, chances are you’ll obtain your first PUA cost in about two days if in case you have an present EDD Debit Card (and there are not any points that require an extra overview of eligibility). New debit playing cards and checks are mailed inside four to 7 days. When you activate the cardboard, you’ll be able to monitor, use, and switch your profit funds.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance.htm}

E. Checking the Standing of Your Unemployment Declare in California

1. How do I examine on the standing of my unemployment declare on-line?

To examine on the standing of your unemployment declare, log in to UI Online.

2. How do I examine on the standing of my unemployment declare by telephone?

You possibly can examine on the standing of your unemployment declare in California via an automatic, self-service phone system at 1-866-333-4606. This line is open 24 hours a day.

For help whereas making use of, you’ll be able to name 1-833-978-2511, open from eight a.m. to eight p.m., 7 days every week, however the traces are sometimes jammed.

F. Reopening an Unemployment Insurance coverage Declare in California

1. What occurs in case you cease certifying for unemployment advantages?

For those who cease certifying for continued advantages, even for one week, your Unemployment Insurance coverage declare turns into inactive. You should reopen your declare to request profit funds.

You possibly can reopen your declare if it was filed throughout the final 52 weeks and you haven’t exhausted your advantages. In case your profit 12 months has ended, it’s essential to file a new claim. Ready to reopen or file a brand new declare can delay profit funds.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Reopen-A-Claim.htm}

2. How are you going to reopen an unemployment declare in California?

By way of on-line: To reopen an employment declare on-line, UI Online is the quickest and most handy option to reopen your declare. You possibly can reopen your declare 24 hours a day, 7 days every week following the steps under:

Step 1: Entry your UI On-line account

Log in to Benefit Programs Online and choose UI On-line.

Step 2: Choose Reopen Your Declare

Choose “Reopen Your Declare” from the Notifications part of your UI On-line residence web page. This hyperlink will solely seem if you might want to reopen your declare.

Step three: Reply all questions

You may be requested a collection of questions to assist the EDD decide your eligibility to obtain UI advantages. If extra info is required, a telephone interview will probably be scheduled.

Step four: Overview and submit your solutions

After you will have answered all of the questions and have verified your solutions, choose Submit to reopen your declare. For those who efficiently submitted your request, the Affirmation web page will show. Print or save a duplicate in your data.

Step 5: Examine your standing

Entry your UI On-line homepage to examine the standing of your request. For those who efficiently reopened your declare, you’ll be suggested when to certify for advantages. If extra info is required, a telephone interview will probably be scheduled. The date and time will probably be despatched by mail and also will seem within the Notifications part of your UI On-line homepage. It might take as much as 10 days to reopen your declare if it must be reviewed by an EDD consultant.

By telephone: If you wish to reopen your declare by telephone, representatives can be found on the following toll-free numbers, Monday via Friday, from eight a.m. to 12 midday (Pacific time) besides on state holidays.

• English 1-800-300-5616
• Spanish 1-800-326-8937
• Vietnamese 1-800-547-2058
• Mandarin 1-866-303-0706

By fax or e mail: If you wish to reopen your declare by mail or fax, entry the paper Unemployment Insurance Application. For quicker and safe processing, fax the finished utility to the quantity listed on the shape. For those who resolve to mail your utility, use the handle on the shape and permit extra time for processing.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Reopen-A-Claim.htm}

three. What ought to I count on after I reopen my unemployment declare?

You’ll obtain vital details about your declare by mail. Remember to learn and reply to all requests to keep away from cost delays.

Additionally, you will obtain a separate mailing with a Continued Declare Kind (DE 4581). You should submit this manner each two weeks to request your profit funds. This course of, generally known as certifying for advantages, gives the EDD with info to find out your eligibility.

It’s possible you’ll certify for benefits on-line, by telephone, or by mail. (Enable a minimum of 10 days for processing if certifying by mail.)

Essential: If in case you have opted out of receiving the paper Continued Declare Kind (DE 4581), you’ll not obtain a paper type within the mail. As a substitute, you’ll obtain an e mail notification when it’s time to submit your certifications via UI On-line.

