There are some people who live quite happily without an average job. They might be doing charity work as part of a wealthy family or could be staying home raising kids. But the majority of the people on the California unemployment list would rather be working and could use the money that it would afford them. For those individuals the state offers unemployment insurance. If you have lost your job working as an administrative assistant or working with lumber banding machines than you might qualify for this program.

The three criteria for being eligible for UI in the State of California are that you have worked in the last eighteen months, are visibly looking for work, and are currently without fulltime employment. While this program is primarily meant for people who have no job at all but can also be used to supplement the income of a part-time worker. If you get a few hours a week working in sludge removal, for example, and are doing your best to find an alternative fulltime position than you might still qualify for additional benefits with UI.

During the recent recession the state of California made it even easier to apply for unemployment insurance. There are now three different methods. You could call or come in to one of the six call centers, apply online, or print a hardcopy of the application and mail or fax it into the office. But those at the Employment Development Department recommend that you will get the speediest reply by applying online. This could be a big help while you're looking for a new position working with used woodworking machinery, for example.

The amount that you will receive depends on how much you made in the last twelve months before applying for benefits. You could be entitled to anywhere between $40 and $450 per week. There is also a $25 bonus per week added to each person's unemployment wage thanks to a stimulus package offered by the federal government. If you're coming from catering Toronto Ontario based than things will be a little more complicated when applying for unemployment in California. You should speak with a representative at the call center before filling out any benefits.

The online application will tell you everything that needs to be included in your application for this program. You will need some information about your last employers, maybe a blow through valves factory, and basic info like your social insurance number. The people at EDD will check why you left your last job and might even wish to look further into your past employment. To speed up the process you should have available your start and end dates for jobs over the last two years and the name of all of the companies that you have worked for as their names appeared on your pay stubs.