Question about unemployment

[Alex Bess]

I did a Google search but nothing comes up as an answer.

My daughter is now 22. She worked in 2022 and 2023 here in California (didn't make a lot though).
In January 2024 she went to Arizona to stay with her dad in came home at the beginning of April. She was working in Arizona the entire time but was furloughed. The plan was for her to transfer with her job here when she came home, but because it was at the airport, no transfers were done, and eventually got furloughed.

So my question is this:
Can she apply for unemployment in California if her last job that she lost was in Arizona? Her driver's license was never changed from California but she did live and work there for 2.5 months. I'm afraid that she can't, because if she stayed in Arizona, she could have applied there, but she left, so I don't know where that leaves her.

Can someone point me in the right direction? Thank you.

[Alice Jones]

Not sure of the answer, but calls to both state's Unemployment Offices should provide guidance. There may be concessions made if the move back to CA was to provide family support/free housing, but I wouldn't want to give you bad information.

[Alexia Goldberg]

I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's unemployment situation. From what you've described, it sounds like a tricky situation to navigate. Regarding unemployment, my understanding is that eligibility is typically based on the state where the last job was held, regardless of residency.
However, given the complexities here with her work in Arizona and then returning to California, I would recommend reaching out to checkwriters customer service as they may be able to provide more specific guidance on the best way for your daughter to apply for unemployment benefits.

Hope it helps and good luck!