After reading all these responses, it seems like your options are: 1. Find a different CNA program with evening/weekend classes 2. Look for employer-sponsored CNA training programs (hospitals, nursing homes) 3. Try one more time to negotiate reduced hours for partial unemployment 4. Consider a small personal loan to cover the 8-week period 5. See if your school offers any emergency financial aid Unfortunately, quitting to attend school almost certainly won't qualify for regular unemployment benefits. The system is designed to support people who lost jobs involuntarily, not those making career transitions - even though more flexibility would actually help workers gain better skills. Whatever you decide, I'd recommend having another job lined up before finishing the program, even if it's part-time, to avoid any gaps in income.

Just wanted to add another resource that might help - check if your local community colleges offer CNA programs through their continuing education departments. Many of these are designed for working adults and offer evening or hybrid schedules. Also, some Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs provide funding for healthcare training if you meet income requirements. You can find these through your local One-Stop Career Center. The training might even be free or low-cost, which would eliminate the need for loans or unemployment benefits altogether. Worth looking into before making any major decisions!

I'm new here but wanted to chime in after reading your story - what you experienced is absolutely terrible and you 100% made the right decision to leave that toxic environment. Your safety and wellbeing are more important than any job. I haven't been through the EDD appeals process myself, but I work in employment law and can tell you that your case sounds very strong. The key factors working in your favor are: 1) You have documented evidence of the harassment, 2) You properly reported it to HR, 3) HR essentially admitted they couldn't help because the harasser was the owner, and 4) You had no reasonable alternatives left. California law specifically recognizes that employees shouldn't have to endure illegal harassment to keep their jobs. The initial denial is frustrating but unfortunately common - EDD often denies first and hopes people don't appeal. Stay strong and definitely file that appeal! With your documentation and witness statements, you should have a good chance of success.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - what a horrible situation to be put in! As someone new to this community, I've been reading through all the advice and wanted to add my support. You absolutely did the right thing by leaving that toxic environment, and you deserve those benefits while you search for a safer workplace. One thing I noticed that might help strengthen your appeal: make sure to emphasize the timeline of events clearly. Document exactly when the harassment started escalating, when you reported to HR, and when they essentially told you there was no recourse. This timeline will help show the judge that you didn't just quit impulsively - you tried to resolve it through proper channels first and only left when it became clear there was no other option. Also, if you haven't already, try to get that HR response in writing if it was verbal. Even a follow-up email saying something like "Per our conversation yesterday about my concerns regarding [owner's name], I understand that internal resolution isn't possible given the reporting structure" could be helpful documentation. You've got a strong case and great advice from everyone here. Don't let EDD discourage you - file that appeal and fight for what you deserve!

Just wanted to add another option that worked for me - if you have a smartphone, try using the EDD mobile app to send a message through the "Contact Us" feature. I know the original poster mentioned they already tried UI Online, but the mobile app seems to route messages differently. I got a response within 2 days when I explained my situation was urgent due to rent being due. Also, when you do get through to someone (whether by phone or through one of these services), ask them to put notes in your account about the issue being resolved so if something similar happens again, the next rep can see the history. Really glad to hear the Claimyr service worked for you @Ava Johnson - that's awesome that you got it sorted out!

Another strategy that helped me when I was in a similar situation - try calling the disability insurance (DI) line at 1-800-480-3287 and explain that you're having trouble reaching someone about your UI claim. Sometimes they can transfer you internally to the right department, and since fewer people know about this number, you're more likely to get through to a human. Also, if you're really desperate, consider reaching out to your local One-Stop Career Center (American Job Centers). They often have direct contacts at EDD and can sometimes make calls on your behalf or escalate urgent cases. I know it's frustrating but don't give up - there are people there who want to help, the system just makes it incredibly hard to reach them!

I'm so sorry this happened to you after nearly four decades of loyal service - what a shocking and unfair way to be treated! But I'm glad you found this community because everyone here has given you excellent advice. I just wanted to add one more perspective as someone who works in HR: definitely document everything about your termination while it's fresh in your memory. Write down exactly what was said, who was present, any reasons given, and details about the "restructuring" they mentioned. If you received any written communications about the termination, keep copies. This documentation could be valuable not just for your unemployment claim, but also if you decide to explore the age discrimination angle that Emma mentioned. Also, don't feel embarrassed about needing help with the EDD website or job searching after so many years - that's completely normal! The job market and application processes have changed dramatically. Consider it a learning adventure rather than a setback. You have decades of valuable experience that many employers would appreciate, even if the initial search feels daunting. You've clearly built a strong work ethic over 39 years, and that same determination will serve you well in navigating this transition. Wishing you the best of luck with your unemployment claim and whatever comes next!

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation after 39 years of dedicated service - that's absolutely heartbreaking and infuriating. But I'm so glad you found this supportive community! Everyone here has given you fantastic advice about filing for unemployment (which you absolutely should do immediately), but I wanted to share something that might help with the overwhelming feeling of starting over at 65. My father-in-law went through something very similar at 63 after 35 years with his company. He was devastated at first, but it actually ended up being one of the best things that happened to him. While collecting unemployment, he took time to really think about what he wanted to do next instead of just jumping into the first opportunity. He ended up finding a part-time consulting role in his field that paid better per hour than his old job, gave him flexible scheduling, and let him travel to interesting projects. He's been happier and less stressed than he was in his final years at the old company. The key is not to rush into anything just because you feel pressure. You've earned these unemployment benefits - use them as breathing room to explore options you might never have considered before. Sometimes what feels like an ending is actually a new beginning in disguise. Stay strong, and don't let them push you around after all those years of loyal service. You've got this! 💪

Just went through this exact situation 6 months ago! The key thing that saved me was having email chains where the contractor discussed their other clients and mentioned setting their own deadlines. EDD initially ruled against me, but I appealed and won. Make sure you emphasize in your response that they: 1) Had their own business entity (LLC), 2) Used their own tools/software, 3) Could accept or decline projects, and 4) marketed services to others. Don't just list the facts - explain HOW each piece of evidence proves they meet the ABC test. I also included screenshots of their professional website and LinkedIn showing they marketed themselves as an independent business. The hearing officer said that really helped my case. You've got this!

I represented myself at the appeal hearing - didn't use a lawyer. The process was actually less intimidating than I expected. The hearing officer was fair and asked straightforward questions about the working relationship. I prepared a simple timeline showing when the contractor started/ended projects, when they invoiced me vs. when they invoiced other clients, and key communications that demonstrated their independence. The whole hearing took about 45 minutes over the phone. My advice: practice explaining your case clearly and concisely beforehand. Focus on the facts, stay calm, and be ready to answer questions about specific details of your working relationship. Since you have strong documentation (LLC, multiple clients, own equipment), you have a really good chance of winning if it comes to an appeal. But hopefully your initial response will be strong enough that it won't even get that far!