I am so sorry for your situation and I hope that the move brings with it new opportunity and financial stability. Now, when you apply for unemployment in the new state the application is forwarded to the unemployment office in the state that you came from, California, and not to the state unemployment division of the state you are in.  So as long as your ex employer does not contest the application filed in California, you should have no problem collecting in your new state.  Make sure that the unemployment officer in the new state is aware of that. Again, good luck to you and your boyfriend in your new life.