Transitioning from CA disability to NV unemployment while starting school - possible?
My doctor says I'll be cleared from my disability period on February 6th (after 4 months on SDI for back surgery). I'm seriously considering moving to Nevada to be closer to family and want to enroll in a vocational program before jumping back into the workforce. My question is - can I apply for unemployment benefits after my disability ends while I'm in school? And if so, would I apply in California where I worked and earned wages before my disability, or Nevada where I'll be living? My old job position in CA isn't available anymore so I can't return to the same employer. I've heard conflicting things about whether being in school automatically disqualifies you from unemployment. Anyone navigated this interstate benefits situation before?
17 comments


Kingston Bellamy
i think unemployment is based on where u worked not where u live... so cali probably
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Morita Montoya
•Thanks! So even if I'm physically in Nevada, I'd still apply through California EDD?
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Joy Olmedo
You'll need to file with California since that's where your base period wages were earned. However, there are some important things to understand: 1. When your SDI ends, you need to be able and available for work to qualify for unemployment. Being enrolled in school can disqualify you unless you're in an approved training program. 2. If you're in school, you'll need to complete the Training Benefits (CTB) application through California EDD to potentially continue receiving benefits while training. 3. Moving out of state doesn't disqualify you from CA unemployment, but you'll need to register with Nevada's workforce agency for job search requirements while collecting CA benefits. 4. The transition from SDI to UI isn't automatic - they're separate applications, so apply for UI as soon as your disability ends. One more important note: Make sure you have a trailing address in California or can receive mail there during the transition period, as some initial correspondence from EDD must be handled by mail.
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Morita Montoya
•This is super helpful, thank you! I didn't know about the Training Benefits option. Do you know if vocational programs typically qualify? I'm looking at a 6-month medical coding certification.
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Isaiah Cross
Been there done that! I moved from CA to Oregon after disability and it was a NIGHTMARE. EDD kept sending paperwork to my old address even after I updated it online like 5 times!!! Make sure you call them directly to confirm your address change bc their system is garbage. Good luck!!
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Kiara Greene
•This is absolutely correct. Address changes can be problematic in the EDD system, especially when transitioning between benefit types. I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an EDD representative quickly to confirm both your address change and ask detailed questions about your Training Benefits eligibility. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Getting direct confirmation from an EDD representative about your specific training program will save you headaches later.
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Evelyn Kelly
You might have a problem with being "available for work" while in school. When I was on unemployment they required me to be actively looking for work and ABLE to accept any job offered. If your school schedule would prevent you from accepting full-time work, they can deny your claim. This rule might be different if your training is through an approved program though.
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Morita Montoya
•Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. I wonder if part-time school would make a difference? The program I'm looking at has some evening classes.
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Paloma Clark
The rules for school while on unemployment are SUPER strict in California!!! I tried taking ONE class while on unemployment last year and they cut off my benefits for 3 weeks until I had a phone interview to explain the situation. They eventually reinstated my benefits because it was just an online night class, but the stress was awful. The CA EDD is TERRIBLE about communicating these policies clearly. Also, be prepared for the disability-to-unemployment transition to take WEEKS. My husband had almost 2 months with NO INCOME between his SDI ending and UI payments starting. They backpaid eventually but good luck paying bills in the meantime!
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Heather Tyson
•This is why I always tell people to have at least 3 months of expenses saved before making any big moves. The system isn't designed to be seamless.
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Morita Montoya
•Yikes, 2 months without income would be really tough. I'll definitely need to plan for that gap. Do you know if having a job offer pending (starting date after school completion) would help with the UI eligibility?
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Joy Olmedo
To answer your follow-up question about the medical coding certification - those types of vocational programs often do qualify for the California Training Benefits program, especially if they're state-approved or accredited. The program needs to lead to a high-demand occupation (medical coding usually qualifies). You'll need to submit the DE 8736 form as part of your UI claim and include details about your training program. I would recommend doing this early in your claim process. As for having a pending job offer - unfortunately, that doesn't help with UI eligibility during training. The job would need to be one you can start immediately while continuing your education to satisfy the "available for work" requirement outside of the CTB program. Before moving, I'd strongly suggest getting all this approved while you're still physically in California. It's much easier to handle these complex transitions in-person if possible.
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Morita Montoya
•Thank you again! You seem to really know the system. Would it be better to just stay in California until my schooling is complete? I could possibly stay with a friend for 6 months if that would make the benefits situation smoother.
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Raul Neal
my cousin tried to get unimployment while taking classes and they denied him bcuz he wasnt "available to work" so maybe just dont tell them ur in school? just say ur looking for work?
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Joy Olmedo
•Please don't suggest this. Not disclosing enrollment in school while collecting unemployment benefits is fraud. EDD routinely cross-references with educational institutions, and if they discover unreported school attendance, it can result in benefit repayment, penalties, and potentially more serious consequences. Always be honest on your certifications.
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Joy Olmedo
To your question about staying in California - yes, that would likely make the transition much smoother. Here's why: 1. The California Training Benefits program is easier to navigate when you're physically present in the state 2. Address and mail issues are eliminated 3. If any problems arise with your claim, you can visit an EDD office in person 4. Interstate claims (CA benefits while in NV) add an extra layer of complexity If staying with your friend for the 6-month program is a viable option, it would likely result in fewer headaches with your benefits. Once your training is complete and you no longer need benefits, the move to Nevada would be much simpler from a bureaucratic perspective.
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Morita Montoya
•Thank you so much for all your help. I think I'll take your advice and stay in CA until I finish the program. The potential benefit issues sound like more trouble than they're worth. Really appreciate everyone's input!
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