Can I claim EDD PFL benefits for depression after unfair termination from new job?
After 25+ years at the same restaurant, I was fired via text for missing ONE shift (which I got covered & gave notice for). EDD approved my UI claim at $450/week. I found a new job after 6 weeks but they only give me 2-3 days/week AND the people training me are making me feel terrible. I'm honestly falling into serious depression from both the unfair firing and now this hostile training environment. I'm thinking about quitting but worried about my benefits. Can I keep certifying for UI for the days I'm not working? Or should I quit and apply for disability because of depression? Has anyone navigated something similar with EDD? I'm really struggling emotionally right now.
18 comments


Alexis Robinson
First, I'm sorry you're going through this. For your UI question - yes, you can continue to certify for partial unemployment for the days you're not working at your new job. Make sure you report ALL earnings accurately when you certify. As for quitting and applying for disability due to depression, that's trickier. You would need medical documentation from a doctor stating your depression is preventing you from working. PFL wouldn't apply here since it's for bonding with a new child or caring for a family member.
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Ashley Adams
•Thank you for explaining the difference. I wasn't sure which program would apply. Do you know if I need to get documentation BEFORE I quit or can I quit first and then see a doctor? I've never been diagnosed with depression before but I literally cry every morning before work now.
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Aaron Lee
this happened to my cousin last year!!! she got fired from her job and was so stressed she couldn't even interview for new ones. she got on SDI (state disability) not PFL bc PFL is only for baby bonding or taking care of sick relatives. you need a doctor to fill out paperwork tho
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Chloe Mitchell
•wait SDI ≠ PFL?? I thought they were the same program just different names? Im confused lol
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Alexis Robinson
•They're related but different. SDI (State Disability Insurance) is for when YOU can't work due to a medical condition. PFL (Paid Family Leave) is for when you need time off to bond with a new child or care for a seriously ill family member. Both are administered by EDD but serve different purposes and have different requirements.
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Michael Adams
You should talk to an EDD representative directly about this. I spent THREE DAYS trying to get through to someone at EDD when I had questions about transitioning from SDI to PFL after my baby was born. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD agent in about 25 minutes. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 - honestly worth it because the EDD agent explained everything I needed to know about my benefits.
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Ashley Adams
•That sounds really helpful - did you actually get to talk to a real person? I've been trying for weeks and just get disconnected or told to call back later.
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Michael Adams
•Yes, got connected to an actual EDD representative who could see my file and everything. SO much better than just guessing based on the website info or getting different answers every time.
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Natalie Wang
THEY ARE TRYING TO CHEAT YOU!!! The restaurant AND your new job! I got fired after 17 years for the EXACT SAME REASON and I fought it! Got my unemployment AND filed a workplace harassment claim. The EDD system is DESIGNED to confuse people so they don't get all their benefits! Don't just quit - document everything at your new job (screenshots of texts, emails) and THEN quit so you have proof for EDD that it was a hostile work environment!!!
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Noah Torres
•While I understand your frustration, claiming 'constructive dismissal' (being forced to quit due to hostile conditions) is very difficult to prove. EDD typically doesn't consider "I didn't like my training" as good cause for quitting. The better path is seeing a doctor first if depression is the issue, as that provides medical documentation EDD will accept for SDI benefits. Workplace harassment claims require substantial evidence of illegal discrimination based on protected characteristics.
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Samantha Hall
Since you mentioned depression, I want to clarify something important: If you're experiencing depression severe enough that it's affecting your ability to work, you should consider State Disability Insurance (SDI), not PFL. You'll need a healthcare provider to certify your condition. The process works like this: 1. See a doctor who can document your depression 2. Have them complete the medical portion of the DE2501 form 3. You complete your portion of the form 4. Submit to EDD I went through this last year, and while the waiting period was difficult, I eventually received benefits. Your situation where you're already working part-time makes it more complex - you should definitely speak with EDD directly about how that affects eligibility.
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Ashley Adams
•Thank you for the detailed explanation. I made an appointment with my doctor for next week. Do you remember how long it took for your claim to be approved once you submitted everything?
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Samantha Hall
•It took about 10 days for me, but there's also a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin. Make sure your doctor clearly documents how your condition prevents you from performing your regular work duties - that's what EDD looks for when evaluating disability claims.
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Aaron Lee
i don't no about the depression stuff but for the partial unemployment i was on that for like 4 months last year when my hours got cut. just make sure u report exactly how much u made each week when u certify or they'll come after u for overpayment later!! happened to my roomate and she had to pay back like $1200!!!
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Chloe Mitchell
•So true!! My cousin got hit with an overpayment notice for $3400 because she reported her hours wrong for like 6 weeks! EDD is super picky about reporting everything correctly.
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Noah Torres
To address your situation comprehensively: 1. For your current part-time job: You can continue certifying for UI for the days you don't work, but you must report all earnings. Your weekly benefit amount will be reduced based on your part-time income. 2. For your mental health concerns: If a doctor certifies your depression is preventing you from working, you could qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI). This requires a DE2501 form completed by a healthcare provider. 3. Important distinction: Paid Family Leave (PFL) would NOT apply in your situation as it's specifically for bonding with a new child or caring for an ill family member. 4. If you quit: Generally, voluntarily quitting disqualifies you from UI unless you can prove "good cause." Mental health issues documented by a healthcare provider before quitting can sometimes qualify as good cause. I recommend maintaining your part-time job while seeking medical help for your depression. This preserves your partial UI benefits while you explore SDI options with proper medical documentation.
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Ashley Adams
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you. I think I'll keep the part-time job while I talk to my doctor. One last question - if I do qualify for SDI for depression, would the benefits be similar to what I'm getting from unemployment?
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Noah Torres
•SDI benefits are calculated differently from UI. SDI pays approximately 60-70% of your wages earned during your base period (roughly 5-18 months before your claim starts). This could be more or less than your current UI benefit, depending on your specific earnings history. You can use the EDD's SDI calculator on their website to get an estimate of your potential benefit amount.
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