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Certify for Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Certifying is the process of answering basic questions every two weeks that tells us you’re still unemployed and eligible to continue receiving benefit payments. For help answering these questions, visit Understanding the Certification Questions or review Unemployment Benefit Certification Question Information (YouTube). Answering questions incorrectly can delay your payment.

You will receive your claim package in the mail verifying you are eligible for benefits. You may also receive an email from us notifying you that your registration has been completed in UI Online. Once you receive this information, it is time for you to certify for your first benefit payment.

Your first certification period begins two weeks after you file for unemployment.

To get started in certifying for benefits:

  1. Log in to your myEDD account.
  2. Follow the instructions in UI Online to complete the steps provided.

After your first benefit payment, you must tell us that you’re still unemployed and eligible to keep receiving benefits. You must do this every two weeks.

As you collect benefits, you will receive notifications in your UI Online account telling you when to take action. You may also receive important email reminders from our online system.

Submit on Time

If you certify early or late, your payment could be delayed or denied. You must tell us that you’re still unemployed and eligible to keep receiving benefits. You must do this every 14 days from the date displayed on your claim form.

We recommend that you certify for benefits with UI Online because it is a fast, convenient, and a secure way to certify.

You can also certify by phone using EDD Tele-CertSM at 1-866-333-4606.

Report Accurately

By certifying for unemployment benefits, you are declaring by law that you meet the eligibility requirements to collect benefits.

As a result, you will receive a benefit payment after you complete your certification. If you do not receive a payment within 10 days of certifying, there may be an issue with your claim. For more information, visit Claim Status: Pending Payment.

If you withhold or give false information to receive benefits, such as not reporting work or wages, you are committing fraud. Penalties may include disqualification for unemployment insurance, losing your benefits, and criminal prosecution.

Next Steps

Just like your bank account, you want to closely manage and monitor your account with us.

Manage Your Account

UI Online

UI Online is the fastest and most convenient way to manage your account. You can:

  • Receive important notifications such as reminders to certify for benefits.
  • Get your latest claim and payment information.
  • View in-person and phone appointments.
  • Reschedule a phone interview appointment.
  • Update your address and phone number.
  • View, print, or request a copy of your Form 1099G tax information from the past five years.
Learn More

Meet Your Eligibility Requirements

You must meet all eligibility requirements when filing for unemployment and certifying for benefits. View our list of requirements to file a claim.

Certify for Benefits Online

View the status of your claim, certify for benefits, and get up-to-date claim and payment information all on UI Online.

Create Account Log In

For Employers

Find information on layoff alternatives, preventing fraud, and more.

Additional Resources

Can’t find what you are looking for? View these resources for more information.