Welcome to the Employment Development Department

Filing a Claim

Claim Process

This section provides a step-by-step summary of the UI claim process.

  1. Employers give a copy of the booklet, For Your Benefit - California's Programs for the Unemployed, DE 2320 to employees who are unemployed. The UI Code, Section 1089 requires employers to provide the booklet.
  2. The individual files a claim for UI benefits using one of the following methods:
    • Access eApply4UI:
      The eApply4UI application is available on the Main menu of this Web site. Answers to questions are entered online. After the application is completed the individual submits it online to the Department. Note: This is the fastest way to file your claim.
    • Contact EDD by telephone.
      Individuals will speak to a Department representative who will ask a series of questions and record the responses.
    • Complete a UI Application, DE 1101I:
      This form is available in the Forms and Publications section of this Web site. The DE 1101I is printed, completed by hand and either faxed or mailed to the Department.
    Note: The above options may also be used to reactivate an existing claim or file for extended benefits.
  3. The Department representative files the claim and the following documents are mailed:

    To Claimants
    • A Guide to Benefits and Employment Services, DE 1275A
    • Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award, DE 429Z
    • Notice of Unemployment Insurance Claim Filed, DE 1101CLMT
    • CalJOBSSM brochure, DE 2456
    To Employers
    • Notice of Unemployment Insurance Claim Filed, DE 1101CZ
  4. The EDD decides if a claimant is eligible to collect benefits. To make this decision, we conduct telephone interviews with claimants, employers or their representatives and review statements submitted in writing.
  5. After we make a decision, we mail a Notice of Determination or Notice of Determination/Ruling, DE 1080CT to claimants who do not qualify for benefits. We also mail a DE 1080CT to employers who respond in writing and within time limits about a quit, discharge, or other issues that may prevent payment of benefits.
  6. Employers or claimants who disagree with our written decision have the right to appeal the decision.
  7. Claimants complete and submit a form for each week they wish to claim benefits. The forms are usually for two weeks at a time and claimants must certify that they have met eligibility requirements for each week benefits are claimed.
  8. After the Department pays the claimant the first week of benefits, we mail a Notice of Wages Used for Unemployment Insurance Claim, DE 1545 to the claimant's base period employer(s). Base period employers may be charged for all or part of a claimant's benefits.
  9. To ensure accuracy, base period employer(s) review the information reported on the DE 1545. The form shows the claimant's identity, wage and employment information. The base period employer(s) use the DE 1545 to notify the Department about separation information and to correct errors on wages reported to EDD. The time limits for reporting separation information is 15 days from the date the form was mailed. Wage corrections must be reported within 20 calendar days from the date the DE 1545 was mailed.
  10. A Department representative reviews a base period employer's response to the DE 1545 and decides if the employer's account will be charged for the claimant's benefits. The EDD mails a Notice of Ruling, DE 1080CT to the employer who submitted separation information within the time limits. A favorable or unfavorable decision that is sent to a base period employer(s) does not usually change a claimant's entitlement to benefits.
  11. A base period employer who disagrees with EDD's written decision may file an appeal.