Employment
This Employment Development Department link provides an overview of the California Unemployment Insurance Program, which provides workers, who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, with weekly unemployment insurance payments.
If you've lost your job as a result of COVID-19, please click here for help in navigating the Unemployment Insurance website.
EDD’s new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program is for people who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (self-employed, independent contractors, etc.). EDD accepts online applications beginning April 28, 2020. Please click here for more information.
Please click here for general instructions on how to apply for unemployment insurance.
Please click here for video instructions on how to create an account for Unemployment Insurance.
Please click here for a video that explains and shows you how to actually file an unemployment claim after you have created an account.
If you applied for benefits in March, learn about the next steps for your unemployment insurance claim.
- For faster processing, read How to Set Up a UI Online Account to help you apply for benefits.
- For help completing the application, call your local America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM to schedule a phone appointment with an EDD representative.
- It takes at least three weeks to process a claim for unemployment benefits and issue payment to most eligible workers. We appreciate your patience.
- Federal funds are available to get you back to work quickly, including supportive services for basic needs, such as housing, child care, and transportation costs. For more information, visit COVID-19 Additional Funds for Workers and Businesses.
Onwardca.org will match people who are laid off to open jobs in the state. Currently, 70,000 jobs are listed on the site. Priority for jobs are in the following areas: health care, agriculture, logistics such as trans, and grocers. OnwardCA.org is an initiative of companies, foundations, and people to get workers in California displaced by COVID-19 back to work as quickly as possible and provide them the essential life services they need. The website will serve as a one-stop resource for the people of California impacted by job loss.
Labor and Workforce Development Agency
In the face of the COVID-19, the Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) wants to keep workers, employers, co-workers, and families safe. What employees are entitled to may be confusing. We are trying to make it easier and spread awareness through this centralized source of info. Use the guidance to determine what is best for you, your family, and your workplace.
#Bounce Back Contra Costa
COVID-19 has changed our world, but you don’t have to bounce back alone. Our team of workforce experts are here to serve you with our new virtual operational model. Whether you are someone who has lost a job or looking for a different career, or a business that needs help rebuilding, start with us to connect you to the right resource, tools and expertise. Please click here for more information.
7th District Business Resource Guide
We sympathize with the confusion and anxiety many people are feeling regarding business retention, shutdowns, work stoppages and unemployment due to COVID-19. Feel free to utilize this resource page to help you navigate the many resources available on the federal, state and county levels. Please click here for business resources from local, state and federal offices.
Small Business Resources
What relief is available through the federal Small Business Administration (SBA)? The federal SBA is offering four separate types of relief to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This and many other frequently asked questions about how small businesses and non-profits can navigate through the crisis can be found here.
Telephone Town Hall: Impacts on Small Businesses, How to Navigate Federal Relief Opportunities
As part of a series of Telephone Town Halls discussing various aspects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, Senator Glazer hosted three small business experts on March 31 to discuss the effects of the pandemic and the economic shutdown on small businesses and their employees. The conversation also detailed the state and federal assistance available.
To listen, call (402) 970-0847 and use this access code: 3044296#
Guests were:
Zae Perrin, president and CEO of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce
Scott Rogalski, associate director of the Small Business Development Corporation for Northern California: scott@norcalsbdc.org
Mark Herbert, California Vice President for Small Business Majority: mherbert@smallbusinessmajority.org
Here are links to resources to aid small business owners during COVID-19:
Governor's Office of Small Business COVID-19 Resources
U.S. Small Business Administration: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Small Business Development Centers. Northern California
Small Business Majority COVID-19 resources
National Federation of Business resources
Danville Area Chamber of Commerce
East Bay Leadership Council Resources
To explore ways to navigate through COVID-19 as a small business, including how to apply for federal loans or grants, the East Bay Leadership Council has provided this update