California Dept. Of Human Resources v. Java, 402 U.S. 121 (1971)

APPEAL FROM THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Syllabus

Section 303(a)(1) of the Social Security Act requires a method of administration "reasonably calculated to insure full payment of unemployment compensation when due." In light of the intent of Congress to make payments available at the earliest stage of unemployment as is administratively feasible, in order to provide a substitute for wages, the language "when due" must be construed to mean when benefits are allowed as a result of a hearing of which both parties have notice and at which they are permitted to present their respective positions. California’s initial interview provides such a hearing, and, accordingly, enforcement of § 1335 of the California Unemployment Insurance Code, providing for the withholding of insurance benefits upon an employer’s appeal from the initial eligibility determination, must be enjoined, because it conflicts with the requirement of § 303(a)(1) of the Social Security Act. Pp. 124-135.

317 F.Supp. 875, affirmed.

BURGER, C.J., delivered the opinion for a unanimous Court. DOUGLAS, J., filed a concurring opinion, post, p. 135.