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Disaster-Related Services FAQs

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If you lost your job or your hours were cut because of a disaster, you should apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI). If you qualify, you can get payments that are about half of what you were earning before. When you apply, make sure to say that a disaster caused your job loss.

You can get payments every two weeks as long as you’re still unemployed and meet all the rules. Learn more at Unemployment Insurance or call our UI office.

Usually, there is a one-week delay before you start getting unemployment benefits. But if the Governor declares an emergency, this waiting week can be skipped. That means you may be paid for your first week of unemployment.

Visit Unemployment Insurance or call UI for help. Remember to say that a disaster affected you when you apply.

 

If your business had to close because of a disaster, you can ask for up to two extra months to file your payroll tax reports or pay state payroll taxes. This helps you avoid penalties or interest.

To get the extension, send a written request to EDD within two months of your missed due date.

For details, visit:

If you were hurt and can’t work because of the disaster (and the injury didn’t happen at work), you may qualify for Disability Insurance (DI). DI gives you part of your paycheck while you recover.

To learn more, visit Disability Insurance or call the DI office.

If a family member was seriously hurt during the disaster and you need time off to care for them, you might be able to get Paid Family Leave (PFL). PFL gives you some money while you take care of your loved one.

You can care for a child, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or registered domestic partner.

For more information, visit Paid Family Leave, or call PFL by phone.

If you lost your job because of a disaster, help is available. After major disasters, Local Assistance Centers are often set up nearby. There, you can talk to people from Unemployment Insurance, Workforce Services, Tax offices, and more. They can help you look for a job, support your business, and connect you to other resources.

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