See additionally this YouTube video on reopening your unemployment declare in California.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Reopen-A-Claim.htm}

G. Interesting an Hostile Resolution on an Unemployment Declare

1. How do I enchantment a call from the EDD on my unemployment declare?

You’ve gotten the fitting to enchantment the EDD’s determination to cut back or deny you advantages. You should submit your enchantment in writing inside 30 days of the mailing date on the Discover of Willpower and/or Ruling (DE 1080CZ).

You possibly can obtain the Appeal Form (DE 1000M) (PDF) or use the copy included with the Discover of Willpower that you simply obtain. Mail your enchantment to the return handle proven on the choice discover.

For those who don’t have a duplicate of the Attraction Kind (DE 1000M), or can’t print a duplicate, you’ll be able to write a letter to the EDD to inform the Division that you simply need to enchantment the choice to cut back or deny you advantages.

For those who select to jot down a letter, embrace all the following info:

• Full identify
• Deal with
• Telephone quantity
• Social Safety quantity
• The identify and mailing handle of any consultant
• The rationale in your enchantment
• A duplicate of the choice you might be interesting or the date of the choice
• Any request for language help or particular lodging

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/unemployment/appeals.htm}

2. What occurs after you file an enchantment?

The EDD’s Workplace of Appeals will notify you of the time and site of your listening to a minimum of 10 days prematurely. An Administrative Legislation Choose (ALJ) will conduct the listening to, and provides employers and claimants an opportunity to current their proof.

Word: For those who dwell outdoors of California, your enchantment will probably be carried out by telephone.

Whereas your enchantment is pending, it’s essential to proceed to certify for advantages. In case you are discovered eligible, you’ll be able to solely be paid for intervals which you will have licensed for, if in case you have met all different eligibility necessities.

The ALJ will difficulty a written determination to you and your employer. The choice will embrace details about Filing a Second Level Appeal to the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board (CUIAB).

H. Tips on how to Get Your Unemployment Advantages Paid—The EDD Debit Card

1. What’s the EDD Debit Card?

For those who select to obtain funds by way of a debit card, Financial institution of America will mail you a card as soon as profit funds can be found. As a result of excessive quantity of claims being processed, it could take a number of further days to obtain your EDD Debit Card within the mail.

• For those who obtained Unemployment Insurance coverage, Incapacity Insurance coverage, or Paid Household Depart advantages on an EDD Debit Card within the final three years, you’ll obtain your profit funds on that card. In case your card has expired, a brand new card will mechanically be despatched to you as soon as funds can be found.

Word: For those who have been issued a card earlier than 2015, it’s essential to go to Replace my Card or contact Financial institution of America at 1-866-692-9374 (TTY: 1-866-656-5913) to request a brand new one.

• For those who misplaced your EDD Debit Card, contact Financial institution of America as early as potential within the utility course of to request a alternative card earlier than your first cost. Your new card will arrive 7 to 10 enterprise days from the order date. You’ve gotten a pair choices to request a brand new card:
• Go to Replace my Card on the Financial institution of America web site.
• Contact Financial institution of America at 1-866-692-9374 (TTY: 1-866-656-5913). You don’t want to have your previous card quantity to talk to a consultant. Select the “misplaced or stolen” choice within the automated menu. The decision heart is experiencing larger than regular wait occasions and Financial institution of America is working to handle the problem.

Word: Financial institution of America representatives can’t reply questions on your declare or pending funds.

Fee info is up to date every day and is accessible via your UI Online account or by calling the UI Self-Service Telephone Line at 1-866-333-4606.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/FAQs_The_EDD_Debit_Card.htm}

2. How can I get my EDD Debit Card changed?

In case your card is misplaced, stolen, or broken, it may be changed without charge to you. To have a alternative card mailed to you, it’s essential to contact Financial institution of America EDD Debit Card customer support by calling:

• 1-866-692-9374 (voice)
• 1-866-656-5913 (TTY)
• Gather at 423-262-1650 (if outdoors the U.S.)

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/FAQs_The_EDD_Debit_Card.htm}

three. Why are my advantages initially on a debit card and never instantly established as a direct deposit?

