To be eligible for unemployment benefits in California, you must meet certain requirements when applying and when certifying for benefits. Here are the eligibility requirements:
Requirements to Apply:
- Have earned enough wages during the base period.
- Be totally or partially unemployed.
- Be unemployed through no fault of your own.
- Be physically able to work.
- Be available for work.
- Be ready and willing to accept work immediately.
Weekly Benefits Certification Requirements:
- Physically able to work.
- Available for work.
- Ready and willing to accept work immediately.
If you did not meet these eligibility requirements, you may be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits. Additionally, there are several reasons why you might be denied unemployment insurance, such as not working long enough, not verifying your identity, or being fired due to misconduct. Here are some other reasons that may disqualify you from receiving unemployment benefits in California:
- Quitting your job without good cause
- Refusing suitable employment without good cause
- Not registering for work or continuing to report at a public employment office
- Not actively seeking work each week you are collecting benefits
Its important to note that a minor or one-time transgression is not enough to disqualify you from receiving benefits. If you are denied unemployment benefits, you have the right to appeal and have a fair hearing before an independent hearing officer.
