EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The state of California is launching a new, upgraded and modernized unemployment benefits program, making it easier for customers receiving unemployment benefits to report required wages and income information while receiving benefit payments, the governor’s office announced Monday.
The federal government shutdown has reached its 20th day, with workers and businesses reporting impacts in recent weeks.
The announcement is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s strategy to make state government work better for Californians, with a key update launched to modernize the Employment Development Department’s myEDD online benefit portal.
“Our new Wage Tool is another example of how we’re prioritizing customer-centered improvements,” said California EDD Director Nancy Farias in a statement. “Reporting wages accurately helps Californians get paid faster and minimizes follow-up work from our staff so they can spend more time helping customers where it matters most.”
The new wage reporting tool will be followed by more online enhancements to the biweekly certification questions in 2026, the governor’s office noted.