Filing For Unemployment Benefits - California

If you're a California employee out of work through no fault of your own, you may be eligible to collect unemployment benefits. If you are having trouble filing an application for unemployment benefits, you're welcome to call us at 888-762-0297 to discuss your situation.

Eligibility requirements, prior earnings criteria, benefit amounts, and other details vary from state to state.

Here is what you need to know about filing unemployment benefits in California.

Eligibility to collect unemployment benefits in California depends upon meeting specific requirements, including:

1. Your past earnings must meet specific minimum thresholds.
2. You must be unemployed through no fault as defined by California law.
3. You must be willing to accept work, available to work, and actively seeking employment.

You must have earned at least the minimum amount in your base period to meet the earnings requirement, which is "a specific 12-month term the Employment Development Department (EDD) uses to see if you've earned enough wages to establish a claim."

Because this minimum amount changes, an easy way to see if you meet the current minimum eligibility requirements is to use the EDD's unemployment benefits calculator.

In California, you must be out of work through no fault to qualify for unemployment benefits. You will meet this requirement if you are laid off, lose your job in a reduction-in-force, or get downsized for economic reasons. There are a host of other potential reasons, so if you're unsure about this, contact an unemployment attorney to discuss your situation.

If you are fired because you lacked the skills to perform the job or weren't a good fit, you should be able to collect benefits. However, being fired for “misconduct” is another matter. You will not be eligible for unemployment benefits in California if all four of these statements are true:

1. You owed a "material" duty to the employer.
2. You substantially breached that duty.
3. Your breach of duty showed a wanton or willful disregard for that duty.
4. Your breach of duty must tend to harm the employer's business interests.

If you quit your job, you will only be eligible for unemployment benefits if you have a good reason for resigning, such as an unsafe work environment, significant changes to the terms of your employment, or other compelling reasons.

To maintain your eligibility for unemployment benefits in California, you must be able to work, looking for work, and if you are offered a suitable position, you must accept it. Documenting your job search efforts is essential, which means you must keep a record of job applications and interviews.

If you have questions about collecting unemployment benefits in California or have been denied benefits, consider consulting an unemployment attorney in California to help you understand your legal rights and assist you in the appeals process if necessary.

If you are a California employee temporarily out of work through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. To apply, hire an experienced employment lawyer to help you navigate the Employment Development Department. Remember that eligibility requirements and deadlines are strict, so understanding them is essential before applying.

If you are considering applying for unemployment benefits, call us at 888-762-0297 with your questions or concerns.

Your initial consultation will be informative, confidential and free of charge.

We can help clients everywhere in California.

Last updated on March 7, 2023.

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Additional Resources

Filing for Unemployment in California

EDD's unemployment benefits calculator

EDD's Eligibility Requirements

EDD's page on Unemployment Insurance Appeals