How to file in California, step by step
- Gather your documents. California asks for the items in the checklist below.
- File your claim online at edd.ca.gov or by phone (numbers and hours).
- Meet the work search rule. Follow the work search instructions on your Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award (DE 429Z). There is no single statewide quota in the source we checked.
- Request benefits for each week you are unemployed, as your claim instructions say. See how weekly claims work.
- Answer any reemployment appointment. Some claimants are selected for a RESEA session at a job center.
Documents California asks for
- For ID.me online identity verification: Social Security number, a selfie and an identity document
- If a video call is required: two primary documents, or one primary and two secondary documents
Source: edd.ca.gov. Lists can be partial; follow the instructions in your claim.
How much California pays and for how long
All statesMaximum from the U.S. DOL table effective July 2026. The state calculates your weekly amount from your past wages when you file. How long unemployment lasts
California unemployment phone
DetailsHours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Pacific, except state holidays.
Where to log in
The official place to start a claim or reach your account is edd.ca.gov, run by the California Employment Development Department. Only enter your Social Security number or PIN on the official state site. This guide is independent and cannot see or change your claim.
If your claim is denied
Federal law requires every state to offer a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal to anyone whose unemployment claim is denied (Social Security Act, sec. 303(a)(3)). The determination letter from California tells you the deadline and how to file the appeal. How unemployment appeals work.
Job centers in California
All 124America's Job Centers of California help you apply online, by mail or by fax, but they do not fix problems with existing claims. Check whether EDD staff are present before you go.
Alhambra AJCC
2550 W. Main Street, Suite 103, Alhambra
Altadena AJCC
464 W Woodbury Rd, Altadena
NoRTEC — Business and Career Network — Alturas
701 N. Main Street, Suite F, Alturas
Anaheim Workforce Connection
201 South Anaheim Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Anaheim
Employers’ Training Resource — Bakersfield Comprehensive
1600 E. Belle Terrace, Bakersfield
Employers’ Training Resource — Oildale
1129 Olive Drive, Suite H, Bakersfield
Slawson AJCC
5500 Rickenbacker Rd., Bell
Employers’ Training Resource — Bishop
1360 N. Main Street, Bishop
Blythe AJCC Workforce Development Center
1225 W. Hobsonway, Blythe
OC Workforce Solutions Brea
675 Placentia Avenue, Suite 330, Brea
Burbank Employment Connection
110 N Glenoaks Blvd, Burbank
South Valley WorkSource Center & AJCC
21010 Vanowen Street, Canoga Park
California unemployment questions
How do I file for unemployment in California?
Online on the California Employment Development Department website or by phone at 1-800-300-5616. Have your Social Security number and your employers from the last 18 months ready.
What is the California unemployment phone number?
1-800-300-5616. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Pacific, except state holidays.
How much is unemployment in California?
Up to $450 a week. Your own amount depends on your past wages.
How long does unemployment last in California?
Up to 26 weeks; the federal table lists a range of 14-26 weeks depending on your situation. Your weeks are set when the state reviews your claim.
Where do I log in to California unemployment?
Use the official site (edd.ca.gov) to start a claim or reach your account. We do not handle logins or claims.
What if my California unemployment claim is denied?
Federal law requires every state to give claimants whose claims are denied the chance of a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal. Your determination letter explains how and by when to appeal.
Related guides
Sources
Claim website: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Claims phone: edd.ca.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Documents: edd.ca.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Work search: edd.ca.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
In-person policy: edd.ca.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Weekly maximum: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Maximum weeks: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Right to a fair hearing: 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(3), checked October 31, 2026.