NR No. 25-10
Contact: Loree Levy/Greg Lawson
916-654-9029
mediainquiries@edd.ca.gov
What You Need to Know: The Employment Development Department (EDD) is prepared to assist workers who have lost their jobs due to the recent federal layoffs and funding cuts impacting federal contractors. EDD representatives are available to help workers apply for unemployment benefits as well as search for jobs available in state government, and elsewhere throughout the state. A new EDD federal worker webpage provides a collection of helpful resources.
SACRAMENTO—California workers affected by the federal government layoffs can apply for unemployment benefits. EDD administers these benefits that are available for federal workers and contractors who are out of work and meet eligibility requirements. Additional resources are available through the state’s America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM locations to help connect affected workers with job opportunities in state government and other employers.
“EDD stands ready to help California workers whose livelihoods are suddenly threatened through federal government downsizing efforts,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias. “We strongly encourage impacted workers to visit CalHR’s website, WorkforCalifornia.ca.gov, to find a state job with great benefits, job security, and the ability to work with purpose.”
EDD has a new Unemployment Benefits for Federal Workers webpage established to help guide affected workers through the process of applying for benefits, answer questions addressing the different scenarios that have led to the recent federal workforce and contractor layoffs, and provide helpful information about resources available to support them in finding new work.
The fastest way to apply for unemployment benefits is online through myEDD, and then select UI Online, which is available in English, Spanish, Armenian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. When applying online, laid off workers can select direct deposit to have benefit payments automatically deposited into a personal bank account rather than by a mailed debit card or check.
For additional assistance, EDD has also set up a designated phone line available to affected workers. They can call 1-855-327-7055 to speak to staff from 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays. Another option is to download the paper Unemployment Insurance Application (Federal Employee) (DE 1101IBD) from EDD’s website, and mail or fax the completed form to EDD.
Applicants will need to provide a separation form they may have received from their employer, including either the Standard Form 8 (SF8) (PDF), Notice to Federal Employee about Unemployment Insurance, or the Standard Form 50 (SF50) (PDF), Notice of Personnel Action.
Before benefits can be paid, states must verify wages with a worker’s employer. For federal workers, that process is completed using a different system than the one used to verify wages with private employers. Under current conditions with several federal agencies, delays could be encountered in processing unemployment claims. Some workers could first see a $0 award notice (Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award [DE429Z]) in the mail as EDD waits for a wage verification response from their federal agency. Once wages are verified, an amended notice will be sent by EDD with the amount of the award.
Job Search Assistance Available
Federal workers who may need to find other job opportunities can get help through America’s Job Center of California locations throughout the state.
In addition, positions available throughout California state government are highlighted on the CalHR Work for California website which also features tutorial videos that guide job seekers through every step of the CalCareers application process. Applicants can find hiring events and career fairs hosted by departments across the state and get insight from recruiters with additional advice on how to approach the application, statement of qualifications, and job interview.