In this guide7 sections
Weekly jobless claims count how many people file for unemployment. In mid-August 2025, U.S. initial claims fell to 224,000, a sign that layoffs were still relatively low. Those numbers don’t decide your claim, though. If you are one of the people filing in California, what matters is keeping your benefits coming: certify every two weeks, report any earnings, keep looking for work, and appeal within 30 days if EDD says no.
Key takeaways
- The U.S. Department of Labor reported 224,000 initial claims for the week ending August 9, 2025; California had 40,775 that week.
- You must certify every two weeks and remain able, available and looking for work to keep getting paid.
- Part-time earnings reduce your weekly benefit, but not dollar for dollar, so report them accurately.
- You generally have 30 days from the mailing date of an EDD denial to appeal. Keep certifying while you wait.
What the August 2025 claims data showed
The U.S. Department of Labor’s weekly report released August 14, 2025 put seasonally adjusted initial claims at 224,000 for the week ending August 9, down 3,000 from the week before. Insured unemployment, the number of people continuing to receive benefits, was 1,953,000 for the week ending August 2. In California, 40,775 initial claims were filed in the week ending August 9 (not seasonally adjusted), up 1,111 from the prior week.
The trend continued into 2026. The Department of Labor’s report released October 22, 2026 showed 194,000 initial claims nationally for the week ending October 17 and 38,846 advance initial claims in California. See the department’s latest weekly claims report for current figures, and our California layoff tracker for announced cuts.
How to keep your benefits
Getting approved is only the first step. According to EDD, to stay eligible you must:
- Certify every two weeks. Each certification asks whether you were able and available to work, looked for work, and earned any money.
- Serve the waiting week. Your first eligible week is unpaid, but you must still meet the rules that week.
- Register with CalJOBS. Post a resume within 21 days of receiving EDD’s notice, or benefits may be delayed or stopped.
- Look for work each week and be ready to accept suitable work right away. Keep a simple log of employers contacted and dates.
Working part time while on unemployment
You can work part time and still collect partial benefits. EDD does not deduct the first $25 if you earn $100 or less in a week, or the first 25% of your earnings if you earn more. The rest is subtracted from your weekly benefit amount. Severance and vacation pay also count as wages that must be reported.
Example (hypothetical): Ana’s weekly benefit is $315. She picks up a weekend job and earns $200 one week. EDD ignores the first $50 (25%) and subtracts $150, so she receives $165 for that week. Certifying without reporting work is treated as fraud and can lead to serious penalties.
If EDD denies your claim
EDD sends a Notice of Determination when it decides you aren’t eligible, often because your employer says you quit without good cause or were fired for misconduct. You can appeal:
- File within 30 days of the mailing date on the notice, using Form DE 1000M or a letter. A late appeal may be accepted only for good cause.
- Keep certifying for benefits while the appeal is pending, or you may not be paid for those weeks if you win.
- Prepare for a hearing before an administrative law judge with the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board. You get at least 10 days’ notice.
- Bring documents and witnesses: your termination notice, texts or emails about why you left, and pay records.
A misconduct finding at EDD is generally separate from any wrongful termination claim. If the reason your employer gave looks like a cover for retaliation or wrongful termination, the same records can support both. Our guide to unemployment after being fired explains how EDD handles misconduct and quits.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I miss a certification?
You aren’t paid for weeks you don’t certify. Contact EDD promptly to fix it.
Can I turn down a job offer and keep benefits?
EDD requires you to be ready to accept work right away, so turning down a job can raise eligibility questions. EDD decides based on the facts.
Does a low national claims number make it harder to get benefits?
No. Your eligibility depends on your own work history and why your job ended, not on national trends.
Should I take a severance payment before filing?
File as soon as your work ends. EDD reviews severance to decide how it affects your benefits, so report it accurately.
Talk to a California employment lawyer
Employees First Labor Law represents workers exclusively. We offer free virtual consultations if your job ended unfairly or your employer is fighting your unemployment claim. Contact us or call (310) 853-3461.
This article is general information about California law as of 2026, not legal advice for your situation. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