The EDD Debit Card permits advantages to be paid to claimants who don’t have a checking account and eliminates the necessity for the EDD to request and preserve checking account info for every claimant. Benefits of the debit card embrace ease of use, elevated safety, and environment friendly supply of Incapacity Insurance coverage, Paid Household Depart, and Unemployment Insurance coverage (UI) profit funds.

It’s possible you’ll select to switch some or your entire advantages to your checking or financial savings account by performing a direct deposit switch. Info concerning direct deposit transfers is accessible on the EDD Debit Card web page.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/FAQs_The_EDD_Debit_Card.htm}

four. When will I obtain my EDD Debit Card?

The EDD Debit Card is mailed to you if you certify in your first week of advantages and the cost is permitted by the EDD. Enable 5 enterprise days for supply. Subsequent funds are issued to the EDD Debit Card if you submit a certification and you might be decided eligible for cost.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/FAQs_The_EDD_Debit_Card.htm}

5. How do I take advantage of my EDD Debit Card?

When you obtain and activate your new debit card, you’ll be able to then use the cardboard instantly as you’ll a private debit card. You may make purchases as much as the quantity out there in your card anyplace Visa playing cards are accepted. You possibly can withdraw money with out cost at any Financial institution of America community ATM, and might make two free withdrawals per profit deposit at non-network ATMs.

You might also elect to stroll into any monetary establishment that accepts Visa and money out the steadiness on the cardboard. (Word: You’ll have to maintain shut monitor of your card steadiness by way of telephone or on-line instruments in case you want to money out a precise steadiness; financial institution tellers don’t have entry to your card account info.) As well as, you may additionally select to have Financial institution of America conduct a direct deposit switch of some or all the out there funds to your private checking or financial savings account.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/FAQs_The_EDD_Debit_Card.htm}

6. What’s a direct deposit switch to my checking account?

A direct deposit switch is completed electronically and transfers the cash out there in your EDD Debit Card account to your private checking or financial savings account. Most will be carried out pretty shortly. After you obtain and activate your card, contact Bank of America both on-line or by telephone, 1-866-692-9374 (voice), or TTY 1-866-656-5913, to arrange your direct deposit switch.

Essential details about direct deposit transfers:

• Direct deposit transfers can’t be carried out till you obtain and activate the EDD Debit Card.
• You don’t want a checking or financial savings account with Financial institution of America to arrange a direct deposit switch to your individual checking account with one other banking establishment.
• Direct deposit transfers will be arrange as a one-time switch or as an automated recurring switch.
• A legitimate e mail account is required.
• Delays might happen till the following enterprise day in case you financial institution at a smaller establishment or if the switch occurs over a weekend when banks are closed.
• This selection will be arrange by contacting Bank of America both on-line or by telephone, 1-866-692-9374 (voice) or 1-866-656-5913 (TTY). Don’t contact the EDD to arrange a direct deposit switch.
• If quick entry to your funds is important, chances are you’ll select to solely have a portion of your advantages transferred to your private checking account and maintain the rest in your card so these funds are instantly out there.
• It’s possible you’ll start, modify, or cease your direct deposit switch at any time.
• Direct deposit transfers may additionally be known as a funds switch.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/FAQs_The_EDD_Debit_Card.htm}

7. How do I arrange a direct deposit switch to my checking or financial savings account?

After you obtain and activate your EDD Debit Card, contact Bank of America both on-line or by telephone, 1-866-692-9374 (voice), or TTY 1-866-656-5913.

You will want the next to arrange a direct deposit switch:

• An EDD Debit Card issued in your identify.
• A legitimate e mail account.
• Your routing and account numbers for the account you need to switch the cash to. The routing quantity is your financial institution’s quantity, discovered on the backside left hand nook of your examine. Your account quantity is discovered on the backside center of your examine.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/FAQs_The_EDD_Debit_Card.htm}

eight. Do I want an account with Financial institution of America to make use of my EDD Debit Card?

