California Support & Benefits Directory

California Employment Development Department (EDD)

File an unemployment claim online via myEDD or by phone if you lost your job or had your hours reduced through no fault of your own.

Who it is for: File in the first week you become unemployed; weekly benefits range from $40 to $450 in California.

Phone: 1-800-300-5616

California Employment Development Department (EDD)

Allows eligible California unemployment recipients to attend approved job training or school while continuing to receive unemployment benefits.

Who it is for: Must have an active California UI claim; contact EDD before the 16th compensable week of benefits for training extension eligibility.

Phone: 1-800-300-5616

California Employment Development Department

Free local career centers in every California county offering one-on-one career advising, resume help, computers, and WIOA training grants.

Who it is for: Open to all California residents; laid-off workers qualify for Dislocated Worker services and tuition assistance.

Phone: 1-877-872-5627

California Employment Development Department

Register your resume for California UI requirements, browse approved training providers, and connect with AJCC career specialists.

Who it is for: Free for all job seekers.

Phone: 1-800-758-0398

U.S. Department of Labor

National directory of American Job Centers, laid-off worker guides, scholarship finders, and occupation skill comparisons.

Who it is for: Free nationwide public resource.

Phone: 1-877-872-5627

Covered California / Department of Health Care Services

Losing employer health insurance qualifies you for Special Enrollment. One application checks both Medi-Cal (free/no-cost) and subsidized health plans.

Who it is for: Apply within 60 days of losing job-based coverage; Medi-Cal enrollment is open year-round.

Phone: 1-800-300-1506

California Department of Social Services

Official portal to apply for CalFresh grocery benefits, CalWORKs cash aid for families, and Medi-Cal across all 58 California counties.

Who it is for: Expedited CalFresh food benefits can be issued within 3 days for households with sudden income loss.

Phone: 1-877-847-3663

211 California Network

Dial 211 or search online to connect with county rent relief, food pantries, utility bill discounts (CARE/FERA/LIHEAP), and transportation help.

Who it is for: Free, confidential referrals 24/7 in 150+ languages.

Phone: 211

California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)

In California, if you are laid off or fired, your final paycheck (including unused accrued vacation) is due immediately. Learn your rights or file a wage claim.

Who it is for: Protects all workers in California regardless of immigration status.

Phone: 1-833-526-4636

California Civil Rights Department

State agency enforcing California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, pay transparency rules, and protections against unlawful discrimination or retaliation.

Who it is for: Free intake and investigation process.

Phone: 1-800-884-1684

SAMHSA / U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Free, confidential 24/7 support by call, text, or chat for anyone experiencing emotional distress, overwhelming stress after job loss, or a mental health crisis.

Who it is for: Free and confidential nationwide; call or text 988.

Phone: 988

California Department of Health Care Services

Free, non-crisis emotional support and stress management resources for Californians navigating financial or employment transitions.

Who it is for: Free, confidential, no insurance required.

Phone: 1-833-317-4673