Welcome to the Employment Development Department

FAQ - Contacting UI

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How do I file a claim?

File a claim for UI benefits or extension for UI benefits using one of the following methods:

  • Access eApply4UI: The eApply4UI application is available as a “Top Link” from the EDD home page. 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.

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What is the best way to get answers to my questions about a claim?

The best way to get answers to your unemployment questions is to:

  • Contact UI
  • Locate the information in the FAQs
  • Mail a letter to:
    Employment Development Department
    PO Box 826880 – UIPCD, MIC 40
    Sacramento, CA 94280-0001

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Where is my UI check?

Benefit check information is available using our automated telephone system and you will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access your information. You create your PIN using the automated telephone system.

Check information is available Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (All times are Pacific Time.)

If you have not received your check or any response from EDD within 10 days of mailing your Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, contact EDD. Also contact EDD immediately if you lose your check.

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Why can’t I get through on the telephone?

When our telephone systems receive too many calls the telephone network becomes temporarily overloaded. If that occurs, you will hear a message that states, “We are currently receiving more calls than our system can handle. Please try again later.” This tends to happen between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., and the problem should resolve itself in a few minutes. This is also likely to occur on our busiest days (Mondays, and days after a holiday).

Once you have reached our telephone system, and you make the menu selections to speak to a Representative, the system routes your call to the location with the shortest wait time. However, if it appears that your call cannot be answered within 10 minutes because of the number of callers already waiting, you will hear a message advising you to call back later. To avoid this possibility, you may want to call on Wednesday or Thursday, which are our least busy days.

Statewide increased demand for UI services, seasonal fluctuations and holidays contribute to a longer wait time when calling the Department. We understand that your time is valuable and EDD is making every effort to shorten the time you must wait for service.

You can avoid telephone wait time by using one of our online applications to file your claim.

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How do I report an address change or telephone number change on my UI claim?

You can report an address change using three methods:

  1. On the bi-weekly certification, Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, mark the box on question 8, and complete Section D on the reverse side of form.
  2. You can also report an address or telephone number change by telephone. Contact UI and we will change your address while you're on the telephone. To protect your privacy, be prepared to provide claim verification information.
  3. Write us a letter and include the following information:
    • Your name
    • Social security account number
    • New address and/or telephone number
    • Your signature
    Mail the letter to:
    UI Consolidated Service Center - North
    PO Box 269017
    Sacramento, CA 95826

    OR

    UI Consolidated Service Center - South
    PO Box 19010
    San Bernardino, CA 92423

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How do I check on my claim status? I filed a claim using one of your online applications, it’s been 10 days and I haven’t received any information. What should I do?

Contact EDD.

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How do I file my claim when my online e-Apply4UI application was rejected?

Contact EDD by telephone to file your claim.

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How do I change information on a claim I filed electronically?

Contact EDD.

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How do I find out the status of my claim?

Contact EDD.

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How do I file a claim online if I was in the military, worked for the federal government, worked outside of California, applied for UI in another state, or was issued a form by my employer or union? Your online application tells me to file by calling EDD; I would rather file online.

Currently we do not have the ability to process these types of claims online. Military, federal, out-of-state and claims initiated by an employer or union require special filing procedures.

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An EDD interviewer called me. How do I call the interviewer back?

Generally, a telephone number will be left to return the call. If the interviewer did not leave a number, or the number is misplaced, Contact EDD. After contacting EDD, tell the Department representative that it is necessary to talk to the interviewer who is working on the claim. Claimants should be prepared to give his or her name and social security account number to the Department representative. The representative will locate the appropriate interviewer.

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I need to reschedule an appointment. What should I do?

Contact EDD immediately

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I had an appointment to discuss my eligibility for benefits, and nobody called. What should I do?

Contact EDD immediately

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How can I comment on the interview, or about the interviewer who called me?

EDD is committed to outstanding customer service and values its customers' opinions. Use any one of the following options to provide comments:

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How can I get a copy of my UI records?

Call EDD and request a copy of your claim records. You may also submit your request online through Contact Us on the Ask EDD page. We will mail a paper copy of the requested information to you within 10 business days.

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I just received a Notice of Overpayment, DE 1444. Can someone explain it to me?

A Notice of Overpayment is mailed to claimants who have been paid benefits they were not eligible to receive. The notice shows the amount of overpayment and penalties, if any. In addition, the notice explains why you were overpaid and provides information about your appeal rights.

Contact EDD for a more complete explanation.

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Where do I send the payment on my overpayment?

Send a check or money order payable to EDD. Include your name and social security account number on the check or money order and mail the payment directly to:

EDD Cashiering, Benefit Recovery
State of California
PO Box 826806
Sacramento, CA 94206-0001

Do not send cash in the mail.