What is the maximum unemployment benefit in California?

$450 a week as of July 1, 2026; the minimum is $40.

How many weeks of unemployment can you get in California?

Up to 26 weeks (14-26 weeks depending on base-period wages).

Does California have a waiting week for unemployment?

Yes. The first eligible week is an unpaid waiting week.

How do I file for unemployment in California?

File an initial claim with the Employment Development Department at https://edd.ca.gov/en/unemployment/step-2-apply/.

California unemployment benefits

In California, unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks and pay up to $450 a week (as of July 1, 2026). There is an unpaid waiting week, and you file with the Employment Development Department.

By Justin KullaLast updated October 6, 2026

Last verified October 6, 2026 against official sources.

File a claim with the Employment Development Department →

California benefits at a glance

California unemployment insurance facts, with sources
Maximum weekly benefit	$450source, July 1, 2026
Minimum weekly benefit	$40source, July 1, 2026
Maximum weeks of benefits	26 weeks (14-26 weeks depending on base-period wages)source, July 1, 2026
Weeks depend on the state unemployment rate	Nosource, July 1, 2026
Unpaid waiting week	Yessource, October 6, 2026
Severance pay	California EDD's Benefit Determination Guide says severance pay is not wages for UI purposes when it is paid under a company plan or policy covering a class of employees. Wage continuation where the employee keeps accruing service credit counts as wages. Claimants still report it as other income.source, October 6, 2026
Pay in lieu of notice	The weekly benefit is reduced by the weekly prorated amount of the payment.source, January 1, 2023
Work-search requirement	Claimants must actively seek work each week; the minimum number of weekly work search activities is listed as "Unspecified".source, January 1, 2023
Extended benefits	Not available nowsource, October 4, 2026
How to file	the Employment Development Department source, October 6, 2026

Weekly amounts exclude dependents’ allowances. Severance, pay in lieu of notice and work-search entries dated January 1, 2023 come from the Department of Labor’s latest Comparison of State UI Laws, which reflects state law on that date; confirm them with the Employment Development Department.

Severance and unemployment in California

Severance pay: California EDD's Benefit Determination Guide says severance pay is not wages for UI purposes when it is paid under a company plan or policy covering a class of employees. Wage continuation where the employee keeps accruing service credit counts as wages. Claimants still report it as other income.

Pay in lieu of notice (including WARN Act pay): The weekly benefit is reduced by the weekly prorated amount of the payment.

File as soon as you are out of work even if you received severance. The agency decides how payments affect your claim, and most states pay only from the week you file.

Local workforce boards in California

Public workforce boards run American Job Centers, which offer free help with job search, training and benefits.

If you’re a laid-off professional

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Significant Provisions of State Unemployment Insurance Laws and Comparison of State Unemployment Insurance Laws, the DOL Extended Benefits trigger notice, and the Employment Development Department. Where official sources disagree or a figure could not be confirmed, this page says to check with the agency rather than estimate. Rules change; the agency’s decision on your claim is what counts. See our editorial standards.