Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in California
Whether 1099 contractors, gig workers and the self-employed can collect unemployment in California, and what misclassified workers can do.
Short answer: If you think you were misclassified as an independent contractor, EDD says to apply for unemployment benefits; it will tell you whether you qualify. Self-employment income must be reported on your certifications. California EDD, Unemployment Insurance Eligibility; A Guide to Benefits and Employment Services (DE 1275A)
| Self-employed, 1099 and gig workers | If you think you were misclassified as an independent contractor, EDD says to apply for unemployment benefits; it will tell you whether you qualify. Self-employment income must be reported on your certifications. Disaster Unemployment Assistance, a federal program, can cover people whose work or self-employment was interrupted by a declared disaster and who are not eligible for regular unemployment. |
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Where to get help in California
More California unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your California Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment After Being Fired in California
- Unemployment After Quitting in California
- How Much Unemployment Pays in California
- How to File for Unemployment in California
- All California unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
Can self-employed or gig workers get unemployment in California?
If you think you were misclassified as an independent contractor, EDD says to apply for unemployment benefits; it will tell you whether you qualify. Self-employment income must be reported on your certifications. Disaster Unemployment Assistance, a federal program, can cover people whose work or self-employment was interrupted by a declared disaster and who are not eligible for regular unemployment.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.