California Unemployment Login (UI Online)

If you are looking for information on California Unemployment Login, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we are going to walk you through the step-by-step process of how to log in to your California Unemployment online account, otherwise known as the EDD Benefit Programs Online account or UI Online Login.

In order to log in to your California Unemployment online account, you have to visit the Employment Development Department (EDD)’s Benefits Programs Online site and follow the step-by-step instructions below.

First, we will explain what you can do with a Benefits Programs Online account.

Next, we will walk you through how to log in to your Benefits Programs Online account.

Also, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to create a Benefits Programs Online account if you do not currently have an account.

Finally, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about the Benefits Programs Online system and California Unemployment Insurance Benefits.

This post will cover:

• What you can do with Califonia Benefits Programs Online Account
• Califonia Unemployment Login Instructions
• Create a Califonia Unemployment Benefits Programs Online Account
• California Unemployment FAQs

What you can do with California Unemployment Benefits Programs Online account

Benefits Programs Online provides online access to all claim-related information that you can access anywhere, at any time.

The Benefits Programs Online system makes it easier and faster to apply for unemployment benefits, resolve issues, and provide information.

You will use the Benefits Programs Online system to:

• File a claim.
• Reopen a claim.
• Certify for benefits and report work and wages.
• Get your latest claim and payment information.
• Change your address and phone number.
• Verify your identity.

California Unemployment Login Instructions

For help logging into your California Unemployment Benefit Programs Online account to access your unemployment benefits, see below.

We’ve put together step-by-step instructions so you can successfully complete your Benefit Programs Online account login.

If you are new to the Benefit Programs Online system and need help creating an account, see our instructions below on how to create a Benefit Programs Online account.

Here are the steps on how to login to your Benefit Programs Online account:

Step 1 – Visit the EDD Benefit Programs Online website

The first thing you need to do when logging into your California Unemployment account is to visit the Employment Development Department (EDD)’s Benefits Programs Online site.

Click here to be taken there.

Once there, click on the “Log In or Register” or the “Benefits Login” link as shown below:

Step 2 – Enter your Account Information

Next, you will be taken to a page where you will be required to enter your account email address.

Once you enter the requested information, check the “I’m not a robot” box and click the blue “Log In” button to be taken to the next page to continue the login process.

For help, please refer to the screenshot provided below.

If you entered the correct email address, you will be taken to the next page to enter your account password and complete the login process.

Step 3 – Enter Your Account Password

Next, you will be taken to a page where the personal image you selected will be displayed.

This is confirmation that you are on the right website.

Next, you will have to enter your account password as shown in the image below.

Once you enter the password, click the “Log In” link to proceed.

Step 4 – View Your Benefit Programs Online account

If you entered the correct login information, you will be taken to your Benefit Programs Online account page, as shown below.

There, you can access California Unemployment services online, by clicking the “UI Online” or “UI Online Mobile” links, as shown below.

The Mobile-Friendly California Benefit Programs Online Website

You can also access your Benefit Programs Online account via your smartphone using the mobile-friendly website at https://www.edd.ca.gov/BPO.

Once there, click on the “Log in or Register” button, as shown below.

See below for a screenshot.

Similar to the desktop version, you will have to enter your email address and Password Information to log in to the mobile-friendly site.

First Time User?

If this is your first time using the California Benefits Programs Online site, you will first need to create an account.

If so, please skip to the next section for help on how to create a Benefits Programs Online account.

Forgot Benefits Programs Online Password?

If you forgot your California Benefits Programs Online Account Password, you can reset that online. Here’s how:

If you forgot your password:

1. Go to the Benefit Programs Online login page.
2. Enter your email.
3. Select Log In.
4. Select Forgot Password to begin the process of setting your new password.

For help, see the screenshot below.

If you cannot remember the answers to your security questions, you will need to contact the EDD.

You can contact the California Unemployment Insurance customer service at the number below:

Call 1-800-300-5616 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Pacific time, seven days a week, except on state holidays.

