Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Looking for work takes real courage, especially when money is tight or life has thrown you a curveball. I'm cheering you on.
Here is the easy first step: find your local America's Job Center of California. Their help is at no cost, and they can help with job leads, resumes, training and more. This guide walks you through it, plus unemployment pay, help for people with disabilities, a fresh start if you have a record, pay problems at work and child care.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a job, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
Start with America's Job Center of California. The Employment Development Department (EDD) says these centers offer no cost employment and training services, in partnership with state and local agencies.
California's job site, CalJOBS, is where you can search jobs and sign up.
How to get started, step by step
- Find a job center near you with the American Job Center Finder, or start at edd.ca.gov.
- Register in CalJOBS. EDD lists this as the first step for its job services.
- Call or visit the job center and ask for a career counselor or a workshop.
- Bring a list of past jobs, dates and any work you did at no cost or for family.
- Ask about training money, apprenticeships and job fairs coming up.
- Write down the name of the program and when to call back.
What to say at the career center
"Hi. I'm looking for work and I'd like help with my job search."
"Can someone help me with my resume and online applications?"
"Do you have training programs or apprenticeships I might qualify for?"
"Are there job fairs or hiring events coming up?"
Use the library, too
No computer at home? Your public library has no cost computers and WiFi, and many libraries have no cost help with resumes and applications. Easy peasy!
What if I just lost my job?
EDD says unemployment benefits are temporary income for eligible workers who lost their job, or had their hours cut, through no fault of their own. EDD says you can get from $40 to $450 a week, depending on what you earned in the past 18 months.
- Apply online through myEDD at https://edd.ca.gov/en/unemployment/apply
- EDD says you'll first certify for benefits about two weeks after your application is processed, and again every two weeks. If you don't certify on time, it can delay or stop payment.
- EDD says it takes about three weeks to process a benefit application, so apply as soon as you can.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://edd.ca.gov/en/unemployment/
Before you apply for unemployment, gather what you can
Losing a job doesn't say anything bad about you. It's a season, and seasons change. One phone call at a time, friend.
From the Bunklow team
What if I have a disability?
The California Department of Rehabilitation, called DOR, helps people with disabilities get ready for, find and keep a job. DOR says to contact your local office to apply in person, or to ask for an application by mail or email.
After DOR gets your application, it contacts you for an intake appointment.
- Call DOR at 800.952.5544, or use the Office Locator on the DOR Contact Us page.
- At your first appointment, DOR says you'll talk about your eligibility and how DOR may help.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/HowToApply
Say you have a back injury
Say a back injury means you can't lift heavy boxes anymore, and you want a different kind of job. You could call DOR at 800.952.5544 and ask how to apply. DOR says it will contact you for an intake appointment once it gets your application.
At the same time, you could visit a job center to look at training for jobs that fit what you can do now.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/HowToApply
Can I get a job if I have a record?
Yes, many people do. CareerOneStop, from the U.S.
Department of Labor, has a no cost section for people with a criminal record, with tips on talking about a conviction in an interview, a ReEntry Program Finder, and help with IDs and basic needs. Many job centers also offer reentry help, so ask your local team.
- Use the ReEntry Program Finder at careeronestop.org to find a program near you.
- Need your ID first? See Guide 11, Getting ID and Documents Back.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.careeronestop.org/JusticeImpacted/default.aspx
Practice your answer
Practice a short, honest answer about your record, then turn it toward what you learned and what you can do now. Saying it out loud a few times makes it so much easier. You've got this!
California also has a Fair Chance Act. Questions about when an employer can ask about a record? Check the official page below, or call the Civil Rights Department at 800.884.1684, or 711 for relay.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/
Where can I get no cost job training?
- Training money. Ask your local job center about training help and on the job training. EDD lists building your skills as a step in its job services.
- Apprenticeships. You earn a paycheck while you learn a trade. Ask your job center what's open near you.
- Job Corps, ages 16 to 24. Job Corps says it is a no cost career training and education program for young adults with low incomes, with no cost housing and meals while you train. Call 800.733.5627.
- CalFresh job help. If you get CalFresh, ask your county office or job center about job and training help for CalFresh members.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.jobcorps.gov/
How do I get ready for interviews?
- Write a simple resume. One page is fine. List your jobs, skills, and any training. Your job center can help at no cost.
- Plan the trip. Know the bus route and leave early. Dial 211 to ask about ride help.
- Dress neat and clean. Need interview clothes? See Guide 5, Clothing and Hygiene.
- Bring copies. Your resume, your ID, and a list of references with phone numbers.
- Follow up. A short thank you call or email the next day helps you stand out.
What if my boss didn't pay me?
The California Labor Commissioner's Office says you can file a wage claim if you were not paid what you earned, like minimum wage, overtime or your last paycheck. You can file online, by email, by mail or in person.
