California Unemployment Contact Information

If you are living in California and facing unemployment, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. However, navigating the process of applying for and receiving these benefits can be challenging, and you may have questions or issues that need to be resolved.

To help you with this, there are several different phone numbers you can call to get assistance with California unemployment benefits. Each phone number is designed to provide specific types of help, and knowing which number to call can save you time and frustration.

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) can assist you with your unemployment claim. Whether you need help managing a claim, receiving benefits, or resolving an issue, there is a phone number available to provide you with the help you need.

California Unemployment Customer Service Phone Numbers

Main Phone:

• English: 1-800-300-5616
• Spanish: 1-800-300-5616

Get help with filing a claim by phone, general unemployment questions, and technical help with online registration, password resets, and EDD Account Numbers.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific Time), Monday through Friday.

Monday morning before 10 a.m. is the busiest call time. The EDD recommends calling at other times.

Additional languages

• Armenian: 1-855-528-1518
• Cantonese: 1-800-547-3506
• Korean: 1-844-660-0877
• Mandarin: 1-866-303-0706
• Tagalog: 1-866-395-1513
• Vietnamese: 1-800-547-2058

If you are getting a phone call from the EDD, your caller ID may show “St of CA EDD” or the UI Customer Service number 1-800-300-5616 or 833-978-2511.

California Unemployment Phone Numbers

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Customers

Deaf and hard of hearing callers can contact EDD using either method below:

• Teletypewriter (TTY) at 1-800-815-9387: (Recommended – does not use the California Relay Service).
• California Relay Service (711): Provide the UI number (1-800-300-5616) to the operator.

Note: Please use your state’s relay service if you are calling outside of California.

Information to have before you call the EDD

• Social Security number
• California driver’s license or ID card
• PIN number
• EDD Customer Account Number
• Proof of US citizenship, or a legal permit to work in CA – You must be authorized to work in the US to receive unemployment benefits. If you are not a US citizen, have information from your employment authorization document ready.
• Federal documents – If you are a former federal employee, have your Notice to Federal Employees About Unemployment Insurance (Standard Form 8) ready.
• Military documents – If you served in the military in the last 18 months, please have your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD 214) ready.
• Information about your work history

Collecting your work history information

Your work history affects the amount of benefits you receive each week. Submitting accurate information helps us process your claim faster.

When submitting your work history, be sure to include all employment for the last 18 months. This includes the name of any companies as they appear on your paycheck, the dates of employment, hours worked per week, the total wages you earned before taxes were taken out (gross wages), hourly rate of pay, and the reason you are no longer working.

Provide specific information about your last employer or company. This includes their name, mailing address, and phone number, as well as the name of your supervisor. You will also need to provide your gross wages for the last week you worked, which is the total wages you earned before taxes were deducted.

You will also need to indicate the reason for your unemployment. Providing this information accurately and completely is essential to ensure that your unemployment claim is processed promptly and correctly. The EDD takes unemployment fraud very seriously. If you are unsure about any of the information required, it is advisable to contact your former employer or company to obtain the necessary details.

When to call the main number: 1-800-300-5616

• General Information
• Technical Help
• Filing Claims
• Payment Information
• UI Online Questions
• EDD Customer Account Number
• Password Resets

Most unemployment issues can be resolved by calling the primary California unemployment phone number (English and Spanish). Available hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PT), Monday through Friday.

 

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California Unemployment Office Locations

California has nearly 200 America’s Job Centers throughout the state. America’s Job Center of California is a network of local, state, private, and public organizations offering employment services for free.

These unemployment office locations are a network of employment resource centers that provide a wide range of public assistance to job seekers, including job search assistance, career counseling, training programs, and referrals to other community resources. At America’s Job Center locations, you can look for jobs and meet your work search requirement for unemployment eligibility.

America’s Job Centers are designed to help individuals find and maintain employment by offering workforce services and resources, such as resume writing, workshops, job fairs, and access to job listings and job training programs. The overall goal of the network is to support California’s workforce development and economic growth by connecting job seekers with employment opportunities and resources.

California America's Job Center Locations

Trained Staff

The staff at America’s Job Centers are experts in careers to help job seekers figure out what they’re interested in, what they’re good at, and what kinds of jobs they could get. There are frequent events where employers come to meet job seekers, workshops to learn how to write a good resume and interview well, and other workforce solutions to help people find jobs.

Each career center has a resource room with computers, phones, and fax machines to help with job searching. Staff can help you build a resume, explore different careers, and find jobs. They can’t help you with your unemployment claim, but you can use the computers to access online services like UI Online.

Different AJCs offer different services, like job training, counseling, practice interviews, testing skills, and information about jobs and companies in the area. They can also help with social services like seeking financial assistance and finding child care. 

There are two types of American Job Centers: Comprehensive and Affiliate. Comprehensive AJCs offer all services for workers, young people, and businesses – including partners who are experts in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Affiliate AJCs offer fewer services and don’t have all the WIOA partners.

Available Services

The following services are available at most AJCC locations. Appointments are recommended as in-person services are limited.

• Referrals to helpful social services such as childcare, housing, transportation, and utilities.
• Workshops and virtual job fairs related to employment.
• Job seekers can receive help with job search, resume writing, job referrals, placement, and career coaching from the AJCC.
• Tools for career exploration and labor market information.
• Education and job training opportunities that can lead to new career paths.
• Resource rooms with computers, telephones, and fax machines are available at the AJCC.

The AJCC provides access to CalJOBS, an online services resource with over a million job postings from more than 30,000 employers in California.

