Starting Your UI Claim
To apply for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, you must be:
- Unemployed or working less than full-time,
- ready and looking for work, and
- have worked in the last 18 months.
How to Apply for UI
Apply immediately for UI benefits when your job has ended or when your employer has cut back your hours.
Video: How to apply for Unemployment
Video: Cómo Solicitar Los Beneficios del Seguro del Desempleo
- Information you need to apply for UI
Have this critical information immediately available, regardless of which option you select to apply for UI benefits.- How to Apply for UI Tip Sheet: English | Spanish | Chinese | Vietnamese (PDF)
- Ways to File
File online, by telephone, or by mail or fax. - Filing a Claim
Important Links
- Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment 2012
- Eligibility
- Starting Your UI Claim
- Managing Your UI Claim
- Employer Information
- Resources for Unemployed Californians
Top Links This Month
- EDD Web-CertSM
- UI Telephone Numbers
- Filing a Claim
- Apply for UI Benefits Info
- Starting Your UI Claim
- Benefit Determination Guide
FAQs