last How Long Will California Unemployment Benefits Last?
California’s unemployment rate is currently 4.3%, down from a peak of 16.1% in April 2020. The state has added over 2.1 million jobs since the start of 2021, and the unemployment rate is now at its lowest level since February 2020.
So How Long California Unemployment
The maximum duration of California unemployment benefits is 26 weeks.
How Long Does California Unemployment Last?
How to Calculate Your California Unemployment Benefits
To calculate your California unemployment benefits, you will need to know your:
Weekly benefit amount (WBA)
Base period wages
Maximum benefit amount (MBA)
Your WBA is calculated by taking the highest four of your earnings from your base period and dividing that amount by 12. Your base period is the first four quarters of the calendar year before you filed your claim. For example, if you filed your claim in January 2023, your base period would be from January 2022 to December 2022.
Your MBA is the highest amount of weekly benefits you can receive. It is equal to 50% of your highest quarterly earnings from your base period.
Once you know your WBA and MBA, you can calculate your weekly unemployment benefits by multiplying your WBA by your benefit year factor. Your benefit year factor is a number that is determined by the number of weeks you worked in your base period. The benefit year factor ranges from 0.5 to 1.0, with 0.5 being the lowest and 1.0 being the highest.
The following table shows the benefit year factors for each number of weeks worked in your base period:
| Weeks Worked | Benefit Year Factor |
|—|—|
| 0-13 | 0.5 |
| 14-26 | 0.6 |
| 27-39 | 0.7 |
| 40-52 | 0.8 |
| 53-59 | 0.9 |
| 60+ | 1.0 |
Once you have calculated your weekly unemployment benefits, you can determine how long your benefits will last by dividing your MBA by your WBA. For example, if your MBA is $450 and your WBA is $200, your benefits will last for 2.25 weeks.
How Long Can You Receive California Unemployment Benefits?
The maximum amount of time you can receive California unemployment benefits is 26 weeks. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are over the age of 55, you may be eligible for extended benefits. Extended benefits are available for up to 13 weeks if you have exhausted your regular benefits and the state’s unemployment rate is at least 6%.
How to File a California Unemployment Claim
To file a California unemployment claim, you can either:
File online at the EDD website
Call the EDD at 1-800-300-5616
When you file your claim, you will need to provide the following information:
Your name
Your Social Security number
Your address
Your phone number
Your employment history
The reason you are unemployed
Once you have filed your claim, you will receive a confirmation number. You will need to keep this number for future reference.
How to Check the Status of Your California Unemployment Claim
You can check the status of your California unemployment claim online at the EDD website or by calling the EDD at 1-800-300-5616.
When you check the status of your claim, you will be able to see the following information:
The status of your claim (pending, approved, denied)
The amount of your weekly benefits
The number of weeks you have remaining
The date your benefits will start
What Happens if I Refuse a Job Offer While Receiving California Unemployment Benefits?
If you refuse a job offer while receiving California unemployment benefits, your benefits may be suspended or terminated. The EDD will consider the following factors when determining whether to suspend or terminate your benefits:
The reason you refused the job offer
The nature of the job offer
The wages and benefits offered by the job
If the EDD determines that you refused a job offer without good cause, your benefits may be suspended or terminated for up to 13 weeks.
What Happens if I Start a New Job While Receiving California Unemployment Benefits?
If you start a new job while receiving California unemployment benefits, you must report your earnings to the EDD. Once you report your earnings, your benefits will be reduced by the amount of your earnings.
If your earnings are more than your weekly benefit amount, your benefits will be suspended. You will be able
Also Read: Cannabis Seeds In California
FAQs about California Unemployment
How long can I receive California unemployment benefits?
The maximum duration of California unemployment benefits is 26 weeks. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as if you are a victim of domestic violence or if you are receiving training through the California Employment Development Department (EDD).
What is the weekly benefit amount for California unemployment?
The weekly benefit amount for California unemployment is based on your earnings during the highest quarter of the last four quarters you worked. The maximum weekly benefit amount is $450.
How do I file for California unemployment benefits?
You can file for California unemployment benefits online, by phone, or by mail. To file online, visit the EDD website and click on the File for Unemployment Benefits link. To file by phone, call 1-800-300-5616. To file by mail, download the California Unemployment Insurance Claim Form (DE 405) and mail it to the EDD office in your area.
What do I need to file for California unemployment benefits?
To file for California unemployment benefits, you will need to provide the following information:
Your name
Your Social Security number
Your address
Your phone number
Your previous employer’s name and address
The dates you worked for your previous employer
The amount of money you earned each week
What happens if I’m denied California unemployment benefits?
If you are denied California unemployment benefits, you can appeal the decision. To appeal the decision, you must file a written appeal with the EDD within 30 days of the date you received the denial letter.
