EDD PFL to unemployment after moving out of state? School employee maternity leave dilemma

Yes, you can apply for unemployment after your PFL ends based on the situation you described. California considers relocating with a spouse for their employment as "good cause" for quitting your job, which makes you eligible for UI benefits. The fact that you're moving more than 100 miles definitely qualifies. Here's what you should do: 1. Apply for UI as soon as your PFL baby bonding ends in July - don't wait 2. When filing, clearly explain that you're relocating due to your spouse's employment 3. You can actually collect CA unemployment while physically in North Carolina (you'll certify online) 4. You'll need to be actively searching for work in NC to maintain eligibility Keep documentation of your husband's job offer and your relocation plans in case EDD requests proof. And remember you must be able and available for work - having arrangements for childcare is important.

You CANNOT collect unemployment!!! When you file they will ask if you're available for work IN CALIFORNIA. If you say no, denied. If you lie, that's fraud. Trust me, I know people who tried this exact thing. The 100 mile rule is for if you're still in Cali but had to move away from your job location.

I went thru something similar last yr but my baby was 6mo old. EDD is soooo confusing with all the different benefits!!! When I called, it took me like 2 days of trying before I could talk to someone who actually knew the rules. Have u tried calling them diretly? Good luck mama, moving with a newborn is HARD!!

I was in a similar situation last year and spent DAYS trying to get answers from EDD about transitioning from PFL to unemployment before moving out of state. After endless busy signals and disconnects, I found Claimyr.com which got me connected to an EDD agent in about 15 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 showing how it works. Totally worth it to get clear answers about your specific situation - especially with all the contradicting info online about moving out of state. The agent I reached confirmed I could get CA unemployment in my new state as long as I had good cause for leaving (which spouse relocation is) and was looking for work at my new location.

To answer your specific timeline question - you should file for UI immediately after your PFL benefit ends. Don't wait until August or until you move. The UI claim will be based on your base period earnings (approximately 5-18 months before filing), so being on disability/PFL recently won't impact your weekly benefit amount. One important thing: when you apply, you'll need to list your reason for separation from your employer as "quit with good cause" and then explain the spousal relocation. This is considered good cause to leave employment in California. Also, you'll need to register with the North Carolina unemployment office for job search assistance once you move, even though your benefits will come from California. This is part of the interstate agreement for unemployment benefits.

just wondering why ur moving to NC?? did ur husband get a better job there? or just trying to get away from CA? we moved from LA to Raleigh 2 yrs ago and its 100% better for raising kids but make sure to research schools if u plan to work in education there cuz the pay isnt great compared to CA!!

Make sure you understand that UI benefits have requirements about actively seeking work. You'll need to certify every two weeks that you're looking for work, applying to jobs, etc. They can ask for evidence of your job search activities. Also, there's a one week waiting period before benefits start. So if your PFL ends July 15th and you apply right away, your first payable week would be around July 23rd (assuming you certify right away). I'd recommend applying 1-2 days before your PFL officially ends so there's minimal gap. The EDD online system will let you set your claim to start after your PFL ends.

My cousins' daughter moved to Florida after maternity leave and tried to get unemployment but got denied because they said she wasnt available for CA work. Maybe it depends on who reviews your claim? The system is so inconsistant!!!

As someone who recently went through a similar transition, I wanted to share some additional perspective. When I moved from California to Texas after my maternity leave, I was initially nervous about the unemployment process, but it worked out smoothly once I understood the steps. A few things that helped me: - Document EVERYTHING about your husband's job offer and your move - dates, salary info, start date, etc. EDD may request this later - Start researching childcare options in NC now so you can honestly say you're "able and available" for work when you certify - Consider reaching out to NC school districts before you move - many are hiring for fall and some might be willing to do virtual interviews The interstate unemployment system is actually designed for situations like yours. California wants to help people who leave for legitimate reasons (like spousal relocation), not penalize them. Just be completely honest in your application about why you're leaving and where you'll be looking for work. Good luck with the move! Having a newborn during a cross-country relocation is stressful enough without worrying about benefits.