Unemployment benefits are a crucial lifeline for individuals who have lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet. In California, the unemployment rate reached a record high of 16.4% in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving millions of Californians without a source of income. The state’s unemployment insurance program provides financial assistance to eligible individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. In this article, we will explore who is eligible for unemployment benefits in California and the process of applying for and receiving these benefits.
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Understanding Unemployment Benefits in California
Unemployment benefits in California are administered by the Employment Development Department (EDD), a state agency responsible for providing employment services and benefits to Californians. The program is funded by payroll taxes paid by employers, and the benefits are paid out of the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.
Unemployment benefits in California are available to individuals who have lost their jobs due to reasons such as layoffs, business closures, or reduced work hours. The benefits are also available to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability or medical condition, or those who have had to quit their jobs for compelling reasons such as domestic violence or unsafe working conditions.
Read:what is my social security disability benefit amountThe amount of unemployment benefits an individual can receive in California is based on their earnings in the past 12-18 months. The maximum weekly benefit amount is $450, and the maximum duration of benefits is 26 weeks. However, during times of high unemployment, the state may offer additional weeks of benefits through the federal Extended Benefits (EB) program.
Who is Eligible for Unemployment Benefits in California?
To be eligible for unemployment benefits in California, an individual must meet certain criteria set by the EDD. These criteria include:
- Being unemployed through no fault of their own
- Having earned enough wages during the base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the date of filing a claim)
- Being able and available to work
- Actively seeking work
- Being physically able to work
- Being legally authorized to work in the United States
Let’s take a closer look at each of these criteria to understand who is eligible for unemployment benefits in California.
Unemployed Through No Fault of Their Own
To be eligible for unemployment benefits in California, an individual must have lost their job through no fault of their own. This means that they were not fired for misconduct or quit their job without good cause. Examples of good cause include unsafe working conditions, discrimination, or a significant change in job duties or pay without the employee’s consent.
Read:How to upload documents on your texas benefits?Individuals who are self-employed or independent contractors are not eligible for unemployment benefits in California. However, they may be eligible for benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide financial assistance to those who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits.
Earned Enough Wages During the Base Period
The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the date of filing a claim. To be eligible for unemployment benefits in California, an individual must have earned at least $1,300 in one quarter of the base period and at least $900 in the highest quarter of the base period. They must also have earned at least $1,300 in the entire base period.
If an individual does not meet these earnings requirements, they may still be eligible for benefits under the Alternate Base Period (ABP). The ABP includes the last four completed calendar quarters before the date of filing a claim, and the earnings requirements are the same as the base period.
Able and Available to Work
To be eligible for unemployment benefits in California, an individual must be able and available to work. This means that they are physically and mentally capable of performing suitable work and are actively seeking employment. They must also be willing to accept suitable job offers and attend job interviews if required by the EDD.
Read:What benefits do i get with other than honorable dischargeIf an individual is unable to work due to a disability or medical condition, they may be eligible for disability insurance benefits through the state’s Disability Insurance (DI) program.
Actively Seeking Work
As mentioned earlier, to be eligible for unemployment benefits in California, an individual must be actively seeking work. This means that they are making a reasonable effort to find suitable employment. The EDD may require individuals to provide proof of their job search activities, such as job applications, interviews, or networking efforts.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the EDD has temporarily waived the job search requirement for individuals who are unable to work due to COVID-19 related reasons, such as being quarantined or caring for a family member with COVID-19.
Physically Able to Work
To be eligible for unemployment benefits in California, an individual must be physically able to work. This means that they are not disabled or incapacitated and can perform suitable work if offered. If an individual is unable to work due to a disability or medical condition, they may be eligible for disability insurance benefits through the state’s Disability Insurance (DI) program.
Legally Authorized to Work in the United States
Lastly, to be eligible for unemployment benefits in California, an individual must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This means that they are either a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or have a valid work permit.
How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits in California
The process of applying for unemployment benefits in California can be done online through the EDD website or by phone. The EDD recommends applying online as it is the fastest and most convenient way to file a claim. The online application process takes about 30 minutes to complete, and individuals will need to provide personal information, employment history, and details about their last employer.
After submitting the application, individuals will receive a notice of their eligibility for benefits, which will include the amount of benefits they can receive and the duration of their benefits. If the individual is eligible, they will need to certify for benefits every two weeks by answering a series of questions about their employment status and earnings. This process can also be done online or by phone.
It is essential to note that there may be a waiting period of one week before an individual can receive their first benefit payment. This waiting period is waived for individuals who are unemployed due to COVID-19 related reasons.
Conclusion:
Unemployment benefits in California are a vital safety net for individuals who have lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet. To be eligible for these benefits, individuals must meet certain criteria set by the EDD, including being unemployed through no fault of their own, earning enough wages during the base period, and being able and available to work. The process of applying for and receiving unemployment benefits in California can be done online or by phone, and individuals must certify for benefits every two weeks. It is crucial to understand the eligibility requirements and the application process to ensure a smooth and successful experience in receiving unemployment benefits in California.
