California Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19

For the latest news about unemployment insurance in California, go here.

In the state of California, if your employer has reduced your hours or shut down operations due to COVID-19, you can file an unemployment insurance (UI) claim. UI provides partial wage replacement benefit payments to workers who lose their job or have their hours reduced. Click here for a guide to possible benefits at this time.

Updated and ongoing information can be found at the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency website and the State of California Employment Development Department website. 

As of this posting, this is the most updated information we’ve received:

• All workers who have been laid off, can file a claim for UI assistance if needed. This can be done online. 
• As a reminder, SAG-AFTRA successfully negotiated some significant changes in our member’s job classifications when applying for California Unemployment Insurance (UI). Click here for a step-by-step tutorial of how our members can apply online.
• These changes also resolved a long-standing problem specific to residents of California who work in the motion picture and television industry on productions that shoot in other states in addition to California. 
• California Governor Gavin Newsom has lifted the normal one-week UI waiting period. Members can apply immediately.
• If you are home with COVID-19 you can apply for Disability Insurance. The waiting period is waived. 
• If you are home because you need to take care of a family member who has contracted COVID-19, you can apply for California Paid Family Leave. PFL requires medical certification.
• Paid Family Leave assistance is not currently a viable option in other circumstances. For instance, if you must stay home with children because the schools are closed, you do not currently qualify for PFL.