EDD denied my unemployment claim due to work restrictions - can they reject me for not returning to 'usual occupation'?

They CAN'T deny you just for having work restrictions if you're able and available for some type of suitable work. This sounds like a misunderstanding of your case. You need to file an appeal immediately (within 30 days of the denial notice). On the appeal form, clearly explain that while you can't return to your specific previous job, you are able and available for other types of work within your medical restrictions. The key legal requirement for UI is that you're able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work you CAN do. Your doctor's note should specify what you CAN do, not just what you can't do. Make sure your appeal includes documentation of your job search for positions compatible with your restrictions. I went through something similar after a shoulder injury and won my appeal.

The EDD is WRONG! I had almost the exact same situation in 2025 after my back surgery. They initially denied me saying I couldn't do my "usual work" but that's NOT how the law works!!!! You qualify if you can do SOME kind of suitable work even if it's different from your past job. The problem is these stupid automated systems and the entry-level claims examiners who don't understand the actual rules. It's like they're TRAINED to deny first and make you appeal. I had to fight for WEEKS to get my benefits. Make sure you get your doctor to write a letter specifically stating you are able to work in certain types of jobs (like office work) with your restrictions. That's what finally worked for me.

my cousin had this exact problem last yr. EDD always messes stuff up. u definitely CAN get UI with restrictions as long as ur able to do sum kind of work.

This is actually a common misunderstanding with EDD claims processors. When transitioning from disability to unemployment with work restrictions, you need to be very explicit in your application. Here's what you need to do: 1. File your appeal immediately (Form DE 1000M) 2. Obtain a detailed work status report from your doctor stating exactly what types of work you CAN perform 3. Document your job search activities targeting positions within your restrictions 4. At the appeal hearing, emphasize that you meet the three key UI requirements: able to work (within restrictions), available for work, and actively seeking suitable work The legal standard is not whether you can return to your specific previous job, but whether you're able and available for a substantial field of employment. Having permanent restrictions doesn't disqualify you if there's still a significant labor market for jobs you can perform. Stay persistent! The appeals process works well for these types of misapplications of the rules.

I'm having the EXACT same issue right now! My doctor gave me permanent restrictions after my carpal tunnel surgery (can't do repetitive hand movements), and I got denied for UI last week. I worked in food service before but can't do that anymore. I'm so frustrated with the whole system. Every time I call EDD, I can't get through to anyone who can actually help. It's just recordings and disconnections. I've been trying to reach a real person for 3 days straight with no luck. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a human being there?

Wait I don't understand something... if your still injured why did you apply for unemployment instead of continuing disability? Unemployment is for when you can work full duty but got laid off, disability is for when you have medical restrictions. Seems like you should be on disability still if you have all those restrictions?

OMG I hate the EDD so much sometimes!!!! They act like robots without common sense. Obviously if you can work in SOME capacity you should get UI while looking for jobs you CAN do. I got denied for the same reason then approved on appeal. Just make sure you keep documentation of ALL your job searches for positions you can do with your limitations. They will ask for this at the appeal hearing.

One important technical point: Make sure you're properly classified in the EDD system. When you transition from SDI to UI with permanent restrictions, you should be coded as "PX" (Permanently Separated - Medical) rather than just medical separation. This classification acknowledges you're not returning to your previous employer but are able to work elsewhere. On your appeal form, specifically request they review your eligibility under this classification. Also, make sure you're continuing to certify for benefits every two weeks while the appeal is pending - if you win, they'll backpay you for those weeks, but only if you've been certifying.

they always do this to ppl! my brother had same problem and his appeal took FOREVER. make sure u save all ur emails and letters from edd.

I'm new to this community but unfortunately not new to EDD issues. I'm currently dealing with a similar situation where I was denied UI benefits after transitioning from SDI due to work restrictions from a knee injury. What really helped me understand the process was learning that EDD has specific procedures for people with permanent work restrictions who can still perform substantial gainful work. The key is proving you meet the "able and available" standard for suitable work within your limitations, not your previous job. A few things I've learned so far: - Get your doctor's note to be very specific about what you CAN do, not just restrictions - Document every job application for positions within your abilities - When you appeal, emphasize that there's a significant labor market for jobs you can perform - Request a phone hearing if possible - it's less intimidating than in-person I'm still waiting on my appeal decision but the representative I finally reached seemed much more knowledgeable about these transition cases than the initial processor. Don't give up - it seems like most people win these appeals when they have proper documentation!

This is exactly what happened to me too! I had a workplace injury that left me with permanent lifting restrictions, and EDD initially denied my UI claim saying I couldn't do my "usual occupation." It's so frustrating because they completely miss the point - we CAN work, just not in our previous physically demanding jobs. I successfully appealed and got my benefits approved. Here's what made the difference in my case: I got my doctor to write a very detailed letter explaining all the types of work I COULD do with my restrictions, not just what I couldn't do. I also kept a detailed log of every job application I submitted for office work, administrative positions, and other roles that fit my limitations. During my appeal hearing, I emphasized that I was actively seeking work in a substantial field of employment and that my restrictions didn't prevent me from working entirely - just from my specific previous job. The hearing officer understood this distinction and approved my claim. Don't let them discourage you! The initial denial is often just an automatic response from processors who don't understand the nuances of these cases. Appeal immediately and document everything. You've got this!

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation right now! I've been on SDI for a herniated disc and just got cleared to return to work with permanent restrictions - no lifting over 30 pounds and limited standing. My previous job was in retail management which involved a lot of physical work, so I can't go back there. EDD denied my UI claim with the same reasoning about not being able to do my "usual occupation." It's so frustrating because I'm actively applying for desk jobs, customer service roles, and other positions that work with my limitations. I CAN work - just not in my old job! Reading through all these responses gives me hope that this is a common EDD mistake that can be overturned on appeal. I'm going to file my appeal this week and make sure to get a detailed letter from my doctor about what types of work I'm cleared to do. Has anyone here had success with getting back pay for the weeks they were wrongfully denied while waiting for the appeal decision?

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation! What you're experiencing is unfortunately very common - EDD's initial processors often misunderstand the rules around work restrictions and automatically deny claims when people can't return to their exact previous job. You absolutely have grounds for a successful appeal! The legal standard for UI eligibility is whether you're "able and available" for work - not whether you can do your specific former job. Since you can work in office/administrative roles within your restrictions, you meet this requirement. Here's what I'd recommend for your appeal: 1. File immediately (you have 30 days from the denial date) 2. Get a detailed medical statement from your doctor listing what types of work you CAN perform with your restrictions 3. Document all your job applications for positions that accommodate your limitations 4. In your appeal letter, emphasize that you're able to work in a "substantial field of employment" even though you can't return to warehouse work I went through something similar after a workplace injury and won my appeal. The hearing officer was much more knowledgeable than the initial processor and understood that having work restrictions doesn't automatically disqualify you from UI benefits. Stay strong and don't let them discourage you - you have every right to these benefits while you search for suitable work!