State Unemployment Benefits in California: when someone dies
A 4-step process for California Employment Development Department (EDD) after a death in California.
OverviewWhen someone dies
Administering agency
California Employment Development Department (EDD)
Phone1-800-300-5616
WebsiteVisit website →
Authority
Cal. Unemp. Ins. Code 1341
Verified Jul 2026
Steps to take
- Report the claimant's death to the EDD at 1-800-300-5616 so benefit payments stop.
- Confirm with the EDD what benefit remains due on the claim.
- Ask the EDD what affidavit and documentation it requires from the person legally entitled to that benefit under Cal. Unemp. Ins. Code 1341.
- For an uncashed payment more than three years old from its date of issue, file form DE 903SD with the EDD Stale Dated Warrant unit.
Frequently asked questions
The death should be reported to the EDD so future payments stop. Under Cal. Unemp. Ins. Code 1341, any benefit still due the claimant may be paid to whoever appears to the Director of Employment Development to be legally entitled to it, on an affidavit executed by that person.
Call the EDD at 1-800-300-5616 to report the death, stop payments, and confirm what benefit remains due and what affidavit the department requires. For an uncashed benefit payment more than three years old from its date of issue, file form DE 903SD; for one less than three years old, contact the same unemployment line.
Sources
Data sourced from State Unemployment Benefits in California primary sources (4 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
California Employment Development Department (EDD)
Phone1-800-300-5616
WebsiteVisit website →
Authority
Cal. Unemp. Ins. Code 1341
Verified Jul 2026