Coronavirus - Filing Unemployment due to COVID-19

Employees affected by the coronavirus pandemic can apply for unemployment if they were fired, quarantined, or had their hours cut. But to be eligible for unemployment, they had to have received Social Security Income earnings in the last 12 to 18 months to get unemployment benefits. There is also a financial benefit option for people who need to stay home to care for their children due to the recent closure of schools.

According to the California Department of Employment Development, eligible workers can receive benefits from $ 40 to $ 450 a week for up to 26 weeks.

If you are unable to work because you were sick or exposed to the coronavirus, you may be eligible for "disability insurance".

Immigration status does not affect eligibility to receive these benefits, according to the spokeswoman for the State Department of Education. 

At homeis we will be investigating more about this in the coming days to be able to offer much more detailed information on how these benefits work for undocumented people.

Disability benefits cover 70% of salary and range from $ 50 to $ 1,300 per week for up to 52 weeks. Disability insurance provides short-term assistance. Most Californians are covered if they submit a disability claim and medical documentation that they became ill with the coronavirus or have symptoms.

The request for a disability must include evidence of a medical condition and the possible duration of the condition, as well as information from a doctor, hospital or health agent.

Disability petitions are only being accepted online or by mail, as assistance centers were closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. You can submit your request at 

edd.ca.gov 

The California Department of Unemployment Development asks the public to be patient, as wait times on lines are long and an internet connection can be slow. However, they are trying to make sure there are no delays in receiving benefits.

Frequent questions:

The page to ask for unemployment is not working and shows me "error", why?

The page is working, it is simply having broadband problems due to the many requests. It is similar to when a phone call is dropped. There are simply many requests at the same time. You do the application and if the page falls simply do "refresh" and try again until it is delivered. This process can take a while because we are in a situation unlike any other.

How long does it take from the moment of applying for unemployment to receive the money?

It normally takes 3 weeks, but given the current situation where many people are applying for unemployment at the same time, it is not yet known as applications have increased in unprecedented numbers. It is very important to fill out the application as soon as possible, as it is certain that the unemployment department will eventually run out of money and will need federal aid, which is neither designated nor promised in the current budget.

Who should ask for unemployment?

Everybody. It doesn't matter if you were part-time, full time, employer, freelance or any other position, you apply and let the unemployment office decide if you qualify or not.

Can I request unemployment if I am undocumented?

Several state officials have declared yes. At homeis, we are currently investigating in order to give you the best and most detailed information on this matter.