Qualifying Unemployment Quiz

Claim Up to $1,900 a Month

Instructions

Answer each question one by one. Your progress will update as you go. We’re here to help you determine eligibility step-by-step.

Let's go! 🌟
1. Did you work in California in the past 18 months? If you lived and worked in CA (even remotely), you may qualify.

💡 Did you know? California unemployment can pay you between $40 and $450 a week! That’s enough to cover essentials—and maybe even splurge on that fancy coffee once in a while. ☕

2. Did you earn at least $1,300 in any single 3-month period, or at least $900 in your highest 3-month period and a total of $1,125 or more over the entire year? Earning this amount ensures you meet the income requirement. A part-time job at $15/hour for 11 weeks would qualify.

💡 Did you know? Double-checking your earnings could unlock benefits worth up to $600 a week. It’s worth the extra minute!

3. Were you laid off, furloughed, or had hours cut due to no fault of your own? If your job loss was due to company downsizing or closure, you’re likely eligible.

💡 Did you know? Downsizing or closures make up 70% of approved unemployment claims. You’re not alone in this!

4. Are you physically and mentally able to work right now? Being ready and able to work is essential to qualify for benefits.

💡 Did you know? Being ready to work now makes you one step closer to receiving benefits. You don’t need a job offer—just the ability!

5. Are you actively looking for a job? EDD expects you to search for work and may ask for proof of applications or contacts.

💡 Did you know? Job searching boosts your eligibility, and 85% of applicants who report consistent efforts are approved easily.

6. Can you start a full-time job immediately if offered? Being ready to start a job immediately increases your chances of approval.

💡 Did you know? Being job-ready is one of the top factors for approval, even if you don’t start work right away.

7. Would you accept part-time work if offered? Flexibility with part-time work shows your willingness to work, which can help.

💡 Did you know? Many people receive partial benefits while working part-time. It’s a win-win situation!

8. Have you worked multiple jobs or side gigs (like freelancing or ridesharing) in the past 18 months? Combining wages from all jobs, including gig work, can boost your eligibility.

💡 Did you know? Gig workers often qualify for benefits if they reported earnings to the IRS. You’re not alone!

9. Did you work in other states or Canada during the past 18 months? Wages from other states or Canada can combine with California earnings to help you qualify.

💡 Did you know? EDD handles multi-state claims daily. Combining wages is a common and easy process.

10. Are you registered or willing to register for CalJOBS within 21 days? CalJOBS registration is required to continue receiving benefits. It's quick and simple to do.

💡 Did you know? Failing to register for CalJOBS disqualifies 10–15% of applicants. Avoid losing out on up to $3,000 in benefits!

11. Would you let EDD use more recent earnings if older ones don’t qualify you? Using an Alternate Base Period can help you qualify with higher recent wages.

💡 Did you know? Many claimants qualify this way after switching to better-paying jobs. It’s a smart option.

12. If you quit or were fired, was it for a serious reason like safety concerns or harassment? Quitting or being fired for a valid reason can still make you eligible.

💡 Did you know? Documenting serious reasons (e.g., unsafe work) has helped many claimants successfully qualify.

13. Have you turned down any job offers since becoming unemployed? Refusing a reasonable job without good cause may disqualify you.

💡 Did you know? Many refusals are resolved quickly if there’s a valid reason, such as unsafe conditions or low pay.

14. Are you attending or planning to join a training program? Approved programs allow you to keep receiving benefits while learning.

💡 Did you know? Programs like California Training Benefits (CTB) let you reskill and still collect unemployment benefits.

15. Is your Social Security number and job history accurate? Errors in your information can delay or deny benefits, so double-check everything.

💡 Did you know? Fixing minor errors often clears up benefit issues within 10 days. It’s a quick step to avoid delays!