• All workers who have been laid off, including independent contractors, can file a claim for UI assistance if needed. This can be done online as we know.

• Governor Newsom has lifted the normal one-week UI waiting period. Members can apply immediately. 

• If you are home with Covid-19 you can apply for Disability Insurance. The waiting period is also waived here.

• If you are home because you need to take care of a family member who has contracted COVID-19, you can apply for CA Paid Family Leave. PFL requires medical certification.

• Paid Family Leave assistance is not currently a viable option in other circumstances.  For instance, if you must stay home with children because the schools are closed, you do not qualify for PFL. The Agency is currently looking at options to address this but does not have those completed at the time of the call. 

• We would not recommend that members go the Workers’ Comp application route. You must get a doctor’s letter and the employer can contest your claim. It is better to stay with the employer and the members health care provider/system.   

• The President’s declaration of a national emergency will also free up Disaster UI as well. 

• The Agency is looking at other options to supplement UI that would not take away from, but rather build on, a UI claim.

• Updated and ongoing information can be found at the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency website.  https://www.labor.ca.gov/