As of March 17, 2020, our Santa Barbara and Santa Maria America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) are closed to the public. We recognize that there is an increased need and urgency for employment services. Therefore, you will continue to access services and resources via the phone, via email or online. Furthermore, our AJCCs are taking every possible measure to shift previous in-person services to remote/virtual. We will keep you informed as they become available.  Critical services that require in person interaction will be done by appointment only.

For dislocated/laid off workers, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Career Services can provide the following benefits (to the extent that services can be provided in person or virtually):

1. Employment services including job search assistance, career planning, workforce preparation activities.
2. Short-term pre-vocational services
3. Training services (vocational or on-the-job training)

For more information or for appointments, connect with your talent development specialist or call your local center at Santa Maria, 805.614.1550 or Santa Barbara, 805.568.1393.

Unemployment Insurance

If you have lost work or have had your hours reduced we encourage you to apply for Employment Development Department (EDD) Unemployment Insurance (UI). In California, Governor Newsom has waived the one-week waiting period for benefits and is looking at expanding UI claim offerings.

For comprehensive guidance and resources about state benefits related to employment and COVID-19, we highly recommend this FAQ page from EDD.

NEWLY ADDED In addition, here is the May 1 EDD webinar on “Assistance Programs for Workers during COVID-19” presentation slides.

As of March 17, 2020, our Santa Barbara and Santa Maria America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) are closed to the public.   This includes EDD Workforce Services, located at each AJCC.  There are multiple ways to file for Unemployment Insurance:

• Online: You can file a claim online here

• By-phone: Representatives are available at the following toll-free numbers, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon Pacific Time except on state holidays.
  • English 1-800-300-5616
  • Spanish 1-800-326-8937
  • Cantonese 1-800-547-3506
  • Mandarin 1-866-303-0706
  • Vietnamese 1-800-547-2058
  • TTY 1-800-815-9387
• By Mail or by Fax: File your UI claim by accessing the paper Unemployment Insurance Application. For faster and secure processing, fax the completed application to the number listed on the form. If you mail your application, use the address on the form and allow additional time for processing.  If any of the items below pertains to you, it is best that you file a claim using the paper Unemployment Insurance claim process:
  • Worked in California and Another State English | Spanish
  • Served in the Military English | Spanish
  • Worked for the Federal Government English | Spanish
• How to Apply for UI Benefits (File a Claim) (YouTube)
  English | Spanish | Cantonese | Vietnamese | Mandarin

In the case that you do not have access to a computer or do not have a phone to receive calls or an email, access to a phone or computer to reach Unemployment Insurance will be provided by the AJCC by appointment only.  For general information or appointments, connect the AJCC at Santa Maria, 805.614.1550 or Santa Barbara, 805.568.1393.  For information and available resources during the closure of the AJCC, please feel free to email the following:

• Santa Barbara County WSBSantaBarbaraInfo@edd.ca.gov
• Ventura County WSBOxnardInformation@edd.ca.gov
• San Luis Obispo County WSBSanLuisObispoInfo@edd.ca.gov 

Other Benefits

Click on this link to view a matrix summarizing all the benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19.

Paid sick leave law provides time off to many workers. You are entitled to use whatever sick leave you have accumulated.

California law provides for paid family leave, which you may be eligible for if you are providing care for an ill or quarantined family member.

In the event of a particularly long illness, you may be eligible for disability benefits, provided your illness is certified by a medical professional.

If you were exposed to COVID-19 while on the job and in the course of your regular duties, you may also qualify for workers’ compensation.

For all part-time, intermittent, reduced hours, and reduced wage situations, the Employment Development Department (EDD) suggests that you file a claim, and after we receive your properly completed claim, we will determine if you are eligible for Disability Insurance (DI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits.