Quick answer: If you were just laid off in the Inland Empire, do three things this week: file for unemployment with California's EDD right away, find out what happens to your health coverage, and contact an America's Job Center or The Ayangbah Foundation about free help and retraining. Laid-off workers may qualify for WIOA Dislocated Worker services, which can include training support.
Day 1: File for unemployment immediately
File with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) as soon as you lose your job. Your claim starts on the Sunday of the week you file, so waiting can cost you money.
Fastest: file online through UI Online at edd.ca.gov.
By phone: 1-800-300-5616 (English), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to noon.
Know the rules: there is one unpaid waiting week, and you must certify for benefits every two weeks. EDD's guide lists weekly benefits of $40 to $450, based on your past earnings. Confirm current amounts with EDD.
Days 1 to 3: Gather your paperwork
Your layoff notice or last pay stub
Employer names, addresses and dates for the last 18 months
Any severance or final paycheck details
Your resume, even an old one
Days 2 to 5: Protect your health coverage
Ask HR what happens to your health insurance and whether you can continue it. Compare that cost with a plan through Covered California, the state's health insurance marketplace. Losing job-based coverage usually lets you enroll outside the normal enrollment period.
Days 3 to 7: Get free help and a plan
You don't have to figure out your next job alone. Free help is available:
America's Job Centers of California (AJCC): San Bernardino (909-382-0440), Victorville (760-552-6550) and Rancho Cucamonga (909-941-6500). Ask about WIOA Dislocated Worker services, which help people who lost jobs through layoffs or closures.
The Ayangbah Foundation: our staff help laid-off workers check WIOA eligibility, register in CalJOBS and build a 30/60/90-day career plan with a counselor and a mentor. Join our free info session any Monday at 5 PM.
Day 7 and beyond: Retrain for a better-paying job
A layoff is a chance to add a skill employers pay for. Short, practical options at The Ayangbah Foundation, all in person in San Bernardino or live online:
Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Certificate: 40 hours over 4 weeks, $1,200. Resumes, LinkedIn, interviews, digital skills and small business basics.
QuickBooks Bookkeeping Essentials or Microsoft Excel & Office Essentials: 12 hours each, $297, evenings or Saturdays.
Government Contracting Academy: for people starting a business, $1,497 or 3 payments of $499.
Read more: How to apply for WIOA in San Bernardino County and help for laid-off tech workers.
Frequently asked questions
I got laid off. What should I do first?
File for unemployment with EDD the same day, then sort out health coverage and contact an America's Job Center or The Ayangbah Foundation for free career help.
Can I collect unemployment if I get laid off in California?
Generally, yes. Layoffs usually qualify, but EDD decides eligibility. File as soon as possible.
Is there free retraining for laid-off workers in San Bernardino?
Laid-off workers may qualify for WIOA Dislocated Worker services through America's Job Centers, which can include training support. The Ayangbah Foundation helps you check eligibility.
Who can help me make a plan after a layoff?
Call or text The Ayangbah Foundation at (909) 454-7076, or apply online.
Unemployment details are from EDD's "For Your Benefit" guide (DE 2320). Rules can change, so confirm with EDD at edd.ca.gov.