Join Now to Unlock Exclusive Benefits: Register and Create Your Account

Looking to file for unemployment benefits quickly and conveniently? You can do so online by following these steps to register and create an account with Benefit Programs Online. Otherwise, you can also file by phone, mail, or fax.

Creating an account is an important step after you qualify for unemployment benefits. To file for unemployment, you must first register with Benefit Programs Online to create an account. Once your account is set up, you can start using UI Online as soon as you receive an email saying you've been registered or when you receive your EDD Customer Account Number in the mail.

When you're ready to file your claim, log in to Benefit Programs Online and select "File New Claim" to file for unemployment benefits online. Before you get started, be sure to review the UI Online File a New Claim video to make sure you have all the necessary information. When inputting your employment information, ensure that it's accurate and complete, and be sure to double-check for spelling and accuracy in your employer names, Social Security number, California Driver's License or ID number, and tax forms.

If you're preparing to apply for unemployment benefits, remember that you should file within the first week of losing your job or having your hours reduced. Your claim starts the Sunday of the week you applied for unemployment. If you have previously filed for unemployment benefits within the last 52 weeks and have not exhausted your benefits, you must reopen your claim to restart your benefits. If you have run out of benefits, are unemployed, and your benefit year has expired, you will need to file a new claim through UI Online. However, if you've worked for the federal government or in the military in the last 18 months, you won't be able to file online.

Once you've filed your claim online, you can use UI Online to manage your claim and access the latest information on your claim and payments.