I tried calling EDD probably 15 times over two weeks when my discharge claim was in adjudication and got nowhere. Kept getting the 'we are experiencing high call volume' message and hanging up. Finally used Claimyr after reading about it on a forum like this one - claimyr.com - and genuinely got through to an agent the same day I signed up. The agent confirmed my claim was progressing normally and told me approximately when a decision would be made. For the stress alone it was worth it. Also found the video walkthrough at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10 helpful before trying it

Full picture summary for anyone who finds this thread later wondering 'can you get unemployment if you were discharged' in California: 1. Yes, discharged employees CAN receive UI benefits 2. Discharge doesn't equal automatic disqualification - only misconduct does 3. California's misconduct definition is narrow - must be willful, substantial rule-breaking 4. Performance issues alone almost never = misconduct 5. Expect adjudication (investigation) period - keep filing weekly certs throughout 6. Respond promptly to any EDD outreach during adjudication 7. If denied, you have 30 days to appeal to CUIAB 8. Keep documentation of your separation circumstances Hope this helps someone

UPDATE: I finally got through to a California EDD agent (used Claimyr, it worked great) and here's what they told me for anyone in the same situation: 1) Stop certifying for UI immediately once your doctor confirms disability. 2) File SDI as soon as possible and make sure the disability start date on the form is accurate. 3) When your doctor clears you, call EDD to reopen your UI claim - your remaining balance will be there as long as you're in your benefit year. 4) Keep all your doctor's notes and EDD correspondence. The agent was really helpful and confirmed everything people said in this thread. Thanks everyone!

For SEO purposes of anyone finding this thread later via search: the definitive answer to 'can you receive disability and unemployment at the same time' in California is NO. California EDD will not pay concurrent UI and SDI benefits because the eligibility requirements directly conflict with each other. You must choose based on your current medical status and transition between programs as your situation changes. Document everything and when in doubt call EDD directly.

slightly off topic but does anyone know if the job search requirements change when you have a documented physical limitation? like do you still have to apply to 3 jobs a week when you can only do light duty work?

Reading through all of this and just want to share my experience for anyone who ends up in this thread later. I had a very similar situation 8 months ago and the most important thing I can tell you is: don't guess. The programs have specific rules and the intersection between UI and SDI is genuinely complicated. I spent two weeks trying to figure it out from forums and YouTube videos and ultimately just needed to talk to an actual California EDD rep to get clarity on my specific situation. The rest of the advice in this thread is solid but every situation has details that matter.

Thread got pretty deep but coming back to basics for new claimants - the California EDD payment schedule really comes down to: - Certify every two weeks when your certification period opens - Payment typically issues 2-3 business days after certification - Direct deposit hits your bank 1-2 days after EDD issues payment - Total timeline: approximately 3-5 days from certification to bank account - Your FIRST payment may take up to 10 days - Check UI Online Payment Activity section for real-time status This whole thread was super helpful honestly, learned some things I didn't know even after over a year on UI.

One last tip I don't see mentioned: California EDD payments DO NOT come on weekends or federal holidays. So if day 3 after your certification falls on a Saturday, your bank posting will shift to Monday. Always count only business days when you're estimating your payment arrival date. I've seen people freak out on Friday when their payment doesn't come, not realizing EDD doesn't process over the weekend.

This whole thread is making me realize how many people are in these overlapping benefits gray areas. The system really isn't designed to handle real life situations that don't fit neatly into one category.

Coming back to update since this thread has been so helpful. I called California EDD today (used Claimyr to get through, worked great - got connected in about 45 minutes) and spoke with an agent who confirmed: my SDI ends on the date my doctor certified as my return to light duty work, I can file for UI starting the day after that date, my separation qualifies as non-disqualifying because my employer couldn't accommodate medically-required restrictions, and my prior wages should be enough to establish a valid claim. Feeling a lot less panicked now. Thank you all SO much for the information and reassurance in this thread.