Why Did Benefits End Early In So Many States
Citing labor shortages in the spring, 26 state governors claimed pandemic-related unemployment benefits were producing limited incentives for workers to take jobs.;Many economists and analysts disagreed, highlighting several factors that prevented people from finding suitable work, including low wages, lack of health care, inadequate child care and fear of contracting COVID-19.;
With unemployment claims still fluctuating as the economy struggles to return to pre-pandemic “normalcy,” reports are showing that the premature cancellation of the federal programs had;little impact on labor markets. A recent;JP Morgan Chase Institute study; confirmed that states that ended supplemental unemployment insurance programs during the summer saw a limited impact on job growth.
According to an August report by the Century Foundation’s Andrew Stettner, “Politics, not economics, drove the attack on unemployment insurance.” The states that cut off the enhanced benefits before the federal expiration were mostly Republican-led.;
Arkansas, Indiana and Maryland were slated to cut off benefits early, but successful lawsuits forced those states to preserve the federal coverage, at least temporarily. In issuing their rulings, judges noted that the ending of benefits made it harder for the unemployed to afford basic needs. Lawsuits were also filed against state governors elsewhere, which were either denied by judges or are still held up in the courts.;
Can Misclassified Workers Apply For Unemployment In California
Yes. California has relaxed qualification guidelines so that more people who are out of work can benefit, including independent contractors, business owners and the self-employed. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program started taking applications at the end of April and will provide payments for these individuals.
One of the biggest reasons unscrupulous employers try to misclassify workers as independent contractors is so they can pay out less in taxes and benefits. Because of this, independent contractors are not covered by the same workplace protections that employees are, including unemployment, under typical circumstances. However, now that the COVID-19 crisis has put many workers out of work temporarily, the need for unemployment benefits is greater than ever and many misclassified workers need to know if they are entitled to benefits under expanded benefits qualifications.
Applying for unemployment benefits could trigger an investigation of the employer that has misclassified the worker and could result in steep penalties. Misclassified workers are being encouraged to apply for benefits based on their rightful employee status for now.
The quickest way to apply for unemployment benefits in California is online. Go to to access the application or mail/fax a paper application to the Employment Development Department. Phone applications are available too but not recommended as extremely long wait times are common.
On The Go Try Ui Online Mobilesm
You can also use the mobile version of UI Online to quickly view activity on your account anytime, anywhere from your smartphone or tablet.
With UI Online Mobile, you can:
- Certify for benefits.
- See important notifications.
- View all scheduled appointments.
- Get a snapshot of your claim summary including the last payment made, weekly benefit amount, and claim balance.
Note: If additional information is needed to complete an action in UI Online Mobile, you will be redirected to the full UI Online site without having to log in for a second time. If at any time you need to go to the full site for more detailed information, select the Full Site link at the bottom of your screen.
UI Online Help
Once you are logged in to UI Online, you can select the question mark icon or choose the Help link in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
Technical Support for UI Online Account
Call EDD Technical Support for help with account set up or login issues. You can call 1-833-978-2511 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. , seven days per week, except on .
Protect the Security of Your Account
Never share confidential information such as your password or Social Security number with anyone. If your account has been compromised, .
Browser Compatibility and Pop-up Blockers
For the best experience, use the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Internet Explorer. Additionally, you must disable pop-up blockers to access features of UI Online.
Last Revised: 09/29/2020
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Evaluate When Would Be The Best Time For You To Apply
You can file for benefits as soon as you become unemployed, and while there is no specific deadline to file your claim, it is generally advised that you apply for benefits as soon as possible. Again, your claim will become effective on the first Sunday prior to the date of the filing of your claim.
However, one outlier scenario where it may not be prudent to immediately file your unemployment claim is if your compensation had significant variations within the past 18 months before your most recent loss of employment. To further clarify, since your weekly benefits amount depends on your Base Period earnings, it can make sense to delay your claim filing until a later date if it would result in a Base Period with a larger total earnings amount. The probability of a larger weekly benefit amount should be evaluated against the downside of applying later and postponing your benefits. This tactic may not be advisable if you anticipate obtaining new employment soon or you are in need of immediate income in the form of UI benefits.
In Which State Should I File For Unemployment If I Just Moved
You can receive unemployment benefits if you have lost your job. To receive benefits, however, you need to apply for them. If you recently moved from one state to another, you might be confused as to where you should file for unemployment benefits. To determine the state in which you need to file for unemployment benefits, you need to know how you come to receive unemployment benefits.
