Changes to California’s Mandatory Workplace Notice and Pamphlet on State Benefit Programs

California employers must conspicuously display required labor posters or notices where all employees may view them in each company location. The posters cover a broad array of topics including minimum wage requirements, safety and health requirements, workers’ compensation information, and whistleblowing protection.

California employers must also distribute certain government-issued pamphlets or information sheets to new hires, to employees on certain types of leaves of absence, and again upon termination of employment, covering topics including state disability insurance, workers’ compensation rights and benefits, and paid family leave.

California’s Employment Development Department (EDD), responsible for the administration of state unemployment insurance, disability insurance, payroll tax collection, and job training/workforce services, has recently updated its mandatory poster and pamphlet.

The “Notice to Employees” poster (DE 1857A), describing how to apply for unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and paid family leave benefits, now contains updated EDD contact information and filing instructions.

The “For Your Benefit – California’s Programs for the Unemployed” pamphlet (DE 2320) outlines eligibility criteria and provides detailed descriptions of a worker’s rights to unemployment insurance benefits as well as information on disability insurance, paid family leave, and workforce job-seeking services. Employers must provide a copy to each California employee when laid off, terminated, or taking a leave of absence. The EDD has recently transitioned into a more streamlined application system accessible through a single login site. Accordingly, the updated pamphlet provides new contact/application information.

Although the EDD encourages covered employers to use these new versions right away, employers may continue using the previous versions until January 1, 2019.

For further assistance, please contact one of our attorneys Tim Bowles, Cindy Bamforth or Helena Kobrin.

Cindy Bamforth

August 15, 2018