With devastating wildfires ravaging California, both employers and workers should be aware of some emergency options available through California’s unemployment insurance (UI) system.
For employees, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals: even if you are not normally eligible for unemployment insurance (which normally is the case for independent contractors or self-employed individuals), special “Disaster Unemployment Assistance” (DUA) benefits may be available to you. They can be accessed through the Employment Development Department’s website (EDD.ca.gov) just like traditional unemployment insurance, and will be paid out on the same scale of benefits. These DUA benefits will be available for lost earnings beginning the week of January 12, 2025, and claims must be filed by March 10, 2025. In addition, Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a state of emergency in Los Angeles County and waived the normal one-week waiting period for UI benefits, allowing them to be distributed as rapidly as possible. Individuals who are unable to work due to the fires should look to the EDD’s website (edd.ca.gov) to claim these benefits.
For employers: You also may be able to claim the above benefits — and should see about doing so for your personal income. As to your business obligations: the Governor’s state of emergency also allows employers to request a 60-day extension to file state payroll reports or deposit payroll taxes. In addition, the Governor issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses by suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act.
The above is not a comprehensive list of all available benefits and services for affected Californians and California businesses — but hopefully provides some assistance regarding unemployment insurance and payroll taxes.
More resources and links are available on the CalChamber website at www.calchamber.com/wildfires.
Staff Contact: Robert Moutrie
