## Unemployment claims in California Unemployment insurance provides temporary income to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. California unemployment benefits: Up to 26 weeks, max $450/week. ## Eligibility — basic requirements **1. Lost job through no fault of your own:** - Layoff or position elimination - Reduction in workforce - Lack of work / business closure - Plant closing - End of seasonal employment - "Voluntary" quit with good cause (very limited) **2. Earned enough wages** in base period (typically 4 of last 5 quarters): - Each state has minimum earnings threshold - Must have worked enough quarters **3. Available and able to work:** - Physically able to work - Available to accept suitable work - No barriers (childcare, transportation in many states) **4. Actively seeking work:** - Most states require documented job search (usually 2-5 contacts/week) - Some require registration with state job services - Failure to log searches = denial ## Disqualifying reasons **1. Voluntary quit without good cause:** - Resigned for personal reasons (didn't like the job, family relocation in some states) - Career change - Lifestyle preference **Good-cause exceptions** (vary by state): - Unsafe working conditions - Discrimination / harassment - Significant unilateral change in employment terms - Medical reasons - Following spouse for military / job relocation (some states) - Domestic violence (most states) **2. Misconduct termination:** - Insubordination - Theft - Drug / alcohol violations - Repeated tardiness / absenteeism - Performance below standards (varies — some states require willful misconduct) Burden of proof varies by state — some place burden on employer, some on employee. ## Application process 1. **File initial claim** — usually online; within 1-7 days of separation 2. **Provide documentation:** - Social Security number - Driver's license - Employment history (18 months typical) - Reason for separation - Wages from each employer - Bank info for direct deposit 3. **Wait for determination** — typically 2-3 weeks 4. **File weekly / biweekly certifications** — confirming eligibility, work search 5. **Receive benefits** — direct deposit or debit card ## Common reasons for denial - Voluntary quit without good cause - Termination for misconduct - Insufficient earnings in base period - Filed late - Available for work in restricted way (only specific job types, location) - Severance / pay-in-lieu currently being received - Receiving workers' comp / disability - Self-employed / independent contractor (limited unemployment for most) - Refused suitable work - Failed to maintain work-search log - Lied or misrepresented on application ## Appealing a denial If denied, you can typically appeal: 1. **First-level appeal** — typically heard by administrative law judge or appeals officer 2. **Higher-level appeal** to state board of review 3. **Court appeal** — to state court Strict deadlines (typically 10-30 days). Missing the deadline = forfeit appeal rights. ## What helps in appeals - **Documents** — performance reviews, separation paperwork, emails - **Witnesses** — coworkers, supervisors - **Termination details** — date, who decided, why - **Severance documentation** - **Medical records** for medically-related quits ## When you should hire counsel Most unemployment cases don't require a lawyer — but consider one when: - High benefit amounts at stake - Complex factual disputes - Wrongful-termination claim parallel - Settlement negotiations with employer - Potential for severance package - Misconduct allegations that could affect future employment - Multi-state employment issues Many employment lawyers will take parallel claims (wrongful termination + unemployment) on contingency. ## Coordination with other benefits **Severance:** - May reduce or delay unemployment benefits in many states - Lump sum vs payments-over-time treated differently **Retirement / pension:** - May offset unemployment in some states - 401(k) withdrawals usually don't **Workers' comp:** - Usually disqualifying while receiving **Social Security disability:** - Generally incompatible (saying you can work for unemployment vs can't for SSDI) ## Tax implications Unemployment benefits are **federal taxable income**: - Form 1099-G issued by state - Can elect 10% federal withholding - State taxation varies — most tax, some don't ## Common employer responses Employers often **contest** unemployment claims: - Claims affect their UI tax rates - They argue the separation was for misconduct - They submit termination documentation Don't be intimidated — many denials get reversed on appeal with evidence. ## What you should do File your unemployment claim quickly after separation. Document everything. If denied, appeal aggressively. Most California unemployment cases can be handled DIY at first level — but consider an employment attorney for second-level appeals or when there's a parallel wrongful-termination claim. --- *This guide is general information about California unemployment law as of early 2026 and is not legal advice. Maximum benefit amounts update annually. Talk to a California employment attorney or unemployment-claims specialist for your specific situation.*