California Unemployment
What you need to know to claim unemployment benefits in California, read on the agency's own website. The agency is Employment Development Department (EDD).
the most a week
Speak to someone, in English or Spanish: applying for benefits, payments, UI Online and password help
How to file for unemployment in California
Apply online through myEDD, the fastest way. You can also apply by phone at 1-800-300-5616 (English and Spanish), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time, or by fax or mail with form DE 1101I.
From the agency's own page, read October 14, 2026.
After you apply: claiming each week
Certify every two weeks, starting about two weeks after your application is processed; EDD emails or mails you when it is time. The fastest way is online in myEDD (UI Online); you can also certify by phone at 1-866-333-4606 or by mail. Certifying late or inaccurately delays or prevents payment.
From the agency's own page, read October 14, 2026.
How much unemployment pays in California, and for how long
The most you can get is $450 a week and the least is $40.
The weekly amount is between $40 and $450, based on your earnings in the base period. There is a one-week unpaid waiting period.
From the agency's own page, read October 14, 2026.
California unemployment phone number
Call 1-800-300-5616 (speak to someone, in English or Spanish: applying for benefits, payments, UI Online and password help), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time, Monday to Friday, except California state holidays. Every line and what it is for.
Where this comes from
Everything on this page was read on the agency's own website, and each part links the page it came from and the day we read it. Rules and amounts change, so check that page before you rely on a figure. Jobareer is not part of any state agency and cannot see or change your claim.
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