Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
Getting Started: Unemployment Benefits
Learn what benefits are available, how to apply, and what to expect after you’ve used all of your benefits or your claim has expired.
The EDD provides a variety of support services to people who have lost their jobs, had their hours reduced, or had their businesses affected due to the impacts of COVID-19 in California. For faster and more convenient access to those services, we encourage the use of our online options.
For the latest Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim data available, visit the Newsroom.
If you already filed for UI, refer to our step-by-step instructions for what to expect through the course of your claim.
Latest News
Visit COVID-19 financial resources for state programs and assistance including food, eviction protection, and mortgage relief.
On December 27, 2020, the President signed legislation to extend federal unemployment benefits that expired on December 26, 2020.
Although there will not be a gap in eligibility for the extended benefits based on the date the legislation was signed into law, we cannot implement the new programs until we receive guidelines from the US Department of Labor on how states must follow the law. However, we are making program adjustments with what information we have, so that when the federal guidelines and final details are available, we can complete the necessary programming to make these new benefits available quickly.
This new legislation:
- Restores the federal increase for all unemployment benefits, which adds $300 to each week of benefits for up to 11 weeks through March 13, 2021.
- We are now adding the $300 to regular Unemployment Insurance and FED-ED claims. We will next be adding this to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation claims.
- Extends Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation by 11 weeks. If you are receiving these benefits, we will automatically recalculate your claim and notify you when you can certify for your next benefit payment.
- Continues the federally funded FED-ED through March 14, 2021, providing up to 20 weeks of benefits.
- Provides a supplement of $100 per week to certain “mixed earners” who received at least $5,000 a year in self-employment income but were eligible for regular unemployment, not Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
Get answers to specific questions you may have about COVID-19 and what programs and benefits may be available to you.
Visit COVID-19 FAQsFind the resources you need to file for unemployment, disability, or Paid Family Leave benefits and how to get back to work quickly.
Access Worker ResourcesLearn how you can manage the impact of COVID-19 on your business and affected workers.
Access Employer ResourcesContact Us
If you need general or technical support, or to get help with your UI claim, visit Contact Us.
Resources
Employment Resources
- Labor and Workforce Development Agency – Resources for employers and workers including workers’ compensation and paid sick leave.
- Labor Commissioner’s Office FAQs – Employee leave options, compensation, and salary.
- Department of Fair Employment and Housing – Job protection and employment discrimination.
- OnwardCA – One-stop resource for Californians impacted by job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional Resources
- Essential Needs – Includes food, health, housing, and other assistance.
- CalFresh – Provides monthly food assistance to people and families with low income, including those who lost their job because of the pandemic.
- California Public Utilities Commission – Learn what utility assistance programs are available.
- Covered California – Resources to get information and apply for low- or no-cost health insurance.
- California Department of Public Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- World Health Organization