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Unemployment Insurance – After You Apply

After you submit your unemployment application, there are important steps you must take to make sure your UI benefit payments are not delayed or denied.

Important Next Steps

Look for Important Documents from the EDD

You will receive these documents in the mail within two weeks of submitting your unemployment application:

Certify for Benefits Every Two Weeks

You must provide the EDD with eligibility information every two weeks. This process is known as certifying for benefits. You can certify with UI OnlineEDD Tele-Cert, or by mail.

Report work and wages correctly while receiving benefit payments. Report any work you performed and wages you earned (even if you weren’t paid) every two weeks you certify for benefits. Watch Reporting Wages and Earnings (YouTube)  for more information.

Note: You must serve a one-week unpaid waiting period on your claim before you are paid UI benefits. The waiting period can only be served if you certify for benefits and meet all eligibility requirements for that week. Your first certification will usually include the one-week unpaid waiting period and one week of payment if you meet eligibility requirements for both weeks. The waiting period has no effect on the maximum benefit amount on a claim. Certify for benefits every two weeks to continue receiving benefit payments.

Pending Claim Status

If you have a Pending status for any weeks on your UI Online Claim History, we may need to confirm your identity or eligibility before we can process payment. Monitor your UI Online homepage for notifications and review the UI Online Claim Status Tracker for updates and possible next steps.

Possible next steps could include:

  • Respond to requests for additional information in the mail
  • Check your UI Online Inbox
  • Complete your Eligibility Questionnaire or Request for Eligibility Information (DE 4365FF)
  • Prepare for a phone interview

For more information, visit Claim Status: Pending Payments.

Register for CalJOBSSM

You must add or update your resume in CalJOBS within 21 days of submitting your unemployment application unless otherwise instructed by the EDD. If you don’t, your UI benefit payments could be delayed or denied.

Watch How to Register for CalJOBS and Post a Résumé (YouTube) for more information.

Receive Your Benefit Payments

It takes at least three weeks to process a claim for unemployment benefits and issue payment to most eligible workers.

When your first benefit payment is available, you will receive a debit card in the mail. Once you activate the card you can track, use, and transfer your benefit payments. Your card is valid for three years from the date it is issued and is used for all EDD benefit programs, so you should keep it until it expires.

Note: Money Network representatives cannot answer questions about your claim or pending payments.

Payment information is updated daily and is available through your UI Online account or by calling the UI Self-Service Phone Line at 1-866-333-4606.

For more information on the benefits of using your debit card, delivery, activation, tracking payments, expired cards, and more, visit Debit Card.

Additional Information

California Training Benefits

California Training Benefits (CTB) allows you to further your education, upgrade your skills, or learn a new trade while receiving UI benefits.

If approved for CTB, you will not be required to look for work every week and may also be eligible for additional benefit weeks while completing your training or education.

Previous Disqualification or Overpayments

A previous UI claim disqualification or overpayment may affect your new UI claim.

If you were previously disqualified, refer to your Notice of Determination/Ruling (DE 1080CZ) (PDF).

If you previously received an overpayment, refer to your Notice of Potential Overpayment (DE 1447) (PDF).

Residents Moving Out of State

If you move out of California, you must actively look for work and register for job search assistance with the local employment office in your new state within 21 days of submitting your California unemployment application or you could be denied benefits.