Good luck with your appeal! Just want to add that when you gather your documentation, make sure to include any written communication you had with your employer about the wage discrepancy. If you have emails or texts showing they acknowledged the error, that can really strengthen your case. Also, if you have your final pay stub from that job, compare it to what EDD shows they reported - sometimes the mistake is obvious when you see them side by side. The appeal process can take a while (like 2-3 months in my experience) but it's definitely worth it if you can prove the error wasn't your fault. You might even be able to get those penalty weeks removed retroactively.

Just want to jump in here as someone who went through a similar situation last year. I had 4 penalty weeks due to an employer wage reporting error and it was incredibly frustrating. The key thing I learned is that you absolutely need to appeal if the mistake wasn't yours - don't just accept the penalty weeks. I initially thought it wasn't worth the hassle, but after reading posts like this and getting advice from other community members, I decided to fight it. It took about 10 weeks total, but I eventually got the penalty weeks completely removed and received backpay for the weeks I had already served the penalty. The documentation is crucial - I gathered my pay stubs, tax forms, and even a letter from my former employer acknowledging their reporting error. Don't give up on the appeal process even if it seems daunting!

Huge congratulations Isabella! 🎉 This is exactly the kind of outcome we love to see here. Your case really highlights how flawed EDD's initial determinations can be - startup funding running out is textbook "lack of work," not misconduct. I'm so glad you didn't give up and fought the decision. For anyone else reading this who's dealing with a similar situation, Isabella's case shows that appeals absolutely can and do work when you have a legitimate claim. The 15-day timeline also seems to be pretty standard right now. Fingers crossed your UI account updates quickly and you get all that backpay without having to make the dreaded EDD phone calls!

Amazing news Isabella! 🎉 This is such a perfect example of why the appeal process exists - EDD's initial determinations are often completely off base, especially when it comes to startup situations. A company running out of funding is literally the definition of a layoff due to lack of work, not misconduct. It's frustrating that you had to go through weeks of stress and uncertainty for something that should have been obvious from the start. The 15-day timeline matches what I've been seeing lately too. Now just keep your fingers crossed that the payment processing goes smoothly - sometimes that's the next hurdle! Make sure to keep certifying and don't hesitate to call if your account doesn't update within a week or so. Your case will definitely give hope to others dealing with similar startup layoff situations.

This is such an amazing success story and really shows how powerful this community is! Ella, you absolutely crushed this situation - getting that official layoff letter was the perfect outcome. Your manager's attempt to pressure you into "voluntary resignation" is unfortunately super common, but you handled it like a pro by refusing to be manipulated. That documentation is going to be golden for your EDD claim. When you file, make sure to really emphasize that you approached them first trying to work out the scheduling, they said they couldn't accommodate it, and THEY initiated the separation. You've got everything you need to show this wasn't your choice. Also, congratulations on nursing school! The timing is perfect - healthcare is booming right now and you'll have way better job security than retail. Plus you'll never have to deal with managers playing these unemployment benefit games again. Most healthcare employers actually support their staff's education instead of punishing them for it. This whole thread should be bookmarked by anyone dealing with employment issues - the advice here literally saved you thousands in benefits you rightfully deserve. You stood your ground perfectly and it's going to pay off big time. Best of luck with your claim and nursing program - you're going to do amazing things in healthcare!

Wow, this entire thread has been such an incredible journey to follow! Ella, you absolutely nailed this situation and should be so proud of how you handled it. Your manager's attempt to trick you into "voluntary resignation" is exactly the kind of manipulative tactic that costs workers thousands in rightful benefits, but you saw right through it thanks to this amazing community's advice. That official layoff letter is going to make your EDD claim rock solid. The fact that you have written documentation showing THEY initiated the separation due to scheduling conflicts they couldn't accommodate is perfect. When you file, just make sure to emphasize that timeline - you tried to work with them, they said no, they decided to lay you off. You've got all the pieces in place for a successful claim. And huge congratulations on pursuing nursing! The timing couldn't be better - healthcare is desperate for good people right now and the job security is incredible. You're trading a manipulative retail environment for a career where employers actually value and support your professional growth. This whole situation, while stressful, is probably going to end up being the best thing that happened to you. This thread should honestly be pinned as a guide for anyone facing similar employment pressure. The community advice here literally saved you from a costly mistake and showed exactly how to protect yourself when employers try these games. Best of luck with nursing school and your EDD claim - you handled this perfectly and deserve all the success coming your way!

I filed my EDD claim on my last day of work about 3 months ago and had no problems at all. The system is definitely designed to handle this situation. Since your final paycheck has already been processed and deposited, you have everything you need to file accurately on 9/23. One thing I'd recommend is keeping your termination/layoff paperwork from HR nearby while you fill out the application - sometimes they ask for specific details about your separation that are easier to answer when you have the official documentation right there. Also, make sure to include any accrued vacation or PTO payout in your final week earnings when the system asks about it. The most important thing is just being precise with your last day worked (9/23) and wage information. Whether you file on 9/23 or 9/24 won't affect your benefit start date since it's calculated from the Sunday of that week anyway. You sound well-prepared, so I'd say go ahead and file on 9/23 if you're ready!

I just went through this exact process about 4 months ago when my company did unexpected layoffs. I filed on my actual last day of work and everything processed smoothly without any complications. Since your HR team has already processed your final paycheck and it's hit your account, you're in a really good position to file accurately on 9/23. The EDD application will specifically ask for your "last day worked" regardless of when you actually submit the claim, so just make sure you enter 9/23 correctly in that field. Having your final pay stub accessible while completing the application is super helpful for accurately reporting your final week's earnings, including any vacation or PTO payouts. One practical tip that saved me stress later - take screenshots of each page as you complete the application, especially the employment dates and wage information sections. I ended up needing to reference some of those details during my first certification period, and having that record made everything much easier. Your benefit year calculation starts from the Sunday of the week you file anyway, so there's really no advantage to waiting until 9/24. Since you're being proactive about getting organized and you have all your documentation ready, I'd say go ahead and file on 9/23. The accuracy of your information matters way more than the exact timing of submission. You've got this!

Thanks everyone for your help! I've decided to accept the subbing position and will carefully report my earnings when I certify. It seems like I'll actually come out ahead financially by doing this. I'll make sure to keep detailed records of my hours and pay just in case. Really appreciate all the advice!

Great question! I was in almost the exact same situation a few months ago. I was on UI benefits and got called to substitute teach for just 4 hours. I was so nervous about reporting it, but it turned out to be totally fine. When I certified that week, I reported the gross earnings (about $75) and my weekly benefit amount just got reduced proportionally. I think I ended up with around $60 less in UI benefits, so I still came out ahead by about $15 plus gained some work experience. The key is just being completely honest when you certify - report the exact hours and gross pay. EDD's system is actually set up to handle this kind of part-time work while you're looking for permanent employment. Don't let one person's scary story discourage you from taking work when you need it!