CA AB402

Establishes the Office of the Claimant Advocate within the Employment Development Department to protect Californians' rights in seeking unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and paid family leave benefits.

Office shall uphold a Claimant's Bill of Rights, establish a system for claimants to report rights violations, and assist in resolving those violations through multiple communication methods (phone, online, written).

Beginning January 1, 2024, office must issue yearly reports to specified legislative committees containing data on benefit program utilization by income level, processing times for online and paper applications, and systemic access issues with recommendations.

Creates a Stakeholder Advisory Group administered by a Claimant and Stakeholder Liaison to advise the department on policies, identify systemic access issues, and create a Claimant's Bill of Rights within one year of establishment.

Appropriates funds from the Unemployment Administration Fund to support the new office and advisory group.