EDD Disaster-Related Services
We provide a variety of services to individuals and businesses affected by disasters in California. We offer help at Local Assistance Centers or Disaster Recovery Centers established by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) or federal authorities.
For additional information about disaster-related assistance for public health and services, visit California Health and Human Services Resource Guide.
Employer support services may also be available along with disability and Paid Family Leave benefits for eligible workers. For more information, visit Disaster-Related Services FAQs.
Waiting Week for Unemployment Benefits Waived
Generally, there is a one-week waiting period for individuals obtaining unemployment benefits. When California's governor issues an Emergency Proclamation, the non-payable one-week waiting period for regular unemployment benefit payments may be waived for eligible individuals affected by a current disaster. This means individuals can be paid benefits for the first week they are unemployed due to the disaster.
The Unemployment Insurance program provides partial wage replacement benefits to workers who lose their jobs, or have their hours reduced, through no fault of their own. Learn more about the Unemployment Insurance program and eligibility requirements for collecting benefits.
Extensions for Employers to File and Pay Payroll Taxes
Employers directly affected by a disaster may request up to a two-month extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. A written request for extension must be received within two months of the original delinquent date of the payment or return.
For more information about how to request an extension and other employer assistance available, visit Emergency and Disaster Assistance for Employers.
You can also learn about assistance available through the Internal Revenue Service’s Help During Disasters webpage.
Current State-Declared Disasters
| Disaster Location | Waiting Week for Unemployment Benefits Waived | Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available | Extensions for Employers to File and Pay Payroll Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County – Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, Woodley Fires | For claims between 1/5/25 and 7/12/25 | For Los Angeles County claims between 1/12/25 and 3/10/25 | Up to two-month extension |
| Los Angeles County – Sunset Fire | None at this time | None at this time | Up to two-month extension |
| Ventura County – Windstorm Conditions | None at this time | None at this time | Up to two-month extension |
| Lake County - Boyles Fire | For claims between 9/8/24 and 3/8/25 | None at this time | Up to two-month extension |
| Los Angeles and San Bernadino Counties - Bridge Fire | For claims between 9/8/24 and 3/15/25 | None at this time. | Up to two-month extension |
| Orange and Riverside Counties - Airport Fire | For claims between 9/8/24 and 3/15/25 | None at this time. | Up to two-month extension |
| San Bernardino County - Line Fire | For claims between 9/1/24 and 3/8/25 | None at this time. | Up to two-month extension |
| Kern County - Borel Fire | For claims between 7/21/24 and 1/25/25 | None at this time. | Up to two-month extension |
| Butte and Tehama Counties - Park Fire | For claims between 7/21/24 and 1/25/25 | None at this time. | Up to two-month extension |
| Multiple Counties - Winter Storms | For claims between 2/4/24 and 8/5/24 | None at this time. | Up to two-month extension |
| San Diego and Ventura Counties - Winter Storms | For claims between 12/17/23 and 6/22/24 | For San Diego County claims between 1/28/24 and 8/24/24 | Up to two-month extension |
Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance
A presidential Major Disaster Declaration can make federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) available for individuals affected by a disaster. DUA is a federal program that provides temporary unemployment assistance to individuals whose work or self-employment is interrupted due to a major natural disaster and who do not qualify for regular state-provided unemployment benefits, such as farmworkers, business owners and the self-employed.
If and when DUA benefits become available to disaster victims in California, we will update this page and issue a news release with pertinent details and information.
Eligibility for DUA benefits generally applies to those individuals who become unemployed as a direct result of the disaster and meet at least one of these conditions:
- Have applied for and received all regular unemployment benefits from California or any other state, or do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits.
- Worked or were self-employed, or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment, in the disaster area. Self-employed individuals in particular most often benefit from having DUA available.
- Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment due to the disaster or cannot reach work because of the disaster.
- Have not worked long enough or have not earned enough in wages to qualify for regular state unemployment benefits.
- Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury caused by the disaster and don’t qualify for State Disability Insurance.
- Became the head of their household because of a death caused by the disaster.
Other Disaster-Related EDD Services
Job Search Assistance
In disaster situations, our EDD Workforce Services representatives will often be available along with our Unemployment and Tax representatives in Local Assistance Centers that may be established by Cal OES. They can provide a wide range of job search assistance and employer support services as well as other general support, referrals, and resources.
For California’s online job exchange system, visit CalJOBSSM.
Disability Insurance Benefits
Disability Insurance provides partial wage replacement benefits to eligible California workers who are unable to work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. If you were injured by the disaster, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
To apply for disability benefits, submit a Claim for Disability Insurance (DI) Benefits (DE 2501) through myEDD or by mail. If you need a paper version of the DE 2501, you can order the form through the Online Forms and Publications page or contact Disability Insurance by phone.
Paid Family Leave Benefits
Paid Family Leave (PFL) provides benefits to individuals who lose wages when they need to take time off work to care for a seriously ill child, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or registered domestic partner. If you need to care for a family member injured in the disaster, you may be eligible for PFL benefits.
To apply for PFL benefits, submit a Claim for Paid Family Leave (PFL) Benefits (DE 2501F) through myEDD or by mail. If you need a paper version of the DE 2501F, you can order the form through the Online Forms and Publications page or contact PFL by phone.