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Benjamin Johnson

Can I get unemployment if fired after my EDD SDI ends due to my employer rejecting accommodations?

Hi everyone! I'm currently on my second extension of SDI benefits through March 2025. My employer has been pressuring me to return next month even though my condition (chronic vestibular migraines) has actually gotten worse. My doctor is willing to write a very detailed accommodation letter spelling out specific needs (reduced screen time, flexible schedule, no fluorescent lighting, option to lie down during attacks, etc.). Here's my concern - my employer has already hinted these accommodations would be 'unreasonable' and 'disruptive' to the workplace. If they terminate me because they won't accommodate my medical needs, would I qualify for unemployment while I look for a job that CAN accommodate me? I know SSDI might be an option down the road, but I'm not ready to give up working completely - just need the right environment. Anyone navigate this SDI-to-unemployment transition before?

Zara Perez

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I went through something similar last year. When my SDI ended, my doctor wrote a detailed accommodation letter, but my company said the accommodations weren't reasonable and let me go. I DID qualify for unemployment because I was able and available for work - just not that specific job without accommodations. The key is that you didn't voluntarily quit and you're willing to work with proper accommodations. Make sure you have all documentation from your doctor and keep any communication where your employer suggests your accommodations are unreasonable. Also, consider talking to an employment attorney before your return date - some offer free consultations.

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Thank you so much for sharing your experience! That's really helpful. Did EDD contact your former employer during the unemployment claim process? I'm worried they'll say I was unable to work and therefore not eligible.

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Daniel Rogers

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are u sure u cant do ur job??? lots of people work with migrains, my sister has them bad to and she still works full time. maybe try different meds before u give up? employers dont have to do things that cost them to much $$$

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I've tried 14 different preventative medications over the last year and a half. My neurologist has classified my condition as refractory chronic vestibular migraine, which means I'm resistant to standard treatments. These aren't regular migraines - they affect balance, cause vertigo, sensitivity to motion, and cognitive dysfunction. I've been trying to work with accommodations but my condition has gotten worse, not better. I'm not giving up - I'm trying to figure out my options if my employer won't work with my medical needs.

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Aaliyah Reed

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This is a really tricky situation that falls into a gray area between SDI, unemployment, and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Here's what you need to understand: 1. For unemployment, you generally need to be ABLE and AVAILABLE to work. If your doctor is stating you CAN work with accommodations, that helps your case. 2. If your employer fires you because they won't provide reasonable accommodations, that could qualify as being fired through no fault of your own - which is a requirement for UI. 3. BUT - and this is important - your employer might argue that you're not able to perform the essential functions of your job even WITH accommodations, which could complicate things. I'd recommend: - Get everything in writing from your doctor about your ability to work with accommodations - Document ALL communications with your employer about accommodations - Consider filing an ADA complaint if they terminate without attempting reasonable accommodations - Apply for unemployment immediately if terminated If you're denied initially, APPEAL! Many legitimate UI claims are denied at first but approved on appeal.

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Ella Russell

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This is exactly right!! My cousin went thru this exact thing after SDI and got approved for unemployment but ONLY after she appealed the first denial. The key was proving she could work somewhere else with the right accommodations even if her old job couldn't provide them.

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Mohammed Khan

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Trying to reach EDD to ask these kinds of specific questions is a NIGHTMARE!!! I spent 2 weeks calling every day trying to get clarification when I was transitioning from SDI back to work with restrictions. If you need to actually speak to a real person at EDD (which you definitely will for this situation), check out Claimyr.com - they got me through to a disability agent in under 25 minutes when I'd been trying for DAYS. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd

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Thanks for the tip! I've been trying to get through to EDD myself with no luck. Definitely need to talk to someone who can explain how these benefits interact. I'll check out that service.

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Gavin King

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I think ur confusing 2 different situations. When ur on disability it means u CANT work. When ur on unemployment it means u CAN work but just dont have a job. U cant get both at same time and u probably cant go from 1 to the other without proving ur actually able to work now.

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Aaliyah Reed

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This isn't quite accurate. Being on SDI doesn't necessarily mean you can't work at all - it means you can't perform your USUAL job. The OP's situation is that they could work with accommodations, just not in their previous capacity. This is exactly the gray area where someone might transition from SDI to UI if they're terminated for inability to perform their usual work WITHOUT accommodations but could work elsewhere WITH accommodations. The key distinction for unemployment eligibility is being able and available for some suitable work, not necessarily their previous exact position.

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Nathan Kim

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I work for a major employer (won't say which) in HR and deal with these situations often. Here's what you should know: Your employer is required by law to engage in an "interactive process" to determine if reasonable accommodations can be made. They can't just dismiss your doctor's recommendations without proper consideration. That said, if the accommodations would create an "undue hardship" for the business, they can legally deny them. If they terminate you because of inability to accommodate, you would likely qualify for unemployment because: 1. You didn't voluntarily quit 2. You weren't fired for misconduct 3. You remain able and available for work with appropriate accommodations Make sure you save ALL communications. If they try to pressure you to resign rather than firing you, don't do it! That could jeopardize your unemployment eligibility.

