I'm reading through this entire thread as someone who went through a very similar situation about a year ago, and I want to add one more perspective that might be helpful. After exploring many of the excellent resources everyone has mentioned here, I ended up using a combination approach that worked really well. I took a small 401k loan (about $2,000) which didn't affect my EDD benefits at all, then supplemented that with CalFresh, utility assistance through LIHEAP, and a one-time emergency grant from a local nonprofit. The 401k loan gave me immediate cash flow relief while I waited for the assistance programs to process (some took 2-3 weeks), and then I was able to pay the loan back faster once the other aid kicked in and reduced my monthly expenses. What really surprised me was how much help was actually available once I started looking - I ended up getting about $1,800 in various assistance over 3 months, which combined with the loan meant I never had to do a taxable withdrawal from my retirement accounts. The paperwork was a bit overwhelming at first, but I just tackled one application per day and kept a simple spreadsheet tracking what I'd applied for and the status. Emma, if you decide to go this route, I'd be happy to share the specific organizations and programs that helped me in California. Sometimes having a real example of how someone pieced it all together can make the process feel less daunting. Hang in there!

Reading through this entire discussion has been incredibly educational! I'm currently dealing with a similar situation - been unemployed for about 5 weeks and starting to feel the financial pressure. I was also considering tapping into my 401k, but after seeing all the potential complications with EDD reporting and the impact on benefits, plus all the alternative resources everyone has shared, I'm definitely going to try the other options first. The combination approach that Zoe described sounds particularly smart - using a 401k loan for immediate relief while applying for assistance programs that take time to process. I had no idea about programs like CalFresh, LIHEAP, or calling 211 for local resources. The car payment deferral and utility hardship programs that Paolo and others mentioned are things I never would have thought to explore either. One question for anyone who's been through this - roughly how long did it take from when you started applying for these various assistance programs to when you started seeing actual help/payments? I'm trying to plan out my timeline and figure out if I need some kind of bridge funding (like the 401k loan) while waiting for programs to kick in. Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed experiences and resources. This community is incredibly valuable for navigating these challenging situations!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - it's incredibly stressful to be blindsided like that, especially when you've been doing good work! I've been lurking in this community for a while and finally decided to create an account because your situation hits so close to home. I was terminated from my administrative assistant position about 8 months ago for alleged "communication issues" but never received any coaching, warnings, or documentation about my communication style. In fact, I had received compliments from multiple departments about how helpful and professional I was in my interactions. I applied for EDD benefits immediately and was approved without any issues. My employer didn't even try to contest it, which makes me think they knew they were on shaky ground with their reasoning. The whole experience taught me that these vague termination reasons are often just employers trying to avoid paying unemployment, but EDD sees right through it when there's no real documentation. Based on everything I've learned and all the success stories in this thread, you should definitely apply right away. Having that positive performance review from 4 months ago is going to be huge for your case. Don't let them make you doubt yourself - you know you were doing your job well, and EDD will recognize that too when they see the lack of proper documentation from your employer.

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this situation, but based on everything I've read here and my own experience, you have an excellent chance of getting approved for EDD benefits! I went through almost the exact same thing about a year ago - got fired from my customer service job for "attitude and performance concerns" but had zero documentation in my file. No write-ups, no coaching sessions, no performance improvement plans, nothing. The key thing to remember is that EDD distinguishes between being fired for poor performance (which you can get benefits for) versus being fired for willful misconduct (which you can't). What you're describing - sudden termination with vague reasons and no prior warnings - is exactly the kind of situation where EDD typically approves claims. The burden is on your employer to prove you engaged in deliberate misconduct, and they can't do that with just "performance issues" and no documentation. When I applied, my employer did contest the claim, but during the phone hearing EDD asked them to provide evidence of the warnings they claimed to have given me. When they couldn't produce anything concrete, EDD ruled in my favor immediately. The whole process took about a month from application to first payment. My advice: apply TODAY if you haven't already. Be completely honest about being terminated for alleged performance issues without prior warnings. Gather that positive performance review and any other evidence of good work. And don't let them intimidate you - you've paid into this system and deserve these benefits when you lose your job through no fault of your own.

