Supporting LA Firestorm Survivors

We stand with Southern California firestorm survivors and their families with the support to move forward during this challenging time. Help is available. Together, let’s work toward recovery and resilience.

Unemployment

Regular unemployment benefits are available to workers impacted by the fires. The one-week waiting period is waived, so benefits may start from the first week of unemployment.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is also available for workers and self-employed people in Los Angeles County affected by the California firestorms. DUA covers workers who normally are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits. Benefits can begin for individuals unemployed as early as January 12, 2025. DUA claims must be filed by March 10, 2025.

Apply for unemployment or DUA benefits through myEDD and indicate that the job loss is due to the disaster.

Disability and Paid Family Leave Benefits

Workers can apply for disability benefits if they were injured, or their health was impacted by the fires. Or they can apply for Paid Family Leave benefits if they need to take time off to care for a family member. Citizenship or immigration status doesn't affect your eligibility.

If Your Business Was Impacted

Employers affected by the disaster can request a 60-day extension to file payroll reports and pay payroll taxes without penalties. We also provide support services to businesses affected by the disaster. For more information, refer to Information Sheet: State of Emergency or Disaster (DE 231SED) (PDF). Find the nearest EDD Tax Offices located in Anaheim, Santa Fe Springs, and Van Nuys. EDD staff are onsite to help. Businesses considering layoffs are encouraged to apply for the Work Sharing program to retain skilled workers during a downturn.

Your business can find additional in-person help at local Business Recovery Centers. Visit Help Your Business on CA.gov/LAfires for a list of resources and support available for businesses impacted by the wildfires.

Find Us at Your Local Disaster Recovery Center

We are on-site at your nearest Disaster Recovery Center to support you. As Los Angeles recovers from wildfires, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is coordinating with the state, federal, and local partners to ensure communities have access to shelters and vital services.

Spread the Word

Share posts directly from our social media channels. Or, use this toolkit to post on your own social media channels and help spread the word about help available to support firestorm survivors.

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Rebuilding Lives: Job Support for Fire Survivors

New beginnings are a journey, and we’re here to walk it with the LA firestorm survivors. In partnership with local resources, we are helping to deliver temporary jobs for humanitarian assistance and cleanup efforts while strengthening services to return affected workers to long-term, meaningful jobs as soon as possible.

We’ve awarded up to $20 million to the Los Angeles region to support the immediate needs of workers suffering job losses or reduced hours in the aftermath of devastating firestorms with temporary employment. The funding also provides the kind of support needed for long-term recovery and more permanent reemployment.

The Los Angeles region will receive up to $10 million that will be coordinated by Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles to support humanitarian aid and cleanup efforts by creating temporary jobs in impacted areas. These jobs will address urgent needs such as debris removal, shelter operations, and community health support—providing critical opportunities for impacted communities to recover and rebuild.

In addition, another $10 million is awarded to the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity to address the specific needs of workers in collaboration with several of the region’s local workforce development boards. These funds will enable displaced workers to access transitional jobs, on-the-job training, and other workforce services that support long-term recovery and meaningful careers in the Los Angeles region. Program participants may also receive additional help with other needs as the recovery continues including housing, childcare, transportation, computer training, skill upgrades, and other supportive services, depending on the specific offerings in each local area.

The combined funding reflects a robust partnership between local, state, and federal agencies to quickly address the urgent impacts of the disaster, which have affected thousands of residents and businesses.

How to Get Support

Individuals and businesses impacted by the disaster can access these services through their local America’s Job Center of California locations.

Visit California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) News for the current locations and hours of operation for Disaster Recovery Centers to receive in-person help from EDD representatives along with other state and local partners.

To learn more about active emergencies, visit ready.ca.gov.

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It’s Tax Season! Get Your 1099G

Whether you received benefits from us in 2024 or own your own business, we are here to make your taxes as easy as possible!

Received Benefits in 2024

We sent a Form 1099G to everyone who received taxable benefits in 2024. Wondering if you received taxable benefits? Taxable benefits can include:

• Unemployment
• Disability Insurance (when it’s a substitute for unemployment)
• Paid Family Leave
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

You have three easy options to get your form. You can log in to your myEDD account and get your tax forms online. If you did not select electronic delivery, we mailed it to you. You may also call our automated, self-service line at 1-866-333-4606. 

Our Tax Information webpage includes information on taxable benefits and helpful resources. You can also find Form 1099G information sheets in other languages. The IRS Taxable Unemployment Compensation website has more information too.

Owned a Business in 2024

Remember, employers affected by the firestorm disaster can request a 60-day extension to file payroll reports and taxes without penalties. A request for extension to report and pay may be in writing or requested by calling the Taxpayer Assistance Center at 1-888-745-3886.

Our Information Sheet: State of Emergency or Disaster (DE 231SED) (PDF) and Emergency and Disaster Assistance for Employers has more information. You can also visit our California Employer News and Updates for the latest as well.

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Disability and Paid Family Leave Updates: More Support When You Need It Most

Paid Family Leave Made Easy: Track, Update, and Manage Your Claim with myEDD

We know how important it is to have support during life’s biggest moments. Whether you’re bonding with a new child in the family, or caring for a sick or injured loved one, Paid Family Leave is here for you. And now, getting information about your claim has never been easier!

You can track your claim status, see payment updates, and find your claim history all in myEDD—saving you time and effort. We’re committed to helping you get the support you need quickly. That means more self-service options at your fingertips.

We’re also continuing to update our contact centers to the Amazon Connect platform to improve the customer experience. Our disability customers can access new self-service options to get their claim status and more! These features will be coming soon for Paid Family Leave.  

A Boost in Benefits for Disability and Paid Family Leave

And remember, as of January 1, 2025, California boosted Paid Family Leave and disability benefits up to 90% of regular pay for many workers.

This increase makes it easier to take the time you need off work for recovery or to care for family.

We understand that this support is vital. And we want to make sure you know it’s there for you when you need it. Note that this new benefit increase, under Senate Bill 951 (SB 951), doesn’t apply to claims from 2024. Claims made in 2024 will still be paid at the previous rate of 60-70% of regular wages. Check out 2025 Benefit Payment FAQs for more details on how this change affects you.

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Applying for Unemployment Benefits Has Never Been Easier

In October of last year, we had a major upgrade to the online unemployment application. Designed with your feedback in mind, the new application is simpler, faster, and more customer friendly. We took out unnecessary questions and confusing jargon. And reworked it with clearer instructions for a smoother experience for you. Our goal is to make the process easier, so you can focus on getting the support you need.

Since then, we’ve continued to see great results. About 80% of users have rated their experience as good or excellent. We’ve also received a lot of positive feedback from customers. Many have mentioned how much easier and quicker the process is now. Some even say the application is now over 50 percent faster to finish.  Comments highlight how the new system is more streamlined, easy to follow, and a big improvement. For example, one user noted, “UI is much improved since I had to file a few years ago,” while another said, “Thank you for making this easier/user friendly.”

This change isn’t just about making things faster. It’s about reducing stress during the toughest of times. One customer, who applied after the start of the LA wildfires, shared that the new online system made it much less stressful to submit their claim without the need for phone calls or forms.

We’re committed to making the unemployment process as easy and stress-free as possible. We’re grateful for your feedback as we continue to improve our programs and services.

 

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