EDD benefits confusion - fired day before SDI, now going on PFL, can I reactivate UI after?

I think u can get unemployment after pfl ends but not 100% sure. my cousin had somthing like this happen but she quit not fired.

Yes, you absolutely can file for UI after your PFL ends. The key issue is that you were terminated before your disability began - this preserves your UI eligibility. Had you been terminated while on disability, it would be more complicated. Make sure to specify in your UI application that you were terminated before starting disability/PFL and that you're now able and available for work. You might need to explain the sequence of events clearly since it's unusual. Also, since your termination timing seems suspicious (right before medical leave), you might want to consult with an employment attorney about possible wrongful termination, especially if your employer knew about your upcoming medical needs.

the same thing happened to me!!! Except I had a baby and was going on pregnancy disability. The timing is SO SKETCH when they fire you right before medical leave!! Anyway, my PFL ended in January and I DID get approved for unemployment after. But they took FOREVER to process my claim - like 7 weeks with no income. Make sure you have some savings to get through the gap!!

I went thru something similar and when I called EDD about my UI claim after PFL they kept transferring me and putting me on hold for HOURS and then disconnecting me. I almost gave up because I couldn't get through to anyone! So frustrating when you need answers about your benefits.

Are you SURE you were technically fired? Check your separation paperwork carefully. Sometimes companies will code it as a temporary layoff or leave of absence which affects your UI eligibility differently than termination. Also MAKE SURE youve been paying into SDI through your paychecks or you might get denied!!!!

I had a different experience than what some people are saying here. When I tried to file UI after my disability ended (different situation, but still relevant), EDD initially denied me saying I wasn't able and available for work during my base period because I was on disability. I had to appeal and show them that I was able to work NOW even though I had been on disability BEFORE. My advice is to be very clear in your application that your termination was BEFORE your disability started, and that you are now fully recovered and able to work after your PFL ends. Also, if your termination was retaliatory because they knew you were about to go on medical leave, that could be illegal under FMLA/CFRA protections, depending on your company size and how long you worked there.

u mite also get backpay from when u were fired if ur approved for UI! my friend got like 6weeks of backpay when her claim finally went thru

The REAL problem here is how complicated our benefits system is!!! Why should someone need a PhD just to figure out what benefits they're entitled to after working and paying taxes for years? The EDD system is BROKEN and designed to be confusing on purpose so people give up trying to get their benefits. Sorry for the rant but this makes me so mad every time I see posts like this.

To summarize for anyone in a similar situation: 1. You CAN file for UI after SDI/PFL if you were terminated before your disability began 2. You must be able and available for work when you apply for UI 3. The timing of your termination (right before medical leave) could potentially be illegal retaliation or FMLA violation 4. You cannot receive UI backpay for periods when you received SDI or PFL 5. Document everything carefully and be prepared to clearly explain your timeline to EDD 6. Expect possible processing delays, so have financial backup if possible 7. If denied, remember you have appeal rights Hope this helps clarify things for you and others!