EDD PFL eligibility during military PCS move - can I apply before quitting my job?

You're looking for the wrong benefit - PFL is for baby bonding or caregiving. What you need to apply for is UI (Unemployment Insurance) with the military spouse provision. You can't apply until AFTER your last day of work. You'll need a copy of your husband's military orders and your marriage certificate. The military spouse provision allows you to qualify even though you're voluntarily quitting, but you still need to be able and available for work in your new location.

my wife and i did this last year when we moved from san diego to virginia and it was a MESS. took like 6 weeks to get any $$$. make sure you upload all your documents right away and check your EDD account every single day for requests for additional info.

I moved from Travis AFB to Florida in 2024 and applied for the military spouse benefits. Like others said, it's UI not PFL you need. You CANNOT apply until after your last day of work. They'll ask you for: 1. Copy of spouse's PCS orders (with both your names if possible) 2. Marriage certificate 3. Letter from your employer about your separation Make sure you select "quit" as your reason for separation, then select the military spouse option when it asks for details. The standard benefit period is 26 weeks if you qualify.

I went through this exact situation last year. As others mentioned, you need to apply for UI with military spouse provision, not PFL. One thing to be super careful about - you MUST be available for work at your new location. They will ask you in your bi-weekly certifications if you're looking for work, and you have to say yes and document your job search efforts. If you say you're unavailable because you're handling moving logistics, they will deny your claim. I learned this the hard way and had benefits suspended for three weeks.

Everyone's given great advice already about applying for UI instead of PFL. One additional tip: when dealing with EDD for anything military-related, their phone systems can be absolutely impossible. I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual human at EDD when I had issues with my military spouse UI claim. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5. It saved me days of frustration, especially since military spouse claims often get flagged for additional review and you really need to talk to a specialist who understands the military provisions.

I'm a bit confused by some of the responses here. I went through a military PCS move in December and was able to get benefits, but they told me I had to wait until we actually COMPLETED the move to North Carolina before I could apply. The agent said something about needing to establish that I was actually looking for work in the new state. Can someone clarify this? Maybe the rules changed recently?

Just adding another tip - make sure you print out plenty of copies of all your documents before the movers pack everything up! My husband's orders got packed in a box during our PCS and I had to get emergency copies from his command because EDD needed them immediately. Also the EDD portal is actually pretty good now, way better than when we PCS'd in 2023.

After you apply, you'll get a phone interview scheduled to verify your military spouse status. They'll ask about your marriage, the military orders, and why you had to quit your job. Just be honest and straightforward. My interviewer was really understanding about the whole military spouse situation. Make sure you answer this call when it comes in - if you miss it, it can delay your claim by weeks.

Thank you all SO much for the helpful information! To summarize what I've learned: 1. I need to apply for UI with military spouse provision, not PFL 2. I can't apply until after my last day of work 3. I need my husband's PCS orders, our marriage certificate, and a letter from my employer 4. I must be available and actively looking for work in our new location 5. I need to keep detailed records of my job search efforts 6. Be prepared for a phone interview and answer when unknown numbers call 7. Make copies of all documents before they get packed This is exactly the guidance I needed. You've all been so helpful! Now I can plan our budget and timeline more accurately.