Global Major Cities Guide

Job search assistance, labor rights education, and workforce development programs tailored to newcomers.

Sections

1. Types of Employment Support Benefits in San Francisco

Employment support benefits in San Francisco can be broadly categorized into the following areas:

a. Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefits

What It Is: Financial assistance for individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.
Eligibility: Must have earned sufficient wages during the base period, be actively seeking work, and be available to work.
Administered By: California Employment Development Department (EDD).
How to Apply:
1. File a claim online through the EDD website or by phone.
2. Provide personal information, employment history, and reasons for unemployment.
3. Certify for benefits every two weeks to continue receiving payments.
Associated Costs: Free to apply, but benefits are taxable.
Local Considerations: San Francisco has a high cost of living, so UI benefits may not fully cover living expenses. Consider supplementing with other local resources.

b. Paid Family Leave (PFL)

What It Is: Provides partial wage replacement for employees who need time off to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child.
Eligibility: Must have contributed to California’s State Disability Insurance (SDI) program.
Administered By: California EDD.
How to Apply:
1. Submit a claim online or by mail.
2. Provide medical certification or proof of a qualifying event.
Associated Costs: Free to apply, but benefits are taxable.
Local Considerations: San Francisco employers may offer additional family leave benefits under the city’s Paid Parental Leave Ordinance (see below).

c. San Francisco Paid Parental Leave Ordinance (PPLO)

What It Is: Requires employers to supplement California Paid Family Leave benefits so employees receive 100% of their wages during parental leave.
Eligibility: Must work for a covered employer in San Francisco, have worked at least 180 days, and be eligible for California PFL.
Administered By: Employers, in conjunction with California PFL.
How to Apply:
1. Notify your employer of your intent to take parental leave.
2. File for California PFL and provide documentation to your employer.
Associated Costs: Free for employees.
Local Considerations: This is a city-specific benefit, so it’s not available outside San Francisco.

d. Worker’s Compensation

What It Is: Provides medical care and wage replacement for employees injured on the job.
Eligibility: Must have sustained a work-related injury or illness.
Administered By: Employers and their insurance providers.
How to Apply:
1. Report the injury to your employer immediately.
2. File a claim with your employer’s worker’s compensation insurance.
Associated Costs: Free for employees.
Local Considerations: San Francisco has strong worker protections, and legal aid is available if claims are denied.

e. Health Insurance Benefits

What It Is: Access to affordable health insurance through employer-sponsored plans, Covered California (state marketplace), or Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program).
Eligibility: Varies by program; Medi-Cal is income-based.
Administered By: Employers, Covered California, or the California Department of Health Care Services.
How to Apply:
1. For employer-sponsored plans, enroll during open enrollment or after a qualifying life event.
2. For Covered California or Medi-Cal, apply online or through a local assistance center.
Associated Costs: Varies; Medi-Cal is free or low-cost for eligible individuals.
Local Considerations: San Francisco’s Healthy San Francisco program provides healthcare access for uninsured residents who don’t qualify for other programs.

f. Job Training and Workforce Development Programs

What It Is: Free or low-cost training programs to help individuals gain new skills and find employment.
Programs in San Francisco:
- Workforce Development Division (WDD): Offers job training, career counseling, and placement services.
- TechSF: Provides training for careers in technology.
- CityBuild Academy: Focuses on construction and trade skills.
Eligibility: Varies by program; some prioritize low-income or unemployed individuals.
How to Apply:
1. Visit the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) website.
2. Register for an orientation or contact a local workforce center.
Associated Costs: Free or low-cost.
Local Considerations: Many programs are tailored to San Francisco’s key industries, such as tech, healthcare, and construction.

2. Key Resources for Employment Support Benefits

Here are some essential resources to help you access employment support benefits in San Francisco:

a. California Employment Development Department (EDD)

Website: edd.ca.gov
Services: Unemployment Insurance, Paid Family Leave, Disability Insurance, and job search assistance.

b. San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD)

Website: oewd.org
Services: Job training, career counseling, and workforce development programs.

c. Covered California

Website: coveredca.com
Services: Health insurance marketplace for California residents.

d. Healthy San Francisco

Website: healthysanfrancisco.org
Services: Healthcare access for uninsured San Francisco residents.

e. Legal Aid at Work

Website: legalaidatwork.org
Services: Free legal assistance for employment-related issues, including benefits claims.

f. America’s Job Center of California (AJCC)

Website: caljobs.ca.gov
Services: Job search tools, training programs, and career counseling.

3. Procedures to Access Employment Support Benefits

To access employment support benefits in San Francisco, follow these general steps:

Determine Eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria for the specific benefit or program.
Gather Documentation: Prepare necessary documents, such as proof of identity, employment history, and income.
Submit an Application: Apply online, by phone, or in person, depending on the program.
Follow Up: Monitor your application status and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Utilize Additional Resources: Take advantage of free job training, career counseling, and legal aid services.

4. Associated Costs

Most employment support benefits are free to access, but some programs (e.g., health insurance through Covered California) may have associated premiums or fees.
Benefits like Unemployment Insurance and Paid Family Leave are taxable, so plan accordingly.

5. Local Considerations

High Cost of Living: San Francisco’s cost of living is significantly higher than the national average. Consider combining multiple resources (e.g., UI benefits, job training, and Medi-Cal) to meet your needs.
Industry Focus: The city’s economy is heavily centered on technology, healthcare, and finance. Tailor your job search and training efforts to these industries.
Worker Protections: San Francisco has some of the strongest worker protections in the U.S., including minimum wage laws and paid sick leave. Familiarize yourself with your rights as an employee.

By leveraging these resources and following the outlined procedures, you can effectively access employment support benefits in San Francisco. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the organizations listed above.