California is responding to the spread of a respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (COVID-19). While investigations to learn more about the virus are ongoing, workers and employers should review their health and safety procedures to help prevent exposure to the virus.
We have reviewed the federal CARES Act and like all other states, we are currently awaiting further guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in order to implement the various provisions.
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is a brand new program. The EDD is working with deliberate speed to stand up this new program and the other new provisions to serve unemployed Californians, including the self-employed. Californians should follow the current instructions on this page regarding potential UI benefits with more details to come later in the week.
- For faster processing, read How to Set Up a UI Online Account (DE 2338H) (PDF) to help you apply for benefits.
- For help completing the application, call your local America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM to schedule a phone appointment with an EDD representative.
- It takes at least three weeks to process a claim for unemployment benefits and issue payment to most eligible workers. We appreciate your patience.