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.
