FAQs – Unemployment Eligibility

We understand this can be a difficult time. To check if you’re eligible for benefits, we will conduct a phone interview with you, send you an email with instructions on how to complete your Eligibility Questionnaire online, or mail you a paper Request for Eligibility Information (DE 4365FF) questionnaire.

We understand that people sometimes leave a job for important reasons. One example is quitting a job to follow a spouse to a new town or city. To be eligible for unemployment benefits, you’ll need to show that you had good cause for leaving and that you made all reasonable attempts to keep your job. This includes requesting a leave of absence or transfer.

We want to make sure we understand your situation. After you file a claim for benefits, we will interview both you and your employer by phone to determine your eligibility.

Losing a job due to a disaster can be overwhelming. You may be eligible for unemployment benefits or Disaster Unemployment Assistance to help you through this tough time.

If you qualify, the California Training Benefits (CTB) program allows you to receive unemployment benefits. We must approve the school or training program. Also, you must contact us before the sixteenth week of your benefit payments to qualify for a training extension. If you qualify, you can get extra weeks of benefits. Learn more at Qualify for a Training Extension.

If you attend school or training and are not eligible for the CTB program, you may still qualify for unemployment benefits. You need to meet all eligibility requirements. This includes being able and available to work, actively searching for jobs, and accepting any job offers each week that you certify for benefits.

If you are sick or hurt, you may not qualify for unemployment benefits. But don’t worry. Disability Insurance (DI) benefits might be able to help you while you recover. Visit Disability Insurance Benefits for more information.

You don’t qualify for unemployment benefits, but you can apply for California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. Caring for a new child includes the birth of a child, adoption, or foster care placement.

Keep in mind that you can only receive one type of benefit at a time. For example, if you are receiving PFL benefits, you can’t get unemployment or disability benefits at the same time.

If you are temporarily laid off and do have a return-to-work date, any vacation or holiday pay you get for a specific week will reduce your benefits for that week.

• Vacation pay will be counted for the number of days you asked for vacation, or the days your employer made you take during your temporary layoff.
• Holiday pay that you get before returning to work will be counted for holiday weeks. Holiday pay that you get after returning to work will count for the week you go back to work.

If you do not have a return-to-work date, any vacation or holiday pay you get when your job ends will not be reduced from your weekly benefits.

You have the right to file an appeal if you don’t agree with the decision. Visit Unemployment Insurance Appeals.

To get benefits, you must prove that you had valid immigration status and were authorized to work in the US when you earned the wages for your claim.

You also need to show that your current immigration status is valid and that you’re authorized to work for each week that you claim benefits.

Note: We verify your immigration status and work authorization with the Department of Homeland Security.

Benefits are paid for by employer taxes. No deductions are taken from your paycheck. If you think you are owed benefits, you have the right to file an appeal. See Unemployment Insurance Appeals.