This section provides a step-by-step summary of the UI claim process.

1. Employers give a copy of the booklet, For Your Benefit - California's Programs for the Unemployed, DE 2320 to employees who are unemployed. The UI Code, Section 1089 requires employers to provide the booklet.
   
   
2. The individual files a claim for UI benefits using one of the following methods:

3. The Department representative files the claim and the following documents are mailed:

4. The EDD decides if a claimant is eligible to collect benefits. To make this decision, we conduct telephone interviews with claimants, employers or their representatives and review statements submitted in writing.



5. After we make a decision, we mail a Notice of Determination or Notice of Determination/Ruling, DE 1080CT to claimants who do not qualify for benefits. We also mail a DE 1080CT to employers who respond in writing and within time limits about a quit, discharge, or other issues that may prevent payment of benefits.



6. Employers or claimants who disagree with our written decision have the right to appeal the decision.



7. Claimants complete and submit a form for each week they wish to claim benefits. The forms are usually for two weeks at a time and claimants must certify that they have met eligibility requirements for each week benefits are claimed.



8. After the Department pays the claimant the first week of benefits, we mail a Notice of Wages Used for Unemployment Insurance Claim, DE 1545 to the claimant’s base period employer(s). Base period employers may be charged for all or part of a claimant’s benefits.



9. To ensure accuracy, base period employer(s) review the information reported on the DE 1545. The form shows the claimant’s identity, wage and employment information. The base period employer(s) use the DE 1545 to notify the Department about separation information and to correct errors on wages reported to EDD. The time limits for reporting separation information is 15 days from the date the form was mailed. Wage corrections must be reported within 20 calendar days from the date the DE 1545 was mailed.



10. A Department representative reviews a base period employer’s response to the DE 1545 and decides if the employer’s account will be charged for the claimant’s benefits. The EDD mails a Notice of Ruling, DE 1080CT to the employer who submitted separation information within the time limits. A favorable or unfavorable decision that is sent to a base period employer(s) does not usually change a claimant’s entitlement to benefits.



11. A base period employer who disagrees with EDD’s written decision may file an appeal.

Other helpful information on this Web site:

• Forms and Publications
• Unemployment Insurance Code
• Telephone Listings
• Filing an Appeal
• Frequently Asked Questions
• The Telephone Interview