BUSINESS Was your job affected by coronavirus? Here’s how to file for unemployment

As workers lose jobs or have their hours reduced during the coronavirus outbreak, many Californians will turn to unemployment benefits for help.

The state is already seeing a surge in claims. For the week ending March 14, there were 58,208 claims processed, a 34% increase over the previous week, according to the California Employment Development Department.

If you’ve lost a job or had hours reduced due to the pandemic, you can file a claim for unemployment benefits. Parents who have to stay home to care for a child due to a school closure are also eligible.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s March executive order waives the usual one-week unpaid waiting period, so you can apply right away. Officials encourage applying onlinefor the quickest response.