California has two different methods that can be used in determining eligibility for unemployment compensation. The first one is a simple flat qualifying amount (FQA) of a $1,300 HQW, which necessitates working during at least one quarter in the base period.
How much money do you have to make to get unemployment in California?
You must have earned at least $1,300 in one-quarter of your base period or at least $900 in your highest quarter and total base period earnings of 1.25 times your high quarter earnings. If you do not have enough earnings to establish a claim, then you will be denied benefits.
Is there an extended base period for unemployment in California?
If you answered yes to all three questions, you qualify for unemployment insurance in California. California does not offer an extended base period; however, an alternate base period is available, but only if you are not first qualified for benefits using the standard base period.
How many quarters do you have to work to qualify for unemployment?
Most states are looking to see that you have worked at least two of the calendar quarters in the base period before approving unemployment benefits. When exploring the base period, states may require that you also earn a certain amount during your qualifying months to qualify for unemployment assistance.