The office says California's labor laws protect all workers, regardless of immigration status.
- Deadlines matter. Claims have time limits that depend on the kind of claim, so file soon. Check the official page below for the details.
- What happens next. The office says the process usually starts with a meeting called a settlement conference. If the claim doesn't settle, it can go to a hearing.
- Keep proof. Save your pay stubs, texts and schedules, and write down the hours you worked.
- Need help? Call 833.526.4636, or find a Labor Commissioner office near you by ZIP code.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/howtofilewageclaim.htm
Say your last two paychecks were short
Say you worked 40 hours a week at a restaurant, but your last two paychecks only paid you for 30 hours. You could gather your pay stubs and your own notes of the hours you worked, then file a wage claim with the Labor Commissioner.
The office says claims usually start with a settlement conference, and can go to a hearing if they don't settle.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/howtofilewageclaim.htm
Keep your own hours log
Write your start time, end time and breaks in a notebook or your phone every day you work. If there's ever a problem with your pay, your own notes help a lot. Easy peasy!
What should I know about pay and sick days at work?
Questions about minimum wage, tips or pay for teens? Check the official page below.
Some cities and counties have their own minimum wage too.
- Think you were punished for asking about your pay? You can report it to the Labor Commissioner at 833.526.4636.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_minimumwage.htm
Questions about paid sick leave, how you earn it and when you can use it? Check the official page below. Most workers in California can earn paid sick leave, including part time and temporary workers.
- Safety first. If you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, ask about using sick leave for things like getting a restraining order.
- Check your pay stub for your sick leave balance.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/paid_sick_leave.htm
How do I spot a job scam?
Scammers sometimes post fake jobs to take your money or your personal information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shares these warning signs:
- Don't pay for the promise of a job. Honest placement firms usually don't charge people looking for work.
- Never deposit a check and send part of the money back. That's a fake check scam.
- Reshipping packages from home is never a real job.
- Federal and postal jobs are no cost to apply for at USAJobs.gov.
- Not sure? Search the company name with the word "scam", and talk it over with someone you trust.
- Report a job scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or to the California Attorney General.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams
Before you share your information with a new employer
Can I get help with child care while I work?
Yes, you can ask. My Child Care Plan, from California's network of Child Care Resource and Referral agencies, says these agencies give at no cost, community centered support in every California county.
A local specialist can give you a no cost list of child care providers that fit your needs, and help you learn about programs that help pay for care.
- Call the no cost child care hotline at 800.543.7793, in English and Spanish.
- Search by ZIP code at MyChildCarePlan.org to find your local agency.
- A referral is a list, not a promise of a spot. Help paying for care may have a waiting list, so ask early.
- Get CalWORKs cash aid now, or did you before? Ask your county welfare department about CalWORKs child care. See the card in the California list.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://mychildcareplan.org/resource/child-care-referrals-free-information-about-child-care-services/
What to say when you call about child care
"Hi. I'm starting a new job and I need child care for my kids."
"They are [ages], and I work [days and hours]."
"Can you help me find care near [your ZIP code]?"
"Is there any help paying for child care that I can apply for?"
Are job centers really at no cost?
Yes. EDD says America's Job Center of California offers no cost employment and training services. Ask your center what they offer.
Do I have to sign up on CalJOBS?
EDD lists registering in CalJOBS as the first step for its job services, and many job centers ask you to.
How often do I certify for unemployment?
EDD says every two weeks. It will email or mail you when it's time.
How do I apply to the Department of Rehabilitation?
Call 800.952.5544 or contact your local DOR office to apply in person or ask for an application.
Can I get job help if I don't have a home address?
Yes, you can still ask. Tell the career center your situation and ask how they can reach you by phone or email.
Can I file a wage claim if I'm undocumented?
The Labor Commissioner says you can file a wage claim regardless of immigration status.
How much paid sick leave do I get?
Check the Labor Commissioner's paid sick leave page for the details.
Where can I get help finding child care?
Call the no cost child care hotline at 800.543.7793, or search by ZIP code at MyChildCarePlan.org.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
American Job Center Finder (CareerOneStop)
What it offers A no cost tool from the U.S. Department of Labor to find job centers near you, with no cost job search help and training.
How to reach Search by ZIP code at https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/find-american-job-centers.aspx
Source https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/find-american-job-centers.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Job Corps
What it offers No cost career training and education for young adults ages 16 through 24 with low incomes, with housing and meals while you train.
How to reach Call 800.733.5627. Learn more at https://www.jobcorps.gov/
Source https://www.jobcorps.gov/
Last checked October 16, 2026
CareerOneStop for Justice Impacted Job Seekers
What it offers No cost tips and tools for people with a criminal record, including a ReEntry Program Finder, job search help and a state resource finder.
