How to File an Unemployment Insurance Claim
File a claim for Unemployment Benefits benefits using one of the following methods:
1. File Online
File your claim online at https://eapply4ui.edd.ca.gov/ at any time, at your convenience, in English or Spanish. It is secure, reliable, and the fastest way to file your claim.
If you do not have a computer at home, you can access one at the local library, a neighbor or friend, and at the Career Center in Watsonville, Capitola, or Santa Cruz. The Career Centers are not an Unemployment Office.
- Watsonville Career Center - 18 West Beach Street, Watsonville
- Capitola Career Center - 2045 40th Avenue, Capitola
- Shoreline Santa Cruz Career Center – 350 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz
To find Career Centers in other counties, go to: http://www.edd.ca.gov/Jobs_and_Training/Find_a_Job.htm and Quick Links left menu to One-Stop Career Centers list.
2. File by Telephone
Telephone between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This service is not available on State holidays.
EDD operates six call centers throughout the State that can be reached through one of six toll-free numbers:
- English: 1-800-300-5616
- Spanish: 1-800-326-8937
- Cantonese: 1-800-547-3506
- Mandarin: 1-866-303-0706
- Vietnamese: 1-800-547-2058
- TTY (non-voice): 1-800-815-9387
Due to the high call volume, phone lines may be busy. Be patient. Try calling later in the week since Mondays are the busiest days, and use your phone at home. If you do not have a phone, there are phones in the Career Centers.
3. File by Mail or Fax
Use the paper application (DE 1101). This form is available in the Forms and Publications section of the EDD Web site. The DE 1101 is printed, completed by hand and either faxed or mailed to the Department to the address on the form.