Unemployment in California has unfortunately reached it’s highest level in over three decades – 11.5%. This, of course, is a reflection of the troublesome economy that has been plaguing the United States for the past couple of years, and is being seen not only in California but in the rest of the country as well.

The issue at hand has nothing to do with a lack of will, but is a result of men and women across the country losing their jobs to downsizing. While there is no steadfast solution to unemployment, it is important to note that people must remain vigilant in searching for work.

There are many resources available to the unemployed that will indeed help them to find work, and those who find themselves jobless are encouraged to use such resources. Even though most families are not as comfortable economically at the moment as they may have been in the past, the idea is to press on through this economic depression and keep a strong work ethic – only then will the economy build itself back up.

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California’s Unemployment Insurance Program provides weekly monetary reimbursement for workers who are fired when they are not at fault or have lost their employment by lay-offs.

In order for one to be eligible for these unemployment insurance payments, the job which was lost must have been full time work (no part-time, temporary, or self-employed jobs), one must be able to work, be actively looking for work, and willing to accept a job if one is found.

This program is paid for by employers who pay taxes on their employees wages. These unemployment payments are based on quarterly reported earnings.

After applying for benefits at the unemployment office, the waiting period generally takes about two weeks. Sometimes, the former employer will start the application process.

Once the reimbursement has started, occasionally the individual will have to check in with the agency to confirm that the conditions for benefits are still being met. These wages come in the form of a check, and are completely untaxable by the US government.

The Unemployment Insurance Program is not only in California, but all of the other 49 states in the USA as well as the District of Columbia and Peurto Rico. Each state has their own set of rules and regulations to go along with a set of rules created by the United States Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

This program is an excellent and useful tool when used properly, for those whom no other choice is available to them.

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How do I figure out how much my unemployment compensation will be?

To determine the amount of your unemployment, there are several different factors you must taken into account. The amount of your compensation will depend on:

1. The amount you have been earning over the last X months (where X is the requirement in your locality)
2. Whether you were dismissed due to your own fault or through no fault of your own
3. Whether you qualify for additional assistance under any government programs (food stamps, etc) once you are unemployed
4. If you were a freelance contractor who has lost or ended a contract
5. If you are attending full time education.

By using a web search engine to find a calculator for your area, you can determine how much you should be paid per week. The general rule is that you can expect to receive about two thirds of your salary, up to the maximum amount which can be received in your jurisdiction (recently raised as part of federal plans to relieve the burdens faced by rising unemployment rates).

Those in full time education are generally not eligible for unemployment insurance, and those whose dismissal was due to misconduct on their part or who have quit their job will face challenges in making claims for unemployment insurance.

Freelance workers and those whose contracts have ended are not generally eligible to receive unemployment insurance. These individuals may be eligible for other government assistance programs such as food stamps, medicare, or other income-based special assistance programs.

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The State of California provides unemployment benefits to residents who lose their jobs. The following qualifications must be met in order to receive assistance:

• You’ve lost your job through no fault of your own.
• You must be able to work.
• You must be actively looking for work.
• You are willing to accept a job when offered.

The program is administered through the State of California. Although the state is experiencing budget problems, the unemployment benefit program is secure since it is funded through taxes paid by employers on the employee’s wages.

There are two ways to file; online and over the phone. Applicants are required to provide information on all jobs in the prior year and the wages earned. Your benefit is calculated based on a formula which breaks down wages earned in the previous year. The maximum weekly payment in California is $450.00.

After an unemployment claim has been approved, the state will send a weekly check. Currently, benefits are paid for up to 52 weeks. Since your claim begins on the Sunday of the week in which the claim was filed and not the date of unemployment, it’s important to file as soon as you lose your job.

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The California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board, or CUIAB, as it is commonly referred as, is in charge of conducting appeals hearings that relate to unemployment and disability benefits.

The CUIAB is an independent governmental agency with Secretary/Chief Counsel, a regular staff of Administrative Law Judges and a Chief Administrative Law Judge. There is a 20 day time limit from the original decision in a case for an appeal to be filed.

All appeals and petitions must be filed in writing to the department branch office here the case is located. An appeal is filed by a person seeking benefits, or an employer who has disagreed with the EDD decision regarding benefits in a certain case.

There are 12 Offices of Appeals throughout the state of California. These offices are where the initial hearings take place. These hearings are considered the first level of appeal. If loosing parties involved are not satisfied with the outcome of the first level of appeal, the can file a second level appeal.

In these cases the Board of Appeals will review the previous decision of the Administrative Law Judge, and come to a decision. Once the decision is served the case is unavailable for re-opening.

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For persons in California wishing to file a claim for unemployment, certain criteria must be met before any benefits can be paid. At the time of the claim you must be partially or totally unemployed.

The reason for unemployment must not be through the fault of the individual seeking benefits. This includes those who have been laid off or terminated through no fault of their own.

If the individual has quit or been fired from their job, a telephone interview will be set up to determine the nature of separation from employment, and decide if the person is eligible for benefits. The individual must have received enough wages during the previous 12 moth base period to be eligible to receive benefits. The amount of benefits received will be calculated based on the amount earned in the base period.

The benefit amounts range from $40 to $450 per week. The individual must be physically able and ready to accept work.

Once benefits have been established a certain criteria must be met to remain eligible. The person receiving benefits must be actively looking for work.

A claim form will need to be filled out and turned in every two weeks documenting the job search. Individuals wishing to improve their chances in the job market can contact EDD to be approved for job training classes. While attending classes an active job search is not required to remain eligible for benefits.

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Because of its population, California deals with a large number of unemployment claims. When applying, you will be asked to contact them by telephone or online, not by going to an office in person. State unemployment offices provide phone support between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm weekdays and are closed on holidays.

Keep in mind that calling during those hours may not guarantee you’ll speak to someone if the lines are busy.
You can apply for unemployment online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at http://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/. The web site is extensive and can answer many of your questions, but if you can’t find an answer, you can submit questions online and will receive a personalized response.

According to the California Employment Development Department, applying online is “The fastest and easiest way to file a claim.”

When sitting down to apply for unemployment, it will go more quickly if you have the following available:

• Name and social security number
• Mailing address and telephone number
• State driver’s license or ID card number
• The last date you worked
• Information on your last employer: name, address, phone number, and supervisor’s name

Allow ten days for processing your claim, but if you don’t hear anything after ten days, contact the Employment Development Department on the website or by phone.

While you’re waiting, you’ll receive an Unemployment Insurance Handbook, a written verification of the information you provided, and an estimated benefit amount.

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