First, you must decide how to file your claim. We offer the following claim filing options:

1. Use the on-line application, eApply4UI. This application allows you to type in your answers to questions and submit on-line. Note: This is the fastest way to file your claim.



2. File by telephone. Contact one of our call centers using a toll-free telephone number.



3. Use our paper application, UI Application, DE 1101I. The DE 1101I is a document you print, hand write your answers and either fax or mail it to EDD for claim filing.

Note: The above options may also be used to reactivate an existing claim or file for extended benefits.

After you have decided on a claim filing option, be prepared to provide the information we need to file your claim. Some information will be about your recent employment and about you personally for identification and statistical purposes, such as date of birth and years of education.

If the Department needs to verify any of the identifying information you provide while filing a claim, you will receive additional forms by mail and will be asked to provide additional information and/or documentation.

Because your time is valuable and we want the claim filing process to go as quickly as possible, we have identified critical items you should have immediately available regardless of which option you select to file your claim.

Information we will need:

1. Your name (including all names you used while working) and social security account number.



2. Your mailing and residence address (including ZIP code) and telephone number (including area code).



3. Your state issued driver's license or ID card number, if you have either.



4. The last date you worked for any employer. If you are working part-time be sure to tell us you are still working and give us the number of hours you are working each week.



5. Last employer information, including: name, address (mailing and physical location) and telephone number. We will also need the ZIP code for both addresses (mailing and physical location) and the area code for your last employer's telephone number.
   
   Be specific about the spelling of the employer's name and make sure the address is correct because we are required to mail a notice to that employer. An incorrect address will delay benefit payments.



6. Information on all employers you worked for during the 18 months prior to filing your claim, including: name, period of employment, wages earned and how you were paid.



7. The name of the employer you worked for the longest within the last year and a half; and the number of years you worked for that employer. This may or may not be the same as your last employer.



8. The reason you are no longer working for your last employer. You may have quit, been laid off, fired, or left work because of a trade dispute. Be specific about the reason you are not working because the information you give to us must be sent to your last employer. If you quit, were fired, or left work because of a trade dispute, you will be scheduled to a future telephone interview. The information we obtain during the interview will help us decide if you are eligible to receive benefits.



9. Whether you are receiving, or expect to receive any payments from a former employer. We ask about this because some types of payments may be deducted from your benefits. A few examples of payments that may be deducted include:
   
   
   • Wages
   
   
   
   • Pension payments
   
   
   
   • Holiday pay
   
   
   
   • Vacation or sick pay
   
   
10. Whether you are able to work and available to accept work.



11. Whether you have a legal right to work in the United States. If applicable, individuals will be asked for their alien registration number. For examples of documents we may ask you about, take the time to review Legal Status and Authorization to Work.

For more information on the UI claim filing process, review the following:

• Telephone Listings links you to our toll-free telephone numbers. This section also tells you how to obtain other UI information, or to request special assistance.



• The Claim Process provides a step-by-step explanation of what happens when an individual files a UI claim.



• Meeting Eligibility Requirements describes an individual’s responsibilities when claiming benefits.



• The Telephone Interview helps you prepare for the telephone interview. This section provides information about what you can expect when you receive a notice that you have been scheduled to an interview. The interview is scheduled when there is a question of your eligibility for benefits.



• Frequently Asked Questions contains a section dedicated to claim filing questions and answers. You may find the answer to your question here.