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Frequently Asked Questions On Unemployment
Frequently asked questions continue to change. The EDD website has an updated list here.
Can I file for unemployment if I am self-employed, an independent contractor or gig worker?
In certain cases, you may be eligible if you meet the following criteria:
- You chose to contribute to unemployment elective coverage and paid contributions to be considered potentially eligible for benefits.
- Your past employer made contributions on your behalf over the past five to 18 months.
- You may have been misclassified as an independent contractor instead of an employee.
- When filing for your unemployment claim, you will be asked for your last employer.
If you own your business or are self-employed, you should list yourself as your last employer. If you are an independent contractor, you should list yourself as your last employer. If you believe you are misclassified as an independent contractor instead of an employee, you should list the business you contract with as your last employer.
Be sure to include:
- Dates worked.
- Your gross wages and how you were paid .
- If you are a gig worker, you should list your gig employer as your last employer.
Would I qualify for benefits if I choose to stay home from work due to underlying health conditions and concerns about exposure to the virus?
You can be eligible for benefits if you choose to stay home. Once you file your claim, the department will contact you if they need more information.
Unemployment Benefits End For Millions California Leaders Say State Cant Extend Them
Washington The unemployment benefits that ended Saturday wont be revived anytime soon in California.
In Sacramento, as in Washington, the message is the same: The economy is recovering, jobs are plentiful and lots of other help is available if needed.
What weve seen is there just has been no conversation or political will to extend these benefits, said Jenna Gerry, senior staff attorney at the National Employment Law Center, which follows unemployment issues.
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Register With The Employment Development Department
As a California employer subject to UI tax, your small business must establish a California payroll tax account with the California Employment Development Department . Be aware that you don’t need to establish an account until you’ve paid over $100 in wages in a calendar quarter.
You set up your account by registering your business with the EDD either online or on paper. To register online, use the EDD’s e-Services for Business. If you register online you should be assigned an account number within 24 hours. To register on paper, most employers should use Form DE 1, Registration Form for Commercial Employers. You can download blank forms from the Payroll Taxes Forms and Publications section of the EDD website. You can submit Form DE 1 by regular mail or by fax. If you register on paper, you should be assigned an account number within 10 days. There is no fee to register your business with the EDD.
Note: To establish your California UI tax account, you’ll need a federal employer identification number . You can apply for an EIN at IRS.gov. Generally, if you apply online, you will receive your EIN immediately.
File Even If No Wages Paid
If you paid no wages during a quarter, you are still considered an employer and required by law to file the DE 9 and the DE 9C. Check the “No Payroll” box in Item A on the DE 9 and Item C on the DE 9C, then sign and mail both reports. If you do not expect to pay wages within the next year, you may notify EDD by writing to them or by checking the “Out of Business/Final Report” box in Item B on the DE 9 and Item D on the DE 9C. They will send you a letter confirming that your account has been inactivated.
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How To Apply For California Unemployment Online
“How do I file a California Unemployment Claim?” is a common question most recently terminated workers ask. California residents can file an unemployment claim online at . Many claimants who prefer to sign up in person can visit a California unemployment office and use the computers provided and get help if needed.
All applicants should learn how the California unemployment system works as many of the requirements for continuing to receive benefits must be done online. Most applicants prefer to file for California unemployment online as it can be done at their own pace, they can also pause the application in order to find the correct documentation.
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Significant Risk Of Disqualification For Total Inability To Work Due To Childcare Responsibilities
During the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, these rules and guidelines presumably continue to apply.;A claimant who is unable to work at all due to childcare responsibilities risks a finding of disqualification from unemployment should they assert total inability to return to work. ;The employee may qualify for worker supportive services, designed to help with childcare costs.
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What Do I Need To Do To Get The Money
People who are eligible to receive the LWA payments should automatically receive them from EDD, much like the earlier $600 unemployment boost.
According to EDD, for people receiving payments in phase 1, “if you indicated that you were unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19 when filing for unemployment, whether it was regular Unemployment Insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, you will automatically receive LWA payments. No further action is needed.
The payments will be added to your regular unemployment amount for any eligible weeks. Payments will be issued retroactively for weeks that you have already received unemployment benefits, beginning July 26.”
For people who did not self-certify that they were unemployed due to COVID-19, they will need to provide a one-time certification to receive the $300 payments.
EDD states on its website, “we will send you a time-sensitive notice, the Lost Wages Assistance Self-Certification;, in the mail or to your personal email, asking you to provide information in UI Online. Complete the information as soon possible. You might not receive LWA payments if you respond late or if the funding for this program becomes unavailable. For faster service and prompt notifications, register in UI Online.
