As a business owner, it is a hard decision to lay-off or furlough employees, but if that action is necessary, the EDD (Employment Development Department) is the employees first point of contact.
Some tips and facts about unemployment:
Original unemployment benefits are $40 - $450 per week
CARES Act increased weekly unemployment by $600 to $460 to $1,050 per week
Unemployment normally is for 26 weeks
Unemployment has increased 13 weeks to a total of 39 weeks
Reduced hours can still qualify for Unemployment Insurance may be eligible unless you make more than $600 week
Furloughed workers qualify for Unemployment Insurance
If you choose to take Unemployment Insurance payment via debit card you will see benefits faster (checks will take longer)
Have the right to backdate to date out of work
If you call EDD, they only answer the phone in the morning (before 12 noon).
American Job Center of California – MAYBE make an appointment to ask questions.
Pandemic Unemployment Insurance:
Pandemic Unemployment is for gig workers and other self-employed individuals
Pandemic Unemployment is similar to regular unemployment insurance
Pandemic Unemployment is new and not set-up yet. HAVE PATIENCE (lots of patience)
No guidance yet as to how to prove income
If you are a gig worker and apply for regular Unemployment Insurance and get denied, you can then file for Pandemic Unemployment Insurance
Completely separate application from regular Unemployment Insurance