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Supporting LA Firestorm Survivors

Published: February 27, 2025

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 are not normally 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. You can also call us, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to file your claim by calling the dedicated lines for individuals impacted by the firestorms:

English: 1-833-998-2284
Spanish: 1-855-964-0634
Other languages: 1-800-300-5616.

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.

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.

EDD also has other resources for businesses that may not be impacted by the firestorms but are considering layoffs. These businesses may want to learn more about the Work Sharing program to retain skilled workers during an economic downturn.

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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