How to File a California Unemployment Claim
Apply for California UI benefits online through myEDD, or by phone.
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
File your California unemployment claim as soon as you lose work — benefits generally start from when you apply, not from when your job ended, so waiting can cost you weeks. The fastest way is online through myEDD; phone filing is available if you cannot use the website.
What You’ll Need
Have ready:
- Your Social Security number and California ID or driver's license
- Your employment history for the last 18 months (employer names, dates, pay)
- The reason your job ended and your last employer's contact details
Step-by-Step
- Go to edd.ca.gov, create or sign in to your myEDD account, then open UI Online.
- Choose File a New Claim and enter your identity, employment history, and last-employer details.
- Submit the claim; EDD mails you documents about your benefit amount and next steps.
- To file by phone instead, call 1-800-300-5616 (Mon-Fri, 8 AM-5 PM PT).
- After filing, watch for your first certification — you must certify to be paid.
Faster: Do It Online
Create a myEDD account at edd.ca.gov and open UI Online to file — it is the fastest option and lets you manage your whole claim in one place.
How to File a California Unemployment Claim — FAQ
File the first week your work stops or your hours are cut. Benefits generally start from when you file, so waiting can cost you weeks of payments.
You can still file with California. UI Online and the EDD representative will ask about out-of-state or federal employment — have those employer details ready.
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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