The following information are excerpts from the "California's Programs for the Unemployed", a pamphlet published and distributed by the Employment Development Department (EDD). You can download a full copy here.

Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment Insurance (UI) is an insurance program that is paid for by your employer. It provides you with an income when you are out of work through no fault of your own.

Who Should File

You may be eligible to receive UI benefi ts if you are out of work or your hours are reduced and you are:

• Physically able to work.
• Actively seeking work.
• Ready to accept work.

When to File

You should apply for benefits as soon as you are unemployed or your hours are reduced. Your claim cannot begin until you file for benefits. Your claim will be effective the Sunday of the week that you file your claim. All claims have a one-week, unpaid waiting period.

What You Need to File

To determine if you are eligible to receive benefits, you will be asked a variety of questions, such as information about your past employers and the reason you are out of work. To ensure your claim is fi led as quickly as possible, you should have the following information ready before you file your claim:

• Your name, address, telephone number, birth date, and social security number (SSN).
• Your last employer’s name, address, telephone number, and last date worked.
• The specific reason you are no longer working.
• Your citizenship status, and if applicable, your alien registration number and date of expiration.
• Driver’s license number or state issued identification card number.
• Past work records and dates worked including the names, dates of work and wages earned for all of your employers for the last 18 months, including employers in other states.

For more information, download a full copy of "California's Programs for the Unemployed" or visit the edd website.