How to File for Unemployment in California

California's Employment Development Department (EDD) processes unemployment claims through UI Online, accessed via a myEDD account. A quirk worth knowing: you must be at least 18 years old to apply online — younger claimants have to file by phone, fax, or mail instead — and EDD mails you a separate Customer Account Number within about 10 days that you'll need to finish registering for UI Online.

Updated July 2026

1. 1

   Create a myEDD account

   Register at myedd.edd.ca.gov and confirm your account through the verification email EDD sends you (the link expires within 48 hours, so check spam folders if it doesn't arrive).

2. 2

   Apply for benefits through UI Online

   Log in to myEDD and select UI Online to submit your claim; you'll need your name as it appears on the claim, date of birth, and Social Security number.

3. 3

   Register with CalJOBS

   California requires claimants to register with the state's CalJOBS job-search system as part of maintaining eligibility.

4. 4

   Complete UI Online registration with your Customer Account Number

   EDD mails a Customer Account Number to new claimants within about 10 days of filing; you'll need it to finish setting up full UI Online access, or you can call 1-800-300-5616 if it's lost.

5. 5

   Review your benefit documents and certify weekly

   Watch for your benefit determination paperwork, then certify for benefits every two weeks through UI Online to receive payment; expect roughly three weeks before your first payment is processed.

Verified against the official California unemployment agency site. View source