Help For The Unemployed: Employment Development Department of California

Help For The Unemployed: Resources Listed At the Employment Development Department (EDD) of California

The Unemployment Rate in California in May 2012 was approximately 11 percent: More than 11 out of 100 people are unemployed.

The Employment Development Department (EDD) promotes California's economic growth by providing services to keep employers, employees, and job seekers competitive. In addition to the services provided by EDD, below is a list of additional resources that may assist you. In many parts of California, you can call 2-1-1 to learn about resources in your community or contact the agencies and organizations listed below directly to inquire about their programs. Some programs may have eligibility criteria.

Additional Resources page in a printer-friendly format.

Basic Necessities Assistance

• California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)
  Cash assistance to families with children and pregnant women in the last 120 days of pregnancy, who have little or no assets or income.
• e-Benefits California
  This site connects people with services in their county, such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps), and California Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), including cash assistance to families with children and pregnant women in the last 120 days of pregnancy, who have little or no assets or income.
• General Assistance or General Relief
  Loans or grants are available for adults without children who have little or no assets or income.

Food Assistance

• CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps)
  The CalFresh Program helps low-income people buy nutritious food at most grocery stores and some farmer’s markets. 1-877-847-3663
• Emergency Food Assistance Program and Local Food Banks
  In California, federal, state and local community organizations coordinate to ensure that groceries are available at local food banks.
• Free Summer Lunch Programs
  Free lunches are available to all children under 18, regardless of income, every summer.
• School Meals
  Free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch at public schools when in session.
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program
  Pregnant women and children under age 5 receive nutrition support at WIC. 1-888-942-9675

Medical Care and Healthcare Coverage

• Medi-Cal
  Pays for health care for certain low and medium-income people.
• County Medical Services Program
  Counties offer health care for low-income people not eligible for other help. Also check out CWDA’s list of County Human Services Agencies.

Low Cost Car Insurance

• Department of Insurance
  Learn about low-cost car insurance.

Human Services Assistance

• California Area Agencies on Aging
  Assist elders and their families to identify services and opportunities.
• California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (CPEDV)
  While the CPEDV does not provide direct services to victims of domestic violence, they provide referrals to local service providers, shelters, legal services and more. To locate services, on the home page, select “For Survivors” and then select “Get Help Now.”
• Child Support Services
  Request changes in your child support orders due to loss of job or Unemployment Insurance Benefits.
• County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA)
  CWDA is a non-profit association that promotes a human services system that encourages self-sufficiency of families and communities and protects vulnerable children and adults from abuse and neglect. This association promotes county services.
• The Riley Guide Website
  A guide to coping with job loss.

Community-Based Resources

• Cal-Neva Community Action Partnership
  Local services including utility and rental assistance.

Credit Card Debt Relief

• ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions
  A non-profit organization offering credit counseling.

Housing Resources

• Housing and Urban Development
  • Find local non-profit organizations that can offer housing assistance.
  • Learn about avoiding foreclosure.
  • Locate a regional housing authority.  
  
  
• Keep Your Home California
  This is a federally-funded foreclosure prevention program that may be able to help you. If you are unemployed and collecting EDD benefits, you may qualify for this mortgage assistance.
  
  Participating in Keep Your Home California will not affect your Unemployment Insurance eligibility.
  
  Find out if you qualify today: call Keep Your Home California toll free, (888) 954-KEEP (5337) or visit their website.

Utilities Assistance

• Department of Community Services and Development
  Connecting people to home energy assistance, energy crisis intervention, and low-income weatherization programs.

California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Resources:

• California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program
  Offers low-income consumers a 20 percent discount on energy bills.
• Make a Payment Plan
  Provides assistance in negotiating a more affordable payment to utility companies if a customer has trouble paying the energy, telephone, or water bill.
• Assistance Paying Your Bills
  Some utilities have emergency payment assistance programs for their customers.
• Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
  The FERA Program provides assistance to families with slightly higher incomes. FERA is available for customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
• Energy Savings Assistance Program
  This program provides no-cost weatherization services for low-income households who meet the CARE income guidelines.
• California LifeLine Program
  This program provides a discount for landline service and unlimited local incoming and outgoing calls.

Source: Official EDD Website

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