Please note: These job centers are designed to help you find a job and grow your career. For help with your California unemployment benefits, call the EDD phone number. EDD staff will be able to help you with your UI claim.

General Information

In addition to specific services related to filing for and receiving unemployment benefits, the EDD also provides general information to individuals. This may include information about eligibility requirements, the application process, and how to access different services provided by the EDD. General information is important to ensure that individuals have a clear understanding of the process of receiving unemployment benefits and can navigate the system effectively.

Technical Help

Technical help is available to assist individuals with any technical issues that may arise while filing for or receiving unemployment benefits. This may include issues with logging into the system, navigating the website, or accessing payment information. Technical help is available through the EDD website or by phone, and can help individuals quickly resolve any technical issues they may encounter.

Filing Claims

Filing a claim is the first step in the process of receiving unemployment benefits. The EDD has made the process of filing a claim simple and easy for individuals. You can apply online or by phone. It is important to file a claim as soon as possible after losing your job, as benefits are not retroactive to the date of job loss, but rather to the date the claim is filed. Filing a claim on time can help ensure that you receive benefits when you need them the most. If you have questions about filing a claim or understanding unemployment eligibility requirements, call 1-800-300-5616.

Payment Information

Receiving accurate and timely payment information is crucial for individuals receiving unemployment benefits. The EDD provides several options for receiving payment information, including online, by phone, or by mail. Payment information includes details about your weekly benefit amount, the payment date, and any deductions that were made. It is important to regularly check payment information to ensure that the correct amount is being received and that there are no issues with payment processing.

UI Online Questions

UI Online is an important tool for individuals receiving unemployment insurance benefits, as it allows them to access payment information and track the status of their unemployment benefit. However, individuals may have questions about how to use the UI Online system, or encounter issues while using it. To assist individuals with UI Online questions and issues, the EDD provides a dedicated phone number for UI Online support. This service is important to ensure that individuals can effectively use the UI Online system and receive the benefits they are entitled to.

EDD Customer Account Number

An EDD Customer Account Number is a unique identifier assigned to individuals who have filed a claim for unemployment benefits. This number is important as it allows you to access your account and receive payment information. Additionally, the EDD Customer Account Number is required when filing for unemployment benefits by phone or in person. It is important to keep this number safe and secure, as it is a key piece of information for accessing unemployment benefits.

Password Resets

If you forget your UI Online password, you can simply reset it. This service is important to ensure that you can access your account and receive timely and accurate payment information. The password reset service is available online or by phone, and can quickly resolve any issues related to forgotten passwords.

When to call the Self-Service number: 1-866-333-4606

The EDD offers a self-service line to help you manage your California unemployment benefits. This phone number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Certify for unemployment compensation over the phone with EDD Tele-Cert
• Find your local America’s Job Center of California
• Learn how to file a new UI claim or reopen an existing claim
• Request copies of your 1099-G tax information
• Look up information on your last payment issued

Services provided by the EDD help you effectively navigate the process of receiving unemployment benefits and finding employment.

Certify for unemployment compensation over the phone with EDD Tele-Cert

EDD Tele-Cert is a convenient way for individuals to certify for UI benefits over the phone. This service is available 24/7 and can be used to certify for unemployment benefits for the previous two weeks. It is important to certify for benefits on time, as failure to do so can result in a delay or denial of benefits. EDD Tele-Cert provides a simple and efficient way for individuals to certify for their benefits without the need for visiting an office in person.

Find your local America’s Job Center of California

America’s Job Center of California provides a range of services to help individuals find employment. These services may include job search assistance, resume writing, and skills training. Finding the nearest America’s Job Center of California can help individuals access these services and increase their chances of finding employment. This is an important resource for individuals who have lost their jobs and are looking to get back into the workforce.

Learn how to file a new UI claim or reopen an existing claim

If an individual needs to file a new UI claim or reopen an existing claim, it is important to have access to information on the process. The EDD provides detailed information on how to file a new claim or reopen an existing claim online or by phone. Having this information readily available can help individuals navigate the process of filing a claim and ensure that they receive benefits as quickly as possible.

Request copies of your 1099-G tax information

Individuals who receive unemployment benefits are required to report these benefits as income on their tax return. The EDD provides a 1099G tax form to individuals, which details the amount of unemployment benefits received during the tax year. Requesting copies of this information is important for individuals to accurately report their income and avoid any issues with the IRS.

Look up information on your last payment issued

Knowing the details of your last payment issued is important to ensure that you are receiving the correct amount of unemployment benefits. The EDD provides options to check payment information online or by phone. Checking payment information regularly can help individuals identify any issues with payment processing and take corrective action as needed.

Job Fairs & Workshops

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) has teamed up with America’s Job Centers to offer opportunities to engage with potential employers. Companies have the chance to review and arrange interviews with eligible candidates, gather resumes and job applications, provide information about their business and job openings, and more.

By participating in a job fair or workshop, you can receive career guidance, enhance your job search abilities, network with others using your improved resume, and sharpen your interview skills.

The EDD classifies job fair and workshop offerings into three geographical regions:

• Northern
• Los Angeles/Coastal
• Southern

Northern Region counties include: Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tuolumne, Yolo, and Yuba.

Los Angeles/Coastal counties include: Los Angeles, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Ventura.

Southern Region counties include: Fresno, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Tulare.

So, for example, if you live in Orange County, you would attend workshops in the Southern Region. If you live in the Bay Area, you would attend Northern Region activities.