Unemployment Insurance is a program run jointly by federal and state governments that provides money benefits to the eligible unemployed persons during periods of unemployment. These benefits are paid out of funds derived from employers, employees, and government contributions. The amount of unemployment check will be less than the former pay of an employee.

It is not an easy task to get the unemployment insurance claim as there are a lot of things to be handled. The whole process involved in unemployment claim is described below:

1. Employers give a special manual to all the employees who are unemployed and are eligible under this program.
2. The individuals file a claim for the benefits using one of the three methods:
• Accessing website: There is an application form available on their website where an individual need to answer few questions online. After completing the application form, submit it to the Department. It is considered as the fastest way to file a claim.
• By Telephone: Individuals will need to contact EDD by telephone and a Department representative will ask few questions and record the responses.
• UI Application: An individual needs to complete the application by hand and then either faxed or mailed to the Department.

3. The Department representative files the claim and mail some important documents like Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award, Notice of UI Claim filed
etc. to the claimant and Notice of UI Claim filed to the employer.
4. The EDD will decide if the claimant is eligible or not by conducting telephonic interview with claimants and employers, and review statements submitted in writings.
5. After that, Department mails a Notice of Determination who do not qualify for benefits. Employers or claimants have the right to appeal the decision.
6. The eligible claimants complete and submit a form for each week they wish to claim benefits.
7. After making first payment, Department mail a Notice of Wages Used for UI Claim to the claimant’s base period employer. Employer review the information reported on the notice like claimant’s identity, wage and employment information. They notify the Department about separation information and to correct errors on wages reported to EDD.
8. The Department reviews base period employer’s response to the notice and decides if the employer’s account will be charged for the claimants benefits. Then, decision will be sent to the employer, if disagrees, may file a written appeal with the EDD.