No. You don’t want a checking or financial savings account with Financial institution of America or another monetary establishment to obtain your profit funds on the EDD Debit Card.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/FAQs_The_EDD_Debit_Card.htm}

9. Will the EDD view or monitor my transactions on my EDD Debit Card?

Financial institution of America doesn’t share details about card accounts or transactions with third social gathering businesses for privateness causes. As a traditional observe, the EDD will solely have entry to info associated to the quantity of advantages deposited to your EDD Debit Card and the date these deposits are made. The exception to this observe is when UI and State Incapacity Insurance coverage fraud is suspected and being investigated. On this case, transaction info will probably be made out there to EDD investigators as a part of the investigative course of and will result in disqualification of advantages with extra penalties and legal prosecution.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/FAQs_The_EDD_Debit_Card.htm}

10. Will the EDD or Financial institution of America contact me to acquire private details about my account?

No. The EDD or Financial institution of America won’t ever contact you underneath any circumstances to request confidential details about your EDD Debit Card. For those who obtain a name, e mail, or letter requesting confidential details about your account, reminiscent of your debit card quantity, PIN, or SSN, don’t reply.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/FAQs_The_EDD_Debit_Card.htm}

11. Will my EDD Debit Card have an effect on my credit score rating?

No. The EDD Debit Card will not be related to a credit score line and won’t present up in your credit score report. Your EDD Debit Card means that you can entry your profit cost funds out of your EDD Debit Card account.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/FAQs_The_EDD_Debit_Card.htm}

12. Will I be charged charges to make use of my EDD Debit Card?

Charges will be prevented with cautious use of your card. While you obtain your EDD Debit Card and welcome packet, totally learn your California Employment Growth Division Debit Card Deposit Settlement and confer with the Schedule of Bank Fees part to make sure you perceive any transaction and repair charges which will apply to your card. Charges will be prevented by following the guidelines offered within the welcome packet.

There are not any charges for the next:

• Money-back with purchases at grocery shops, drug shops, and U.S. submit workplace areas
• ATM withdrawals at home Financial institution of America ATMs
• Two free ATM withdrawals per profit deposit at non-Financial institution of America ATMs (although the opposite Financial institution might cost a transaction or service payment)
• Limitless teller money entry at any financial institution or credit score union that accepts Visa® playing cards
• Limitless direct deposit transfers to a checking or financial savings account (together with non-Financial institution of America accounts)
• Limitless steadiness inquiries at ATMs and on-line customer support
• Limitless automated and dwell customer support inquiries
• Free home card alternative

Charges might apply for the next:

• ATM withdrawals at non-Financial institution of America ATMs (after the 2 free transactions per deposit)
• Worldwide ATM withdrawals
• Non-Financial institution of America ATM transactions by ATM house owners which will impose an extra “comfort payment” or “surcharge payment”
• Home Emergency Money Switch
• Worldwide Transaction Payment

Some retailers might cost a “comfort payment” or “surcharge payment” for debit card transactions.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/FAQs_The_EDD_Debit_Card.htm}

13. My EDD Debit Card is about to run out. How do I get a brand new card?

A brand new EDD Debit Card will mechanically be issued to you when your card is about to run out if there was monetary exercise (deposit or transaction) within the final 90 days or you will have a card steadiness of $20 or extra. New playing cards will probably be mailed on the primary enterprise day of the month that the cardboard is because of expire. It is best to obtain a brand new card inside 7 to 10 days after the mail date.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/FAQs_The_EDD_Debit_Card.htm}

14. My EDD Debit Card has expired and a brand new card has not been issued. The place is my new card?

A brand new EDD Debit Card won’t be issued if there was no monetary exercise (deposit or transaction) within the final 90 days and the account steadiness is $19.99 or much less. For details about a brand new card after your card expires, contact Bank of America.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/FAQs_The_EDD_Debit_Card.htm}

I. California Coaching Advantages for People Receiving Unemployment Advantages 

1. What’s the California Coaching Advantages Program?

In case you are an Unemployment Insurance coverage (UI) buyer, California Coaching Advantages (CTB) means that you can proceed your training, improve your abilities, or be taught a brand new commerce whereas receiving UI advantages.

Let the EDD know that you simply’re concerned with CTB if you file your declare. For those who’ve already filed your declare, contact EDD on-line, by telephone, or in-person on the nearest America’s Job Center of California.

