How to Certify for California Unemployment Benefits
Certify every two weeks so EDD pays your California UI benefits.
California Unemployment (EDD) Phone Number
| Phone | (800) 300-5616 |
| Hours | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM PT (except state holidays) |
| Website | edd.ca.gov |
USA Customer Care is an independent guide — not affiliated with California Unemployment (EDD). Official website: edd.ca.gov. Menus and numbers can change; always confirm on the official site.
Before You Begin
Filing a claim is not enough — you must certify for benefits every two weeks to be paid, confirming you were able to work, looking for work, and reporting any income. Missing a certification is the most common reason payments stop.
What You’ll Need
Have ready:
- Your EDD Customer Account Number and myEDD login
- The dates and gross earnings of any work during those two weeks
- Your work-search details, if required
Step-by-Step
- Every two weeks, sign in to UI Online at edd.ca.gov and choose Certify for Benefits.
- Answer the questions for each week — whether you were able and available to work, and any income you earned.
- Report all gross earnings for the weeks, even if you have not been paid yet.
- Submit; your payment usually posts within a couple of days if there are no issues.
- Cannot get online? Use EDD Tele-Cert by phone at 1-866-333-4606.
Faster: Do It Online
The fastest way is UI Online at edd.ca.gov — choose Certify for Benefits. It also shows your payment status right after you certify.
How to Certify for California Unemployment Benefits — FAQ
Your payments stop until you certify for the missed weeks. Certify as soon as you can in UI Online; if too much time passes, you may need to call 1-800-300-5616 to reopen your claim.
Yes. Report all gross earnings for the week you worked, even before you are paid. Not reporting income is considered fraud and can lead to penalties.
California Unemployment (EDD) Phone Numbers
| EDD Unemployment Customer Service | (800) 300-5616 Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM PT (except state holidays) |
| EDD Tele-Cert (certify by phone) | (866) 333-4606 Automated phone certification |
| TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) | (800) 815-9387 Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM PT |
More California Unemployment (EDD) Guides
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