Changed from UI to EDD SDI mid-pregnancy - employer disputing claim with false work refusal dates

This sounds like your employer is trying to avoid their contribution responsibilities. They're conflating timelines to make it seem like you voluntarily left work rather than had a medical necessity. For your EDD appeal hearing, you need to bring: 1. Medical documentation showing when your doctor put you on bed rest (March 15) 2. Documentation of your UI claim filing date (February 10) 3. Those text messages showing you accepted shifts 4. Any documentation showing your reduced hours before your UI claim The good news is that your SDI claim should be separate from the UI dispute if you properly closed the UI claim before starting SDI. The judge should recognize the clear timeline discrepancy in your employer's claim.

omg i went thru almost the same thing last yr!!!! my boss tried to say i was refusing shifts when actually they werent even scheduling me. make sure u have EVERYTHING in writing. if u talked to them on the phone about ur bed rest call them back and send a follow up text or email so u have records. they cant mess with ur SDI if u have doctor documentation but the UI part might get messy. good luck!!!

This is unfortunately a common situation with employers trying to contest claims. Your disability claim should be protected as long as you have proper medical documentation. For the hearing, you can request a phone hearing if you're on bed rest - you don't have to physically attend. Call the number on your hearing notice to request this accommodation. The most important thing is keeping your timelines straight during testimony. Write down a clear chronology of events with exact dates: - When your hours were reduced - When you filed UI - When doctor ordered bed rest - When you notified employer - When you switched to SDI Since you're dealing with this stress during a high-risk pregnancy, I'd recommend calling EDD directly to discuss your situation before the hearing. However, reaching them can be challenging. Many people have had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to EDD representatives quickly instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Getting clarification before your hearing could really help ease your mind.

your employer is playing games with dates hoping youll get confused at the hearing dont fall for it!! they do this ALL THE TIME to pregnant women its disgusting!!! the EDD judge will see right through it if you stay calm and have your paperwork organized. my sister went through this exact thing and won her case.

I work in HR (not for your company) and this sounds like your employer is being shady. One thing to be aware of - the appeals judge will look at whether you were physically able to work during your UI claim period. Since you were pregnant during that time but not yet on bed rest, make sure you clarify that you were able and available to work until the specific date your doctor restricted you. Also, for your SDI claim, make sure your doctor completed the medical certification form (DE 2501) with the correct start date of your disability. That form is really the determining factor for when your disability officially began. And regarding January - if you weren't even claiming benefits then (either UI or SDI), what happened in January should be completely irrelevant to your case. The judge should dismiss those allegations immediately.

I had a similar issue but with a broken ankle not pregnancy. My advice is to RECORD EVERYTHING from now on. California is a two-party consent state but you can still write down notes immediately after any phone conversations with your employer or EDD. And btw that Claimyr service someone mentioned above really does work. I was skeptical but I was able to talk to an actual EDD rep in like 20 minutes instead of spending all day calling and getting hung up on. The rep was able to make notes in my file before my hearing which really helped my case.

not to be a downer but the system is RIGGED against us. my cousin lost her appeal even with all the right documentation because the employer straight up LIED during the hearing. make sure you interrupt and correct them if they state wrong dates!!! dont be polite - this is your money and benefits at stake!!!

Update: I used Claimyr today and actually got through to EDD! The representative confirmed that my SDI claim is valid and separate from the UI issue, which is a huge relief. She also added detailed notes to my file about the timeline of events. I've gathered all my documentation including text messages with my boss showing I never refused work during February or March. I've also got a new letter from my doctor confirming my bed rest started specifically on March 15th due to pregnancy complications. The phone hearing is scheduled for next week. I'm still nervous but feeling much more prepared now. Thank you all for your advice and support!