We provide legal advice and representation before the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board to people facing denials of unemployment benefits, allegations of false statements, overpayments by the Employment Development Department, and other challenges. We ensure that our clients’ voices are heard at administrative agencies, in courts, and in the legislature, and we help shape unemployment insurance law. If you are applying for unemployment benefits, please read our fact sheet and apply online at uio.edd.ca.gov.
How to get help
If the fact sheets, sample letters, and other links on this page do not address your needs, or you are looking for representation before California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board, please call our Workers' Rights Clinic. We can provide services in English, Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin and can arrange services in additional languages.
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Unemployment Insurance How Tos
Legal Aid at Work provides detailed information about numerous areas of employment law. Here are our fact sheets related to unemployment. Visit our “free legal info” page to see a complete list.
Fact Sheets
Sample letters and forms
You can download these Word documents and fill them out to apply for unemployment insurance or appeal if you've been denied benefits.
Do-It-Yourself Guides
You may be able to handle your case on your own or with the help of someone you know, including filing an appeal. Here are guides for you and your advocate.
Our Partners
You may get additional information and support from organizations we work closely with.
National Employment Law Project
NELP fights for better policies to expand access to work and strengthen protections and support for low-wage workers and the unemployed.
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Coalition of Low-Wage and Immigrant Worker Advocates
CLIWA includes worker centers, legal services programs, community organizations, and workers' rights clinics across California that enforce workers’ rights to fair pay, safe working conditions, and workplaces without discrimination or harassment.
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Highlights of Our Work
Here are examples of our achievements for clients securing unemployment insurance benefits:
California Supreme Court Issues Major Victory for Workers in Paratransit, Inc. v. Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board
Last week, on July 3rd, 2014, in a major victory for California’s workers, the California Supreme...
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Additional Resources
Information at these links may help you understand your situation and your options.
California EDD
EDD is where you apply for unemployment insurance. Here's EDD's guide to determining whether a person is eligible.
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California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board
The CUIAB is the state agency that hears and resolves appeals of decisions by EDD.
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