Apply for unemployment insurance
Unemployment insurance (UI) pays part of your income after your employer lays you off or reduces your hours.
How to apply
Applying online is the fastest way to file for unemployment insurance. You can apply during the times below.
| Days | Available times |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 5 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
| Monday | 4 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Tuesday – Friday | 2 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Saturday | 2 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
| Days | Available times |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday (except state holidays) | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. noon |
Toll-free numbers
- English 1-800-300-5616
- Spanish 1-800-326-8937
- Cantonese 1-800-547-3506
- Mandarin 1-866-303-0706
- Vietnamese 1-800-547-2058
- TTY 1-800-815-9387
If you mail or fax your application, processing could take up to 10 days.
Print and fill out an application form:
- If you worked in California: English | Spanish
- If you worked in California and another state: English | Spanish
- If you served in the military: English | Spanish
- If you worked for the federal government: English | Spanish
Mail your application to:
EDD
P.O. Box 12906
Oakland, CA 94604-2909
Fax it to: 1-866-215-9159