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Assemblyman Todd Gloria hosts Facebook Live Q&A on unemployment claims

Legal Aid at Work experts were on hand to help answer questions for the 1.9 million Californian's who have filed for unemployment.

SAN DIEGO — For many rent was due Wednesday and thousands were unable to pay.

Although the mayor has put a moratorium on evictions thousands in San Diego are waiting on unemployment checks, and many are confused on how to file.

On  Thursday night, Assemblyman Todd Gloria, D-San Diego, hosted a Q&A with Legal Aid at Work on Facebook Live. Due to some technical issues the session was taped and uploaded, but some questions that were submitted were answered.

News 8 spoke with Gloria before the town hall to talk about the 1.9 million Californians and thousands of San Diegans who filed for unemployment California’s Employee Development Department.

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Governor Gavin Newsom said on a good day unemployment checks take three weeks, but instead of 2,000 claims per day there are now 155,000 claims. The state re-purposed 200 workers to help and 800 other workers are on the way to help process the claims.

“Hopefully that will help move this huge number of applications through the system as swiftly as possible so people are not waiting a day longer than they absolutely have to,” said Gloria.

People posted questions about exhausting prior benefits and not being eligible for unemployment until May.

Todd Talk: California's Unemployment Program

Everybody, we experienced technical difficulties with our internet connection tonight which prevented us from going live. However, this is the full video of the Q&A on the State's unemployment program with the answers to questions submitted in-advance. We will continue to answer your questions through the evening.

Posted by Assemblymember Todd Gloria on Thursday, April 2, 2020

George Warner with Legal Aid at Work said they will be eligible for 13 additional weeks. 

Independent contractors will also be eligible, but the state is waiting for direction from the U.S. Labor Department.

When you go to California’s Employee Development Department to file a claim, remember:

  • Last employer information including company name, supervisor’s name, address (mailing and physical location) and phone number
  • Last date worked and the reason you are no longer working
  • Gross earnings in the last week you worked, beginning with Sunday and ending with your last day of work
  • Information on all employers you worked for during the past 18 months, including name, address (mailing and physical location), the dates of employment, gross wages earned, hours worked per week, hourly rate of pay, and the reason you are no longer working.
  • Notice to Federal Employees About Unemployment Insurance, Standard Form 8 (former federal employees only)
  • DD 214 Member 4 copy (ex-military only)
  • Citizenship status, and, if you are not a U.S. citizen, information from your employment authorization document

You will receive $40 to $450 from the state on top of the $600 weekly federal stimulus money.

“We are talking a $1,050 a week, which San Diego is pretty expensive, but this is still real money,” said Gloria.

Warner recommends if you want to receive your money faster, request a debit card rather than a check.

Many people have complained of not getting an EDD number for tracking their case. Warner recommends you call technical support at (855) 357-7058 or go to their Ask EDD section.

The United Way has raised $339,000 and counting for the Worker Assistance Initiative, which 7,421 people have applied. It’s a fund that will help people who have been laid off or reduced hours to pay bills.

News 8 has partnered with The San Diego Foundation’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund

Needed to stretch my legs so walked around Convoy Village. What would be a bustling night, all the doors are closed with signs thanking customers for their support. This is devastating to see these restaurants and shops closed. Assemblymember Todd Gloria is having a Facebook Live Q&A about unemployment at 8PST

Posted by Abbie Alford on Thursday, April 2, 2020

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