How to reach Visit https://www.careeronestop.org/JusticeImpacted/default.aspx or call 877.872.5627.
Source https://www.careeronestop.org/JusticeImpacted/default.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
California
Here are some places to start.
America's Job Center of California
What it offers No cost job search help, training and career services at local offices across California.
How to reach Find a local office at https://edd.ca.gov/en/jobs_and_training/
Source https://edd.ca.gov/en/jobs_and_training/
Last checked October 16, 2026
California EDD Unemployment Insurance
What it offers Apply for unemployment benefits if you lost your job or had your hours cut.
How to reach Start at https://edd.ca.gov/en/unemployment/
Source https://edd.ca.gov/en/unemployment/
Last checked October 16, 2026
CalFresh (California's SNAP)
What it offers CalFresh helps people buy groceries. GetCalFresh is an official State of California partner with step by step help, and real people can answer questions by chat, text or email.
How to reach Apply at https://www.getcalfresh.org/
Source https://www.getcalfresh.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
211 California
What it offers A at no cost, private service that connects people with housing, food, health care and other help across California. Search by your location on the website.
How to reach Dial 211. Search at https://www.211ca.org/
Source https://www.211ca.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
CalJOBS (EDD)
What it offers California's online job site. EDD's job services start with registering in CalJOBS, then exploring career paths, building skills and searching for jobs.
How to reach Start at https://edd.ca.gov/en/jobs_and_training/step-1-register-in-caljobs/
Source https://edd.ca.gov/en/jobs_and_training/step-1-register-in-caljobs/
Last checked October 16, 2026
California Department of Rehabilitation
What it offers Help for people with disabilities to get ready for, find and keep a job. Call or contact a local office to apply or ask for an application.
How to reach Call 800.952.5544. TTY: 916.558.5673.
Source https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/ContactUs
Last checked October 16, 2026
California Labor Commissioner's Office
What it offers Help with wage claims, minimum wage, paid sick leave and retaliation complaints. The office says it does not ask about immigration status.
How to reach Call 833.526.4636. Find an office by ZIP code at https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/districtoffices.htm
Source https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/districtoffices.htm
Last checked October 18, 2026
California Child Care Resource and Referral Network
What it offers Connects families to their local child care resource and referral agency for no cost help finding child care and learning about help paying for it.
How to reach Call 800.543.7793, in English and Spanish. Search at https://rrnetwork.org/family-services/find-child-care
Source https://rrnetwork.org/family-services/find-child-care
Last checked October 18, 2026
CalWORKs Child Care (California Department of Social Services)
What it offers Help paying for child care, with a provider you choose, for current or former CalWORKs cash aid recipients who are working or in county approved work activities. Covers children through age 12.
How to reach Contact your county welfare department. Learn more at https://cdss.ca.gov/calworks-child-care
Source https://cdss.ca.gov/calworks-child-care
Last checked October 18, 2026
California Civil Rights Department
What it offers Information about the Fair Chance Act and questions about conviction history when you apply for jobs.
How to reach Call 800.884.1684, or 711 for relay. Learn more at https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/
Source https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Los Angeles County
Here are some places to start.
LA County Department of Economic Opportunity
What it offers Runs America's Job Centers of California across Los Angeles County, plus the Youth@Work program for young people.
How to reach Call 844.777.2059. Learn more at https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/
Source https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
San Diego County
Here are some places to start.
San Diego Workforce Partnership
What it offers Career centers across San Diego County, no cost online videos and courses, apprenticeships and hiring fairs.
How to reach Find the career center closest to you at https://workforce.org/
Source https://workforce.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Orange County
Here are some places to start.
OC Workforce Solutions
What it offers No cost job seeker services in Orange County, including help finding a job and youth services.
How to reach Start at https://www.ocworkforcesolutions.com/
Source https://www.ocworkforcesolutions.com/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Santa Clara County (San Jose)
Here are some places to start.
work2future
What it offers Job centers in San José, with career coaches who meet clients by appointment.
How to reach San José Job Center, 1608 Las Plumas Ave. Call 408.794.1101.
Source https://work2future.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Alameda County (Oakland)
Here are some places to start.
Alameda County Workforce Development Board
What it offers Job seeker resources and services in Alameda County.
How to reach Start at https://acwdb.org/
Source https://acwdb.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Sacramento County
Here are some places to start.
Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA)
What it offers Job and training help for people in Sacramento County, including youth programs.
How to reach Start at https://www.seta.net/
Source https://www.seta.net/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bring to the career center, if you can
My job plan for this week
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My job search
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. I'm proud of you for taking this step. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Sources were checked on October 16, 2026. New sources were added and every link was checked again on October 18, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
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