For all applications, CAUI claims a 10 day processing period. Choose the application process that is best for you.
Information Needed for Filing an Application:
- Name, address, telephone number, birth date and social security number.
- Your last employer's name, address, zip code, telephone number, and last date worked.
- Employment history for the last 18 months (all employer names, dates of work, and wages earned).
- The specific reason you are no longer working.
- Citizenship status and, if applicable, your alien registration number.
- Driver's license number or State ID number.
Option 1: Call
1-800-300-5616 for English or 1-800-326-8937 para Español (Spanish).
No matter when you call, expect getting a real person on the phone to take time. The CA Unemployment Insurance office (CAUI) recommends avoiding calls on Mondays, after a holiday, or between 8:00-8:30 AM. They claim to be least busy on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
If you get a message telling you to complete an online application because the telephone system has too many calls, just call back again and again until you get the message that takes you to a phone tree. When you get to the phone tree, follow the phone tree options until you connect to an Unemployment Insurance Counselor.
Option 2: Mail or Fax an Application
First, verify that you are not obligated to apply by telephone. You will need to read some instructions (it is a good idea to print them for later reference) and then answer some questions. This should take no more than 15 minutes. You may be told that you must call to apply (see Option 1). If not, then simply complete the Unemployment Insurance Application form (PDF) .
The program will allow you to type responses into the form before printing or you can print it and write in your answers. The completed application can NOT be saved and must be printed. To submit it, fax or mail it to the address provided.
Option 3: Complete Online Application
First, verify that you are not obligated to apply by telephone. You will need to read some instructions (it is a good idea to print them for later reference) and answer some questions. This process verifies that you are qualified to apply online. If you are told that you must call instead, check that you answered everything accurately. If so, your only option is to call (see Option 1, above).
If you use a library computer to file an online application:
- Try to visit the library when we are not busy to maximize your computer time (usually weekday mornings and evenings). Even if you are a quick typist, completing the entire application is a lengthy process and if your time runs out you will have to start over.
- If you are new to the Internet, try to bring someone with you who is familiar with computers. If you do this, check with the Reference Desk to make sure you sit at a computer that is okay for two people to use together.
- If you are not able to bring someone to help you, try to come to the library on a weekday morning or evening. We do our best to help at all times but if you come before the library is busy, you will be able to use the computer for a longer period of time and staff will have more time to assist you.
Tips for filling out the online application:
- When you are completing the application, read everything and print out anything that you might want to have for your reference later. If you see the words "printer-friendly" near the top of the page, the Unemployment Office expects that you will need to print it. Use this "printer-friendly" option to make sure it prints properly.
- If you can not get to the next page, check for red writing on the page and then do whatever the instructions in red state. The red writing is added to the page to notify you of a problem that must be fixed before you can proceed.
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