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Disaster Unemployment Assistance

The EDD provides services to people and businesses affected by disasters in California.

If you lost your job or cannot work because of a disaster or emergency, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI), Disability Insurance (DI), or Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits.

When authorized by the President of the United States, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) may also be available for workers and self-employed people who do not qualify for regular UI benefits.

For current state-declared disasters, visit EDD Disaster-Related Services.

File a Claim

UI OnlineSM is the fastest and most convenient way to file your UI claim.

Call one of the following toll-free numbers, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific Time) except on state holidays.

English and Spanish: 1-800-300-5616
Armenian: 1-855-528-1518
Cantonese:
1-800-547-3506
Korean: 1-844-660-0877
Mandarin: 1-866-303-0706
Tagalog: 1-866-395-1513
Vietnamese: 1-800-547-2058
TTY: 1-800-815-9387

When you access UI Online to file a new claim, you may be instructed to fax or mail your UI application. If this happens, the Unemployment Insurance Application (DE 1101I) will display.

For faster and more secure processing, fax the completed form to the number listed on the form. If you decide to mail your UI application, use the address on the form and allow additional time for processing.

If you have a current claim for benefits, and are unable to receive your UI payments at home due to the disaster or emergency, contact your local post office.

Program Eligibility

If you lost your job or cannot work because of a disaster or emergency, you may be eligible for one of the following programs.

Unemployment Insurance

If you are unemployed due to a disaster or emergency, you may be eligible for UI benefits.

When you file your UI claim, you must tell us that you are unemployed as a result of a disaster or emergency.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

If the President of the United States declares a disaster in your area, DUA may be authorized. If you become unemployed as a result of the disaster, and you do not qualify for regular UI benefits, you may qualify for DUA.

For more information, view Fact Sheet Disaster Employment Assistance (DE 8714DUA) (PDF).

Disability Insurance

If you become ill or injured and cannot work, you may be eligible for DI benefits.

Paid Family Leave

If you need to care for a family member injured in the disaster, you may be eligible for PFL benefits.

Additional Resources