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What is the minimum length of employment needed for eligibility of unemployment benefits?

I've been working for a school district since January. I was given a layoff notice this week, and was wondering if I'm eligible for benefits even though I'll only have a total of 5 months of employment with this district. I've tried looking at the website for california's unemployment benefits program, but did not see anything about needing a minimum length of employment.

Public Comments

1. Hmm, not sure about California, but in Canada it is a minimum of 900 hours worked.
2. Most states it is 26 weeks of paying into the system. Odds are you do not have that.
3. Hmm. There are distinctive eligibility requirements for school employees. There's charts and additional information at the DoL site below which might be of help: http://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/School_Employee.htm Of course you can always apply for benefits. If you are eligible, you will get them, and if not, you will be denied. There is no penalty for applyng if you are not eligible, as long as your application information is truthful.