Newsom announces new initiatives for jobless Californians due to COVID-19

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Governor Gavin Newsom today announced new initiatives to support the millions of California workers who have lost jobs or wages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Employment Development Department will launch a call center on Monday that will operate 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Unemployment Insurance Branch will be upstaffed with 1,340 employees, including 740 EDD employees and 600 employees from across state government.

The EDD will also initiate a "one-stop shop" for individuals applying for unemployment insurance and the new federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program starting April 28.

The PUA will provide federally funded benefits different from the UI program for certain individuals out of work or partially unemployed due to COVID-19 which include: the self-employed, individuals who have been employees but lack sufficient employment history and federal contractors.

Newsom also announced a $125 million in disaster relief assistance for working Californians. This will provide financial support to undocumented immigrants impacted by COVID-19.

“California is the most diverse state in the nation. Our diversity makes us stronger and more resilient. Every Californian, including our undocumented neighbors and friends, should know that California is here to support them during this crisis. We are all in this together,” said Governor Newsom.

NEW:

📍Starting Monday, @CA_EDD call center will be open 7 days a week from 8AM – 8PM

📍1,300+ state employees have been reassigned to assist

📍Starting 4/28, EDD will have a one-stop shop to file for UI & the new federal PUA, where benefits will be issued in 24-48 hours pic.twitter.com/vZ6GcvVh7w

— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) April 15, 2020