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Thank you for this insight! I've been very careful about keeping all emails and documenting phone conversations. They've been hinting I should "consider if this role is still a good fit" which feels like they're trying to get me to quit. I'll stand my ground and let them make the decision if the accommodations don't work out.

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Something similar happened to me but i got denied unemployment because they said i wasnt able to work!!! The whole system is RIGGED against sick people!!!! First SDI cuts you off then unemployment says your too sick to work but not sick enough for SSDI!!!!! What are we supposed to do???

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Zara Perez

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Did you appeal the unemployment denial? The key is having your doctor specifically state you CAN work with accommodations. When I went through this, my first UI claim was denied too, but I won on appeal when my doctor provided more specific documentation about my work capabilities with accommodations.

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Aaliyah Reed

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One more important point: If your doctor is saying your condition is declining, you might want to consider extending your SDI again rather than forcing a return to work that could worsen your health. California SDI can be extended beyond the standard 52 weeks if your doctor certifies continued need. If you do return and get terminated, when you apply for unemployment, be very careful how you phrase your ability to work. You need to be clear that you ARE able to work with accommodations. If you indicate you're unable to work at all, you'll be denied UI. The EDD UI application isn't designed well for these nuanced situations, so you might need to include additional documentation or talk to a representative directly.

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That's a good point. My doctor did mention potentially extending SDI again if needed. I think I'm going to request one more extension while simultaneously exploring what accommodations might be possible. Better to have options. I'm definitely worried about how to properly phrase things on the UI application if it comes to that.

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Ella Russell

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have u considered looking into FEHA (Fair Employment and Housing Act) protection? its california's version of ADA but actually has MORE protections. my friend got a lawyer who took her case on contingency when her employer wouldnt accomodate her after disability leave.

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Nathan Kim

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This is excellent advice. FEHA does provide broader protections than the ADA in California, including covering employers with 5+ employees (versus ADA's 15+) and defining disability more broadly. The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (now called the Civil Rights Department) can help with filing a complaint if your employer fails to provide reasonable accommodations or engages in disability discrimination.

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Paloma Clark

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I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - chronic migraines that have gotten worse over time, and my employer is already making comments about how "difficult" it would be to accommodate my needs. Reading through everyone's responses has been really helpful, especially the advice about documentation and the interactive process. One thing I wanted to add - if you do end up needing to apply for unemployment after being terminated, make sure you're prepared for the work search requirements. Even with accommodations needed, you'll still need to show you're actively looking for work that can accommodate your condition. I'd suggest starting to research employers in your field who are known to be disability-friendly, just in case. Also, has your doctor discussed intermittent FMLA as an option? Sometimes having that protection in place can help bridge the gap while you're working out longer-term accommodations or transitioning between benefits. It's not a perfect solution but it might give you some additional job protection during flare-ups. Best of luck with whatever path you choose. This system definitely isn't designed for people with chronic conditions, but there are ways to navigate it successfully.

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Thank you for bringing up the work search requirements - that's something I hadn't fully considered yet. I've been so focused on the immediate accommodation issue that I didn't think about having to prove I'm actively job hunting if I end up on unemployment. Do you know if there are any modifications to the work search requirements for people who need accommodations? I imagine it's harder to find suitable positions when you have specific workplace needs. The intermittent FMLA idea is interesting too - I'll ask my doctor about that as a potential bridge option. It sounds like you really understand the complexity of navigating chronic conditions in the workplace!

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Chloe Taylor

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I'm going through something very similar right now - also dealing with chronic vestibular migraines and an employer who's already pushing back on accommodations before I've even formally requested them. The information everyone has shared here is incredibly valuable. One thing I learned from my disability attorney (yes, I ended up needing one) is that the timing of your documentation is crucial. Make sure your doctor's accommodation letter is very specific about what you CAN do with accommodations, not just what you can't do without them. EDD looks at your "residual functional capacity" - basically what work you're still capable of performing. Also, if your employer does terminate you, file for unemployment immediately even if you think you might not qualify. Don't let them discourage you from applying. The worst they can do is deny you, and then you can appeal with better documentation. I've seen too many people talk themselves out of benefits they were actually entitled to. One more tip - start keeping a symptom diary now if you aren't already. Document how your condition affects your work capacity day by day. This can be incredibly helpful evidence if you need it for unemployment appeals, SSDI applications, or even potential legal action against your employer. The transition from SDI to other benefits is genuinely confusing and the system doesn't make it easy, but you have more options than it might seem right now.

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Leo Simmons

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Thank you for mentioning the symptom diary - that's such a practical tip that I hadn't thought of! I've been tracking my migraines in a basic app but not really documenting how they specifically impact my work abilities each day. That kind of detailed evidence could definitely be crucial if I need to prove my case later. It's reassuring to hear from someone else dealing with vestibular migraines who's navigating this same system. These aren't "just headaches" like some people think - the cognitive fog, balance issues, and light/sound sensitivity make it a completely different challenge. I'm definitely going to apply for unemployment immediately if it comes to that, rather than second-guessing myself out of benefits I might be entitled to. Did your attorney help you specifically with the SDI to unemployment transition, or more with the employer accommodation issues? I'm wondering if it's worth consulting with someone proactively rather than waiting to see what my employer decides.

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