State Unemployment Benefits in California

State Unemployment Benefits in California: key facts

Administering agency

Employment Development Department (EDD).

Unemployment customer service

1-800-300-5616 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time).

Final benefit

Benefits are payable only for days up to and including the date of death.

Who may claim

A legally authorized representative or heir of the deceased claimant.

Reporting a death

Call the standard UI customer service line at 1-800-300-5616 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time) to report the death and stop future payments. You may also notify EDD in writing at the PO Box address shown on the payment notice.

Claiming an uncashed UI check

Use EDD form DE 903SD (Request for Replacement of Benefit Payment or Cancellation of EDD Debit Card) to claim an uncashed benefit check on behalf of the estate. The form requires proof of identity and documentation of the claimant's death and the heir's relationship to the claimant.

Frequently asked questions