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Unemployment Claim Checklist
Each state runs its own program; California, New York and Pennsylvania are examples. Your state: [Your state].
1. What you need
☐ Name, date of birth, address, phone and ID. California asks for your SSN and a second ID.
☐ Employers: name, address, dates, pay. California asks for the last 18 months; New York also asks for their FEIN.
☐ Last day of work and the reason you left.
☐ Bank details for payment. Non-citizens: work authorization. Veterans: DD214.
2. The form
– California: myEDD, or DE 1101I by fax or mail. New York and Pennsylvania: the state’s online claim.
3. Your application
– Answer every question the same way your records show. Knowingly false answers bring penalties in all three states.
4. Where to file
– California: edd.ca.gov, 1-800-300-5616.
– New York: dol.ny.gov, 1-888-209-8124.
– Pennsylvania: pa.gov, 888-313-7284.
– Use only sites ending in ca.gov, ny.gov or pa.gov.
5. Time limits
– Waiting week: one unpaid week in all three states. You still certify for it.
– Certify: California every two weeks; New York and Pennsylvania every week.
– Work search: New York at least 3 activities a week. Pennsylvania usually 2 applications and 1 activity, from week 3. California: your notice says.
– Benefits: California $40–$450 a week. Pennsylvania 18 to 26 full weeks.
6. Keep it and renew
– Keep a work search log: 1 year in New York, 2 years from your claim date in Pennsylvania. Send it only when asked.
Filed on [Filed on]
Claim ID [Claim ID or last 4 of SSN]
First certification [First certification]
Sources, checked 01.11.2026: edd.ca.gov (steps 1, 2, 5, eligibility, overpayments); dol.ny.gov (what do I need, certify, work search, P855); pa.gov (apply, weekly certification, work search FAQ, UC-304 instructions). Not legal advice.