Tips on getting state unemployment assistance.

California’s Employment Development Department will automatically add new federal unemployment benefits for most Californians after President Biden signed a $1.9 trillion stimulus package. But getting benefits from the EDD can be challenging. Some tips:

Read EDD’s advice on filling out applications and watch its YouTube videos. It says that filing online is the fastest way to start a claim. Triple-check your online application to ensure that you’ve answered all questions correctly and submitted all required documents, including identity and wage verification. Monitor your UI Online account, your snail mail and your email for personal updates. Respond promptly when asked for documents or to authenticate your identity on ID.me, an outside vendor hired by EDD. Make sure that you certify your claim on initially the EDD to begin website. receiving You need benefits to certify after your claim is approved and then every two weeks to continue receiving benefits. If you need help to navigate the UI Online system, contact your local America’s Job Center of California for an appointment. Maintain a meticulous record of your contact efforts, your documents and anything EDD sends, faxes or emails to you. After a year on unemployment, your UI Online account will show “File new claim” and “Register or manage existing claim.” Follow the steps to file a new claim.

For help, call EDD at 800-300-5616. This number is staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, except California state holidays. There is no longer a separate line for more experienced “Tier 2” agents. If the person who answers cannot help, ask to speak to a Tier 2 agent. If you urgently need the money, explain that you are a hardship case. Call 866-333-4606. This is an automated self-service line available around the clock. If you’re expecting an EDD call, note that caller ID may show it as “St of CA EDD” or as 800-300-5616. If you opted in for SMS text alerts, messages are sent from 510-74 or 91806. If you run into roadblocks, contact your state senator or assembly member. You can look them up at findyourrep. legislature.ca.gov. Their staff will collect information about your case and reach out to EDD on your behalf. Another route if you are having trouble getting benefits is to contact a legal aid clinic in your county. Once you receive benefits, consider transferring the money off the EDD Bank of America card as soon as it’s added. People have reported losing the money to scam artists. You have the right to appeal a rejection within 30 days. Your Notice of Determination should include instructions, or you can download the appeals form (bit.ly/eddappealform) and write in the Appellant Statement, “I disagree with EDD’s decision. I believe I am eligible for benefits” to start the process.