Create a California Unemployment Benefits Programs Online Account

To access your California Unemployment Benefits Programs Online account, please follow the instructions provided below on how to create an account:

Step 1 – Visit the EDD Benefit Programs Online website

The first thing you need to do when logging into your California Unemployment account is to visit the Employment Development Department (EDD)’s Benefits Programs Online site.

Click here to be taken there.

Once there, click on the “Log In or Register” or the “Benefits Login” link as shown below:

Step 2 – Create User Account

Next, you will be taken to the login page as shown below.

On the login page, click on the “Register now” link as shown below.

Step 3 – Accept Terms and Conditions

Next, you will be taken to a page like the one below, where you will have to accept the website’s terms and conditions in order to proceed.

Check the box and click the “I Agree” button to proceed, as shown below.

Step 4 – Enter Requested Information

Next, enter the requested information to create your Benefits Programs Online account as shown in the image below.

First, enter the following information to create your account:

• Email Address
• Re-enter Email Address
• Enter a Password

Make sure your password meets the requirements listed.

Your password must have:

• Minimum of 8 characters
• Uppercase letter
• Lowercase letter
• Number
• One of the following:! @ # $ % ^ & * ( )

Once you have entered the information, continue to the next section below:

The next section of information you have to provide includes selecting four security questions for your account, as shown below:

The next section of information you have to provide includes selecting a personal image to be associated with your account.

Use the arrows provided to select an image you will remember. Then name the image in the box provided.

Lastly, check the “I’m not a robot” box and click “Next to continue with the account creating process, as shown below.

Step 5 – Complete process and Login to your Account

On the next page, you will be provided further instructions to complete the process of creating your Benefits Programs Online account.

This includes reviewing the information you submitted

Step 6 – Finalize Registration process

To finalize the registration process, you have two additional steps:

1. Check your email for a link from the EDD.
2. Select the link in the email to complete the process

Check your email for the final step. You will receive an email from the EDD that looks like the one below.

Click on the link in the email to finalize your account setup.

The email is time sensitive so be sure to complete this step in a timely manner.

Once you have completed the account creation process, you can now log in to your account.

With your new Benefits Programs account you get access to these EDD services:

• Unemployment or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
• Disability
• Paid Family Leave
• Benefit overpayments

California Unemployment FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about California Unemployment:

See our full list of FAQs here.

How do I file for Unemployment in California?

Here’s a summary of how the unemployment benefits process works in California.

Step 1 – Check for Eligibility

When applying for unemployment benefits, you must have earned enough wages during the base period to establish a claim, and be:

• Totally or partially unemployed.
• Unemployed through no fault of your own.
• Physically able to work.
• Available for work.
• Ready and willing to accept work immediately.

Step 2 – Get an Estimate

Use the California UI Benefit Calculator to estimate how much you may receive in unemployment.

Click here to use the calculator.

Once you file for unemployment, the EDD will verify your eligibility and wage information to determine your unemployment compensation and benefits.

Step 3 – Gather Your Information

Before you apply for California unemployment benefits, you will need to have the following information available to support your claim.

Generally, here’s a summary of what you need to apply for Califonia Unemployment:

• Social Security number.
• Driver’s License or State ID number.
• Employment information for the last 18 months for each employer.
• Employer identification number, also known as FEIN number, if available. This number can be found on your W2 or 1099 tax form.
• Employer name (name on pay stub), address, and phone number.
• First and last day of work.
• Gross earnings (before taxes) covering the last 18 months.
• Reason for separation.

If one of the following criteria applies to you, have the following additional information available:

• Not a U.S. Citizen: Alien Registration Number or other work authorization form.
• Military employee: A copy of your DD-214 Member 4. If you do not have a Member 4, a copy of your Member 2-7 may be used.
• Federal employee: SF-8 or SF-50.
• Union member: Union name, hall number, and phone number.

Step 3 – Submit your Claim Online

In California, there are three ways to apply for Unemployment Benefits:

The fastest way to apply is through UI Online.

