California Unemployment Calculator 2025
Enter your earnings information to check eligibility
Weekly Benefit Amount
$0
0
Maximum Duration (Weeks)
$0
Total Potential Benefits
12
Benefit Year (Months)
$40-$450
Weekly Range
Need Official Verification?
Use the official California EDD calculator for the most accurate estimates and direct access to application processes.
Official EDD Unemployment Calculator
Use the official California EDD calculator for the most accurate estimates and direct access to application processes.
Official EDD Unemployment Calculator
How to Use This Calculator
1
Enter Highest Quarter Earnings
Input the total wages earned in your best-earning quarter during the base period (first 4 of last 5 completed quarters).
2
Add Total Base Period Earnings
Enter your total earnings across all 4 quarters of the base period to determine alternate eligibility method.
3
Select Unemployment Reason
Choose the reason for your unemployment as this affects eligibility and potential waiting periods.
4
Review Your Results
See your estimated weekly benefit amount, total potential benefits, and eligibility status instantly.
Complete Guide to Benefits, Eligibility & Applications
$Benefit Amounts
Weekly Range: $40 - $450
Based on your highest quarter earnings
Based on your highest quarter earnings
| Highest Quarter | Weekly Benefit |
|---|---|
| $1,300 | $40 (min) |
| $3,796 | $146 |
| $8,541 | $329 |
| $11,674+ | $450 (max) |
Calculation Formula
Weekly Benefit = Highest Quarter ÷ 13 weeks
✓Eligibility Requirements
Monetary Requirements
- $1,300 minimum in highest quarter
- OR $900 + 1.25× total base period wages
- Base period: First 4 of last 5 quarters
Non-Monetary Requirements
- Lost job through no fault of own
- Physically able to work
- Available for work immediately
- 3+ job contacts per week
- Register on CalJOBS within 21 days
⏰Duration & Tax Info
Standard Duration: 26 weeks
About 6 months of benefits
About 6 months of benefits
Extensions
• Fed-Ed: Up to 13 extra weeks during high unemployment
• No current extensions available in 2025
Tax Information
- Benefits are taxable income
- Report on federal & state returns
- Optional 10% federal withholding
- California state withholding available
📝How to Apply
Create myEDD account online
Complete ID.me verification
File unemployment claim
Receive email confirmation
Payment Method
• Bank of America EDD debit card
• Direct deposit available
• Card arrives in 7-10 business days
🏛️California vs Other States
California
$450
26 weeks
Massachusetts
$823
30 weeks
New York
$504
26 weeks
Oregon
$673
26 weeks
Nevada
$469
26 weeks
Arizona
$320
26 weeks
California ranks 25th out of 50 states for maximum benefit amount. The $450 cap hasn't increased in decades.
Weekly Salary to California Unemployment Benefits
Calculate your exact unemployment benefits based on your weekly salary. Benefits are 25% of weekly wages from your highest earning quarter.
California Unemployment Formula
Weekly Benefit = (Highest Quarter ÷ 13) × 0.25
Maximum weekly benefit: $450 | Duration: Up to 26 weeks
| Weekly Salary | Quarterly Earnings | Weekly Benefit | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $400 | $5,200 | $200 | $10,400 |
| $600 | $7,800 | $300 | $15,600 |
| $700 | $9,100 | $350 | $18,200 |
| $800 | $10,400 | $400 | $20,800 |
| $1,000 | $13,000 | $450 | $23,400 |
| $1,500 | $19,500 | $450 | $23,400 |
| $2,000 | $26,000 | $450 MAX | $23,400 |
| $3,000+ | $39,000+ | $450 MAX | $23,400 |
California Unemployment Key Facts
- Maximum: $450/week regardless of salary
- Minimum: $40/week (requires $1,300 quarterly earnings)
- Duration: Up to 26 weeks maximum
- Calculation: Based on highest quarter in past 5 quarters
- Taxes: Subject to federal and state income tax
- Requirements: Active job search and weekly reporting
California Unemployment FAQs 2025
How much unemployment can I get in California 2025?
Your weekly benefit amount equals your highest quarter earnings divided by 26. The maximum weekly payment is $450 in California. The minimum weekly payment is $40. You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks.
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in California 2025?
The maximum weekly unemployment benefit in California is $450 per week. This amount has not increased for 2025. You multiply $450 by 26 weeks for maximum total benefits. This equals $11,700 in total benefits.
How do I qualify for unemployment benefits in California 2025?
You must earn at least $1,300 in your highest quarter. Or you must earn $900 in your highest quarter plus 1.25 times that amount total. You must lose your job through no fault of your own. You must actively search for new work.
How long does California unemployment take to process in 2025?
Most claims process within 2-3 weeks after filing. Complex cases may take 4-6 weeks for review. You receive your first payment within 2-3 business days after approval. Delayed claims often need additional documentation or eligibility review.
What disqualifies you from unemployment in California 2025?
Quitting your job without good cause disqualifies you. Getting fired for misconduct makes you ineligible. Refusing suitable work without valid reason stops benefits. Not actively searching for work ends your payments.
Can I work part-time and still get unemployment in California?
Yes, you can work part-time and receive partial benefits. California reduces your benefits by 75% of your earnings. You must earn less than your weekly benefit amount. You still must report all work and earnings.
How do I file for unemployment in California 2025?
Visit the EDD website at edd.ca.gov to file online. You can also call 1-800-300-5616 to file by phone. File during your first week of unemployment. Have your Social Security number and employment history ready.
What happens if my California unemployment claim is pending?
Pending claims usually need additional information or documentation. Check your EDD online account for requests. Respond to all notices within the deadline given. Most pending issues resolve within 2-4 weeks.
Do I pay taxes on California unemployment benefits 2025?
Yes, unemployment benefits count as taxable income. California automatically withholds 10% for federal taxes if you request it. You will receive a 1099-G tax form in January. Report all benefits on your tax return.
Can I get unemployment if I was fired in California?
You can get benefits if fired for poor performance. You cannot get benefits if fired for misconduct. Misconduct includes stealing, violence, or breaking company rules. The EDD reviews each firing case individually.
How often do I certify for unemployment in California?
You must certify for benefits every two weeks. Certification is done online through your EDD account. You can also certify by phone using EDD Tele-Cert. Missing certification stops your benefit payments.
What is the base period for California unemployment 2025?
The base period covers your first four quarters of the last five completed quarters. These quarters determine your benefit amount and eligibility. California uses your highest earning quarter for calculations. The base period cannot include your current partial quarter.