Because of the unique nature of entertainment industry work, filing for unemployment insurance (UI) with the Unemployment Development Department (EDD) can feel tricky, and that can be stressful. Following is information to help you through the process of setting up an EDD account and applying for benefits.
If you do not have an EDD account, create one here.
If you already have an EDD account, log in here.
Certifying for UI Benefits
The fastest way to certify for UI benefits is through the UI mobile app or TeleCert. If you prefer to use an online system rather than the phone, you can certify for UI benefits online here.
Some claims may require additional interviews and it’s advised that those with scheduled interviews adhere to the date and time they will receive their call from EDD.
Filing an Entertainment Industry Claim
For information about filing a claim specific to your job in the entertainment industry—including loan outs, S-Corps, and more—go to the EDD Entertainment Industry page.
How to Apply for EDD as a TAG Member
The California IATSE Council (CIC) created a step-by-step presentation for how Local 839 members can apply online for California UI. Please note that there is a specific job classification slide that will help you determine which classification applies to you.
Unemployment FAQs
- What day should I list as my last day of work?
The very last day you worked and your very last employer. The EDD is just looking for the last physical work for the claimant on the last physical work day.
- I worked in California and in another state. How do I file?
In a case like this, contact EDD customer service to discuss further. They will be able to see your information from the other states and determine how you should file. Call 800-300-5616 or 833-978-2511.
- All my wages came from another state, but I live in California. Do I file here?
Yes. File in California to get the claim going. They will contact you if more information is needed. It’s not the responsibility of the claimant to know which benefits they qualify for or how to handle incomes from other states. That’s the job on the EDD.
- Is there a difference in how I apply or how I report my income if I'm incorporated as a loan out?
Per the EDD: If you are incorporated as a loan out, there is no difference in how you file your claim or how you report your income. EDD will review your claim and decide if you are eligible for benefits.
- Entertainment industry workers have to list all employers for the last 18 months. If I forgot one what do I do?
The EDD will send a list of who they have as your employer, and you can correct that list by sending it back. It might not change your claim if you’re at the maximum benefit already.
- How do I calculate the weekly hours and hourly rate if I receive flat fee service payments?
We have been told by EDD that you should take your best “guestimate.” 10 days = 2 weeks. 7 days = 5 days of work. Additional information can be found on this EDD page.
- How do I report Dismissal Pay?
When the EDD asks you to report earnings for a period, it means, did you get hired, work, and get paid. You don’t work to get Dismissal Pay. It is delayed Severance pay. So, if you receive Dismissal Pay, this should be reported as Severance on your Unemployment Insurance report in the state of California. If you report is as pay, you will not receive unemployment for that week.
You can find out more about how Dismissal Pay works here.
If you are working in another state, please look at that state’s policies on receiving dismissal/severance pay and how to report it for unemployment.
- Can I extend my UI benefits?
Members may be able to extend their UI benefits if they enroll in an approved training program or school. More information about California Training Benefits can be found here and the Training Extension program here. This list of eligible training types explains eligible training.
- Is there somewhere I can get help with my UI benefits?
Because EDD can be difficult to navigate, we recommend you request free assistance through the Verdugo Jobs Center. In addition, if you are eligible the center can help provide funding for training programs. You can contact the center for unemployment assistance 818-409-0441 (choose option 3) or wsbglendaleinfo@edd.ca.gov. In addition, we have a comprehensive blog post on Verdugo Job Center services.
- Where I find UI benefits in states other than California?
If you live and work outside California, you can find your state’s unemployment insurance program here.