What You Need to Know: The Employment Development Department is prepared to assist workers affected by the recent federal government shutdown and the layoffs announced on Friday by the Trump Administration. EDD representatives are available to help workers apply for unemployment benefits as well as search for jobs available in state government, and elsewhere throughout the state. A dedicated, EDD federal workers webpage provides a collection of helpful resources dedicated to keeping the more than 248,000 federal workers in California and others impacted well informed of EDD support available.
Federal workers are encouraged to apply online for unemployment benefits through myEDD.
October 11, 2025 - SACRAMENTO — Federal workers in California who are laid off, have their hours reduced, or are out of work due to a federal government shutdown furlough may qualify for unemployment benefits. EDD stands ready to help federal workers apply for unemployment benefits when they have been laid off by a Reduction in Force (RIF) and other no-fault separations.
"We understand how deeply a federal government shutdown can affect the lives of federal workers and their families. During these uncertain times, EDD is here to provide meaningful support—offering resources and assistance to help our fellow Californians navigate financial hardship and find stability.”
After the 2019 shutdown, Congress required the federal government to provide back pay to furloughed workers when they returned to the job. Individuals who do receive benefits and later get back pay from their federal employer for the same time period will be required to repay those benefits. EDD will mail a notice of overpayment with repayment details. Workers can choose to pay the full amount or set up a repayment plan.
Unemployment Benefits
Benefits are available for workers who meet all eligibility requirements. Unemployment benefits provide temporary, partial income replacement ranging from $40 to $450 per week based on the wages a worker earned in the 18 months leading up to a claim.
The unemployment benefits calculator provides an estimated weekly benefit amount. Individuals can receive up to 26 weeks of benefits in a one-year period. To receive all weeks of benefits, individuals must be unemployed or working reduced hours and continue to meet eligibility requirements. “Excepted” federal employees who are still required to work, but not being paid, are not considered unemployed and do not qualify for unemployment benefits.
How to Apply
The fastest and easiest way to apply for unemployment benefits is through myEDD, and then select UI Online, which is available in English, Spanish, Armenian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. When applying online, workers can select direct deposit to have benefit payments automatically deposited into a personal bank account rather than by a mailed debit card or check.
Federal workers can also apply for benefits by fax or mail. Download and submit the paper form, Unemployment Insurance Application (Federal Employee) (DE 1101IBD).
Customers can also call the EDD toll-free to apply or ask questions on its dedicated line for federal workers at 1-855-327-7055, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays.
Applicants will need to provide a separation form they may have received from their employer, including either the Standard Form 8 (SF8) (PDF), Notice to Federal Employee about Unemployment Insurance, or the Standard Form 50 (SF50) (PDF), Notice of Personnel Action.
All claims are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility. Claims may be backdated to the week when the federal worker was first affected by the shutdown, but no earlier than September 28, 2025 (the first week of the shutdown).
After a Claim is Filed
Federal workers will be mailed important information about their claim and their first Continued Claim Form (DE 4581) to request benefit payments.
Before benefits can be paid, states must verify wages with a worker’s employer. For federal workers, that process is completed using a different system than the one used to verify wages with private employers. Under current conditions with several federal agencies, delays could be encountered in processing unemployment claims. Some workers could first see a $0 award notice, Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award (DE 429Z), in the mail as EDD waits for a wage verification response from their federal agency. Once wages are verified, an amended notice will be sent by EDD with the amount of the award.
Certifying for Benefits
To receive benefit payments, individuals must provide eligibility information every two weeks. This is known as certifying for benefits. The fastest way to certify is through myEDD. Individuals can also certify for benefits by phone using EDD Tele-Cert at 1-866-333-4606, or by mailing the completed and signed Continued Claim Form. Allow 10 days for processing if sending a form by mail.
For information on how to answer the certification questions, visit Understanding the Certification Questions or contact the EDD.
What Happens When the Shutdown is Over
People who return to work full-time should simply stop certifying for benefits, and their unemployment claim will automatically become inactive.
Those who return to work part-time may still qualify for partial unemployment benefits. To continue, they must:
- Keep certifying every two weeks.
- Report their work hours and gross wages (before taxes or other withholdings) each week.
Additional Information
Visit Unemployment Benefits for Federal Workers for additional information regarding eligibility, applying for benefits, and claims processing. It also provides visitors with links to additional resources related to the Unemployment Insurance program and help for job seekers.
Source: CA. EDD