Option 1 – Online

The California UI Online (Benefits Program Online website) is the best way to file your claim. Click here to be taken there.

File for unemployment benefits online during the times listed below:

The video below, from the Calofrnia EDD provides a great summary of how to apply for Unemployment benefits online through the UI Online system.

Option 2 – By Phone

You can call the EDD To file a claim at the following toll-free numbers:

English and Spanish 1-800-300-5616
Cantonese 1-800-547-3506
Mandarin 1-866-303-0706
Vietnamese 1-800-547-2058
TTY 1-800-815-9387

The EDD Customer Service line is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Pacific time) except on state holidays.

Additionally, if you have general questions or need help with account registration, password resets, your EDD Account Number, or how to use UI Online, call this number:

1-800-300-5616 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week, except state holidays.

Option 3 – By Fax or Mail

You can also print a paper version of the California Unemployment Insurance application and mail it in.

Select one of the following that best describes your employment. If you have been affected by a disaster, complete the disaster section of the UI application.

• Worked in California English | Spanish
• Worked in California and Another State English | Spanish
• Served in the Military English | Spanish
• Worked for the Federal Government English | Spanish

Here’s where to submit your paper application:

Fax

Fax your completed unemployment insurance application to the number listed on the form.

If you need help, contact your local America’s Job Center of California for help with faxing your paper application.

Click here to find an America’s Job Center of California location near you.

Mail

Lastly, you can mail your application to the address on the form.

Allow extra time for processing.

Furthermore, you can contact your local America’s Job Center of California for help with mailing your paper application.

Click here to find an America’s Job Center of California location near you.

Will my employer know if I file for Unemployment?

When an employee files for unemployment, the employer will receive a notification from the state unemployment commission.

The notification will be based on information provided by the employee supporting his or her application for benefits.

Once the employer receives the claim notice they need to take action.

The action the employer takes depends on whether they want to contest the claim or not.

Can undocumented Workers get Unemployment Benefits in California?

Unfortunately, undocumented workers cannot get Unemployment Insurance (UI) in California.

Only individuals with legal authorization to work in the U.S. are eligible for UI.

The following immigrant categories are eligible for unemployment benefits in California:

• Asylees,
• Refugees,
• DACA recipients,
• Individuals with temporary protected status,
• Lawful permanent residents (even if their green card has expired), and
• Individuals who have been issued an Employment Authorization Document while their application for legal immigration status is pending.

However, undocumented workers can get income from other programs in California, including:

• State Disability Insurance (SDI),
• Paid Family Leave (PFL),
• Workers’ Compensation, and
• Paid sick days.

Here is a list of organizations that can assist undocumented workers who have lost their jobs or income as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Why does my application status in UI Online say I am ineligible?

There are many reasons you may be deemed ineligible for California Unemployment benefits

This includes incomplete or inaccurate information.

If you have incomplete or inaccurate information, the EDD will reach out to assist you in completing your application.

Here are the most common reasons you may be denied unemployment benefits by the California Employment Development Department.

• Work-related misconduct
• Voluntary Resignation
• Not looking for work
• Being unable to work
• Refusal to Accept Suitable Work
• Not Meeting Earnings Requirements
• Immigration Status
• Attending School or Training
• Committing Unemployment Fraud
• Failure to File Appeal on Time
• Receiving severance pay
• Problems With California’s Unemployment System

California Unemployment Login Summary

We hope this post on California Unemployment Login was helpful.

Still Have Questions?

To go to the main California Unemployment page, click here: California Unemployment.

For information about the California EDD Unemployment Debit Card, click here: EDD Unemployment Debit Card.

If you have further questions about California Unemployment, Unemployment Benefits, or Unemployment Debit Cards, you can fill out the comment form below and we will answer your question ASAP.

Be sure to check out our other articles on Unemployment Benefits, including:
Whether Unemployment Benefits are Taxable
List of States Extending Unemployment Benefits
Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card
How to file for Unemployment (in all 50 States)
Unemployment office Phone Number (All 50 States)