An individual who files for unemployment insurance benefits must meet specific eligibility requirements before benefits can be paid. Individuals must:
Have received enough wages during the base period to establish a claim
Be totally or partially unemployed
*** Be unemployed through no fault of his/her own ***
Be physically able to work
Be available for work which means to be ready and willing to immediately accept work
Be actively looking for work
Meet eligibility requirements each week benefits are claimed
Be approved for training before training benefits can be paid
...
Reason an individual is unemployed
The reason an individual is out of work can affect his/her eligibility for benefits. A person who is laid off is out of work through no fault of his/her own. A person who quits work or is fired from work will be scheduled to a telephone interview because there is a separation issue that must be resolved. The Department interviewer obtains and documents information about the separation from the employer and claimant and decides, according to law and regulations, if the person is eligible to collect benefits. The Department mails a notice to the claimant who is not eligible for benefits. The Department mails a notice to the employer who responded timely to the notice of claim filed. The notice advises the employer about whether the claimant is eligible or not, and whether the employer's account will be charged for benefits paid to the former employee. Either party can disagree with an unfavorable decision and file an appeal.
from http://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/eligibility.htm