File for Unemployment – Overview
Unemployment Insurance
If you are out of work or have had your hours reduced, you may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits.
Take the Necessary Steps
Learn how to qualify for unemployment benefits. Then, follow these steps to register and apply for unemployment, certify your benefits, and manage your claim.
Know Your Options
Find out if you qualify for unemployment and learn about the compensation and benefits you could receive.
- Types of Claims
- Eligibility Requirements
- Benefits Calculator
- California Training Benefits
- Benefit Programs Online
Note: If you were on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and your benefits ended, you can reapply for new, regular unemployment benefits. You must have earned enough wages (paid by an employer, not self-employment income) in the last 18 months and still be unemployed or working part time. Log in to UI Online and select File New Claim.
Other Benefit Programs
Not eligible for unemployment?If you’re not eligible for unemployment, you may be eligible for Disability Insurance, Paid Family Leave, or Nonindustrial Disability Insurance.
Other State programs
You may qualify for other State programs to help cover food, housing, and healthcare expenses.
Before You File for Unemployment
Have this important information ready as you prepare to file for unemployment.
- Register and Create an Account
- Information You Need to File a Claim
- File a Claim
- What to Expect After You File a Claim
Reopen a Claim
If you had an active claim and stopped certifying for continued benefits, you can reopen an unemployment insurance claim if it was filed within the last 52 weeks and you have not exhausted your benefits.
Save Time. Apply Online.
Once you register and create an account, file for unemployment online with UI OnlineSM.
Receive Your Benefits
Certifying for unemployment insurance benefits is a critical step to receive your benefit payments. You certify for benefits by providing us your eligibility every two weeks.
- Ways to Certify for Benefits
- Questions Asked to Certify Benefits
- Prepare for Phone Interview
- Report Work and Wages
- Register for CalJOBSSM
Certify with UI Online
Register and create an account with Benefit Programs Online. You can access your UI Online account to certify for benefits.
Your Account
Manage your unemployment insurance at all stages of your claim. Understand your role and responsibilities in making sure that certifying your benefits is reported accurately, and that you receive the correct amount.
Last Revised: 09/23/2021
Creating an account is an important step as soon as you qualify for unemployment benefits.
With this account, you can apply for Unemployment Insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits, reopen an existing claim, and manage a claim.
Can’t find what you are looking for? View these resources for more information.