If we find that you are not eligible, you will receive a Notice of Determination for Lost Wages Assistance Program;.”
Benefit Year End Date
A regular unemployment insurance benefit year ends 12 months after the claim started.
You must reapply for a new claim if you earned enough wages; in the last 18 months and are still unemployed or working part time. We will notify you when your new claim is processed. This usually takes two to three weeks.
- If youre unsure if you have enough wages as reported by an employer, log in to UI OnlineSM and select File New Claim. We will do one of the following:
- Immediately tell you that you do not have enough wages to establish a new claim.
- Provide instructions on how to submit a new application.
For more information, refer to the unemployment benefit calculator.
If you served in the military, worked for a federal government agency, or worked in a state outside of California within the last 18 months, you must reapply for a new claim by phone, mail, or fax.
You do not need to reapply if you did not earn enough wages in the last 18 months to establish a new claim, regardless of whether you are on a regular claim, a federal extension, or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance . Continue to certify for benefits, and we will notify you when your benefit weeks are processed.
To find your benefit year end date, log in to UI OnlineSMand view your Claim Summary. Your benefit year end date is 12 months after the start of your Benefit Year.
For more information, refer to your Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award for your claim ending date or review Benefit Year End.
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How To File For Unemployment In California
Californians who may be missing work because of the coronavirus can apply for benefits through the state’s EDD;once the agency begins accepting new claims again on Oct. 5. Specific policies instituted as a result of the coronavirus can be seen here . The department is providing workers and caregivers various options to collect payment.
Sick or quarantined Californians who are unable to work as a result of the virus can file a disability insurance claim online.
If you’re unable to work because you’re taking care of a sick or quarantined relative with COVID-19, you can file a paid family leave claim.
Those who have had reduced hours or have lost their job due to their employer shutting down operations can file an unemployment insurance claim.
EDD encourages Californians to check the COVID-19 resources page for developments.
Contacting Your Local Job Center
Local job centers — sometimes called One-Stop Career Centers or American Job Centers –can help you with cover letters, resumes, and job search efforts. Some job centers may provide assistance in filing for unemployment benefits. You may be required to register with a job center as part of your ongoing obligation to look for work while collecting benefits.
Contact your job center to find out about services and availability. Although some job centers provide unemployment services , others offer only job search assistance. And, some centers are closed, have limited hours, or are available only online due to the coronavirus pandemic. Call or email your local job center to find out about their offerings.;
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What Do People Need To Do To Self
As for the self-certification due to disruptions caused by COVID-19, EDD said in a news release, “generally, claimants who applied for benefits mid-March would have been presented with questions about being unemployed due to a COVID-19 reason.”
For people who did not already self-certify about disruptions due to COVID-19, EDD will start reaching out in mid-September.
EDD will begin processing LWA payments in phases for eligible individuals in the week beginning September 7, 2020. See top FAQs for more info at .
EDD
Select Reopen Your Claim
Select Reopen Your Claim from the Notifications section of your UI Online homepage. This link will only appear if you need to reopen your claim.
Note: If you dont see Reopen Your Claim, you may have older certifications that you need to complete before you can certify for new weeks. Select Certify for Benefits to complete the certifications. Report your work and earnings for any past weeks you worked. Answer all questions and submit your answers. Once your request has been submitted, a Confirmation page will appear. Print or save a copy for your records.
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Additional Sources Of Financial Support
For those in need of immediate relief, a group of companies and foundations have launched OnwardCA an initiative to get California workers essential services and back to work as soon as possible. Here you can search for food assistance, shelter and child care in addition to training and jobs.
Emergency Funds for Freelancers, Creatives Losing Income During Coronavirus is a list of resources compiled by KQED Arts focusing on freelancers and creatives.
Corporations such as Facebook have funding available for small businesses, and UberEats has waived delivery fees for independent restaurants.
Support in San Francisco
The city of San Francisco has launched a Give2SF fund with a $1.5 million contribution from Salesforce to help protect the health of San Francisco and support the most vulnerable, including individuals, families, and local businesses.” Additional resources for workers in San Francisco can be found here. There is also a small business resiliency fund for the city of San Francisco.
Santa Clara County Assistance
The Santa Clara County homelessness prevention system has temporary financial assistance available to help low-income residents of Santa Clara County who have lost income and are unable to pay rent as a result of COVID-related impacts.
Open Health Insurance Enrollment
If you’ve lost a job and no longer have health insurance, Covered California has opened a special enrollment period;which means you can still get health insurance.