I just went through this exact scenario about 3 weeks ago! My employer also no-showed after claiming "willful misconduct" when I was actually terminated due to "reduction in workforce." The waiting for the decision is absolutely nerve-wracking, but based on your description, you're in a really strong position. What really helped me feel confident was that I had clear documentation (like your "position elimination" evidence) while my employer made serious allegations but couldn't even bother to defend them. The judge was very professional in my case too - asked lots of detailed questions but didn't give any hints about which way they were leaning. I got my decision letter in exactly 10 days and won! The key thing the judge noted in the written decision was that without the employer's testimony or evidence to support their misconduct claims, my documented version of events was accepted as credible. Pro tip: I called the Appeals Office number (it was on my decision letter) on day 12 when my UI Online still hadn't updated, and they were actually helpful! The rep confirmed my favorable decision was being processed and said it usually takes 10-15 business days for the system to update after appeals decisions. Keep certifying every two weeks and checking your mail daily starting around day 8. With your documented "position elimination" vs their undefended misconduct claims, I'd be very optimistic. You've clearly got this! 🤞

I just want to add my voice to all the encouragement here! I went through this exact situation about 7 months ago - my employer claimed "violation of attendance policy" when I was actually laid off due to budget cuts, then they completely no-showed at the appeal hearing. The judge was very thorough and professional, asking detailed questions about my attendance record, any disciplinary actions, and the specific circumstances of my termination. I came prepared with my layoff notice that clearly stated "cost reduction measures," emails about company-wide cuts, and my attendance records showing I was within policy. Without my employer there to back up their attendance violation claims, I felt so much more confident. Got my decision letter in 9 days and won the appeal! The written decision specifically noted that the employer's failure to appear left their allegations without supporting evidence. It took about 10 days after that for my UI Online account to update and I received full backpay for all the weeks I had certified during the appeal. Dallas, your situation is even stronger than mine was - having "position elimination" documentation while they claim misconduct but can't even show up to defend it is about as solid as it gets for an appeal case. You were clearly prepared and they completely abandoned their position. That contradiction alone should work heavily in your favor. Keep certifying religiously and start watching your mailbox like a hawk around day 8! Based on all the success stories shared here, you should be getting fantastic news very soon. This whole process is incredibly stressful but you're in such a strong position. Hang in there! 🙌

Just wanted to add my perspective as someone who's been navigating EDD for about 8 months now - the bi-weekly schedule really is the standard in California, and while that first payment wait is absolutely nerve-wracking, it does get so much easier! One thing I wish someone had told me early on is to take advantage of the "Contact EDD" feature in UI Online if you have specific questions about your claim - sometimes you can get answers through their messaging system faster than calling. Also, for budgeting purposes, I found it helpful to treat each bi-weekly payment as covering exactly 14 days of expenses, which made it easier to stretch the money between payments. The consistency of the bi-weekly schedule actually becomes a blessing once you're used to it - you always know exactly when your next payment is coming. Hang in there during that initial waiting period, it really does get more predictable!

I'm also new to EDD and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Just wanted to share that I called my local 211 yesterday after seeing it mentioned here, and they connected me with a food pantry that specifically helps people waiting for their first unemployment payment. They didn't even need proof that I was approved - just that I had applied and was waiting. It really took the pressure off about groceries while I wait for my EDD card to arrive. For anyone else in that initial waiting period, definitely don't hesitate to reach out to local resources. The bi-weekly schedule makes so much more sense now after reading everyone's explanations - I was getting confused thinking it would be weekly like some other states. Really appreciate this community sharing all the practical tips!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - make sure to ask about the timing of your final paycheck! In California, if you're being laid off (which sounds like your situation), they're required to give you your final paycheck INCLUDING the vacation payout on your last day of work. They can't mail it to you later or make you wait for the next regular pay cycle. If they try to delay it, they owe you "waiting time penalties" which is basically one day's wages for each day they're late (up to 30 days). This is separate from the vacation payout requirement - it's about WHEN they have to pay you everything they owe. Given that your payroll person has given incorrect info before, I'd specifically ask HR to confirm they understand California's final paycheck timing requirements too!

Something else to consider - if your company uses a third-party payroll service (like ADP or Paychex), sometimes there can be confusion about which state's laws apply when the payroll company is in a different state than where you work. Make sure when you contact HR that they understand YOU are the California employee and California law applies to YOUR final paycheck, regardless of where their payroll is processed. I've seen situations where payroll companies default to their home state's rules unless specifically told otherwise. Also, keep records of all your communications about this - if there are any issues later, having a paper trail showing you proactively informed them about California requirements will strengthen your position if you need to file a wage claim.