Unemployment Insurance – After You Apply

After you submit your unemployment application, there are important steps you must take to make sure your benefit payments are not delayed or denied.

Important Next Steps

Look for Important Documents from the EDD

You will receive these documents in the mail within two weeks of submitting your application. Keep an eye out for them, as they contain important information about your benefits:

• Unemployment Insurance Claim Filed (DE 1101CLMT) (PDF)
  This is an overview of the information you provided when you applied. If anything is incorrect, contact us within 10 days of the Mail Date. The Mail Date can be found at the top of the form. If you report incorrect information, you may be disqualified from benefits or have an overpayment or penalties.
• Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award (DE 429Z) (PDF)
  This tells you your weekly benefit amount and the maximum benefit amount for your claim, based on what your employers reported. If you notice any mistakes, contact us within 30 days of the Mail Date.
• Employment Development Department Customer Account Number Notification (DE 5614) (PDF)
  This is your EDD Customer Account Number (EDDCAN). You’ll need it to register for UI Online. If you were automatically enrolled in UI Online or already have an existing account, there is no need to re-register. You can use your EDDCAN instead of your Social Security number when contacting us.
• Unemployment Insurance Benefits: What You Need to Know (DE 1275B) (PDF)
  This guide explains eligibility requirements for benefits. It also provides guidance on how to certify for benefits.
• Continued Claim (DE 4581) (PDF)
  Use this form every two weeks to certify for ongoing benefits. You can also certify through UI Online or EDD Tele-Cert.

Certify for Benefits Every Two Weeks

To continue receiving benefits, you must provide eligibility information every two weeks. This process is known as certifying for benefits. You can do this with UI Online, EDD Tele-Cert, or by mail—whichever is easier for you.

Report work and wages correctly while receiving benefits. Make sure you report any work you did and any wages earned every two weeks when you certify for benefits, even if you weren’t paid yet. You can watch Reporting Wages and Earnings (YouTube) for more guidance.

Note: You must serve a one-week unpaid waiting period on your claim before getting paid. You also need to certify and meet all eligibility requirements during this week. Your first certification will usually include the one-week unpaid waiting period and one week of payment if you meet the eligibility requirements for both weeks. Remember, this waiting period does not change the total amount of benefits you can receive. Certify for benefits every two weeks to continue receiving benefit payments.

Pending Claim Status

If your claim status says Pending, we may need to confirm your identity or eligibility before we can process payment. Check your UI Online homepage for notifications and the Claim Status Tracker for updates and possible next steps.

Possible next steps:

• Responding to any requests for information that we send by mail.
• Checking your UI Online Inbox for messages.
• Completing your Eligibility Questionnaire or Request for Eligibility Information (DE 4365FF).
• Preparing for a phone interview if needed.

For more information, visit Unemployment Determinations and Eligibility.

Register for CalJOBS

Unless otherwise instructed by the EDD, you’ll need to add or update your resume in CalJOBS within 21 days of submitting your unemployment application. If you don’t take these steps, your benefit payments could be delayed or denied.

If you need help, you can watch How to Register for CalJOBS and Post a Résumé (YouTube).

Receive Your Benefit Payments

• It takes about three weeks to process a new claim for unemployment benefits and issue payment to eligible workers.
• Payment information is updated daily and is available through your UI Online account. You can also call the Unemployment Self-Service Phone Line at 1-866-333-4606.
• To learn about your payment options or change your payment preference, visit Your Benefit Payment Options.

Note: Money Network representatives cannot answer questions about your claim or pending payments.

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Additional Information

California Training Benefits

• The California Training Benefits (CTB) program lets you continue your education, upgrade your skills, or learn new skills while receiving benefits.
• If approved for CTB, you will not be required to look for work every week, and you may get extra benefit weeks while completing your training or education.
• For CTB eligibility requirements, approved programs, and more, visit California Training Benefits.

Previous Disqualification or Overpayments

If you had a past disqualification or overpayment, it may affect your new claim.

• If you were disqualified before, check your Notice of Determination/Ruling (DE 1080CZ) (PDF).
• If you received an overpayment, check your Notice of Potential Overpayment (DE 1447) (PDF).

If You Move Out of State

If you move out of California, you need to look for work and register for job search services with the local employment office in your new state. You must do this within 21 days of applying for unemployment in California, or you may be denied benefits.