CA unemployment insurance through the Employment Development Department.
CA EDD provides up to $450/week for up to 26 weeks to eligible unemployed workers. Must certify every 2 weeks.
$40 to $450 each week, depending on how much you earned in the past 18 months
Who qualifies
Must have a Social Security number, authorization to work in the US, earned enough wages during base period (past 18 months), be totally or partially unemployed through no fault of your own, physically able to work, available for work, looking for work each week, and ready and willing to accept work right away.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-19. UnifiedAid is an independent service and is not a government agency. Applications and approval decisions are made only by the official agency.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for California Unemployment (EDD)?
Must have a Social Security number, authorization to work in the US, earned enough wages during base period (past 18 months), be totally or partially unemployed through no fault of your own, physically able to work, available for work, looking for work each week, and ready and willing to accept work right away.
How much does California Unemployment (EDD) pay?
Typical benefit: $40 to $450 each week, depending on how much you earned in the past 18 months.
What documents do I need to apply?
SSN, DL/ID, Employer info for 18 months, Separation reason.
How long does the application take?
Most people complete the application in about 45 minutes. Processing time varies by state but is typically 30 days or less.