To guard your potential proper to a coaching extension (TE), contact UI to let EDD know that you’re earlier than your 16th week of profit funds. If the utmost award of your declare is lower than 16 weeks, it’s essential to contact EDD earlier than your declare reaches a zero steadiness.

Word: EDD doesn’t pay any academic or training-related bills, together with tuition, charges, books, provides, or transportation. Nevertheless, there are state, federal, and employer help applications which will fund your faculty or coaching. To be taught extra concerning the out there forms of monetary support applications, go to Federal Student Aid.

In case you are permitted for CTB, you’ll be excused from the necessities that you simply should be out there for work, actively search work, and settle for work, whilst you full your coaching. You might also be eligible for a TE which gives extra weeks of advantages whilst you full your faculty or coaching.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/California_Training_Benefits.htm}

2. What are the forms of eligible coaching for the California Coaching Advantages program?

You possibly can select from a wide range of eligible training types for CTB together with:

• Authorities organized trainings
• Union, commerce affiliation, or employer organized trainings
• Self-arranged coaching

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/California_Training_Benefits.htm}

three. What reporting is required to the EDD about your coaching?

You’re required to report your start date in the course of the week you start your faculty or coaching. This permits the EDD to start the CTB approval course of. To keep away from cost delays, solely report this one time.

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/California_Training_Benefits.htm}

four. The place can I get extra info on the California Coaching Advantages?

J. Extra Assets Out there on California Unemployment Advantages

EDD Info:

Movies:

Helpful Internet Articles:

Ok. Contact Info for the EDD for Unemployment Claims in California 

1. What are the assorted methods I can contact the EDD about my unemployment declare?

On-line: UI Online continues to be the quickest option to file your Unemployment Insurance coverage (UI) declare. You can even ask questions on your declare utilizing UI On-line by choosing Contact Us on the high of your account homepage.

UI Basic or Technical Help by Telephone: Get assist with basic UI questions and technical assist with registration, password resets, EDD Account Numbers, and find out how to use UI On-line.

Hours: eight a.m. to eight p.m. (Pacific time), 7 days per week, besides state holidays.

Telephone quantity: 1-833-978-2511 (English and Spanish)

UI Claims Help by Telephone: Get assist with submitting a declare by telephone or getting cost info.

Hours: eight a.m. to 12 midday (Pacific time), Monday via Friday besides state holidays.

Telephone quantity:

English: 1-800-300-5616

Spanish: 1-800-326-8937

Cantonese: 1-800-547-3506

Mandarin: 1-866-303-0706

Vietnamese: 1-800-547-2058

California Relay Service (711): Present the UI quantity (1-800-300-5616) to the operator

TTY: 1-800-815-9387

UI Automated Self-Service Line: Get info on find out how to file a brand new declare or reopen an present declare and your final cost issued. You can even certify for advantages utilizing EDD Tele-Cert, request copies of your 1099G tax info, and discover your native America’s Job Center of California.

Hours: 24 hours per day, 7 days per week

Telephone quantity:

English: 1-866-333-4606

Spanish: 1-866-333-4606

^{Supply: edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/Contact_EDD.htm}

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Copyright © by Richard D. Harroch. All Rights Reserved.

Richard D. Harroch is a Managing Director and International Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Companions, a enterprise capital fund within the San Francisco space. His focus is on web, digital media, and software program corporations, and he was the founding father of a number of web corporations. His articles have appeared on-line in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, FoxBusiness, and AllBusiness.com. Richard is the writer of a number of books on startups and entrepreneurship in addition to the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Road Journal-bestselling guide on small enterprise. He’s the co-author of the 1,500-page guide “Mergers and Acquisitions of Privately Held Firms: Evaluation, Kinds and Agreements,” revealed by Bloomberg. He was additionally a company and M&A accomplice on the legislation agency of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, with expertise in startups, mergers and acquisitions, and enterprise capital. He has been concerned in over 200 M&A transactions and 500 startups. He will be reached via LinkedIn.

This text was initially revealed on AllBusiness.com. See all articles by Richard Harroch.