Hey Nick! I'm going through something similar right now - also considering leaving due to health issues. One thing I learned from talking to an EDD rep (after many failed attempts to get through!) is that they really scrutinize voluntary quits, so documentation is EVERYTHING. I'd suggest getting your doctor to write a detailed letter that specifically mentions how your work environment is affecting your health conditions - not just that you have anxiety/insomnia, but how the job itself is causing or worsening these issues. Also, before you quit, definitely try the accommodation route first (reduced hours, different duties, work from home if possible) and keep emails/documentation of all requests. Even if they deny your requests, it shows you tried to preserve your employment. The whole process is honestly pretty stressful, but having all your ducks in a row from the start will save you headaches later. Good luck with both the claim and your business venture!

Just wanted to add my perspective as someone who successfully got UI after quitting for health reasons in 2023. The timeline everyone's mentioning is spot on - it took about 6 weeks from filing to first payment, and that was WITH proper documentation. A few things that really helped my case: 1) I had my therapist write a letter specifically stating that my work environment was "incompatible with my mental health treatment and recovery" - that specific language seemed important. 2) I saved all my text messages and emails where I told friends/family about work stress BEFORE I quit - this helped establish a timeline. 3) During the phone interview, I was very factual and didn't get emotional, just stuck to the medical facts and timeline of events. Also @Nick, regarding your business - I was upfront about my plans during certification and just made sure I was genuinely applying to jobs too. EDD seemed okay with it as long as I could show I was available for full-time work if offered. The whole process is definitely nerve-wracking but doable with the right prep!

One important thing to note: make sure you continue certifying for your SDI benefits properly while this is all going on. Sometimes people get so focused on the appeal that they miss certification deadlines, which creates a whole new problem. Also, when you win your appeal (staying positive here), get the decision in writing and keep multiple copies. EDD has been known to request the same documentation multiple times.

I went through something very similar in 2023. EDD garnished about $3,200 from my SDI payments over 4 months while my appeal was pending. When I finally won my appeal, it took about 8 weeks to get the money back, but I did receive every penny they had taken. A few tips from my experience: - Keep detailed records of every garnishment amount and date - When you call EDD after winning, ask specifically for the "Benefit Payment Control" unit - they handle garnishment reversals - If the first rep says they can't help, politely ask to be transferred to a supervisor who can access overpayment adjustments - The reimbursement will likely come as a separate EDD debit card deposit, not added to your regular SDI payments The whole process is stressful and unfair, but hang in there. The fact that you have documentation proving it was a layoff puts you in a strong position for your hearing. Best of luck!

pro tip: if u can, try reaching out to ur local state representative's office. they sometimes have connections w/ EDD and can help push things along

Hey @CosmicCommander! I went through something similar last year. The "not meeting eligibility requirements" thing can be really confusing - sometimes it's just a paperwork issue or they need more info about your last employer. A few things that helped me: • Check if you have any outstanding issues in your UI Online account • Make sure all your employer info is correct (sometimes they can't verify employment if there's a small typo) • Look for any "determination" letters you might have missed - they sometimes send multiple letters Also, definitely start that appeal process ASAP like @Freya Thomsen mentioned - that 30-day window goes by fast! And yeah, the phone situation is brutal, but keep trying. I had luck calling around 8:02am right when they open. Hang in there - this stuff is so stressful but you'll get through it! 💪

Just wanted to add another tip for anyone still struggling with EDD password resets - if you have the EDD mobile app installed, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. Sometimes the app version works when the website doesn't, or vice versa. I've had luck logging in through the app when the desktop site was giving me problems. Also, if you're using a VPN, try turning it off - EDD's system sometimes flags VPN connections as suspicious and blocks access. Hope this helps someone!

Another thing that helped me when I had this exact same issue - if you have any old EDD correspondence (like award letters or previous notices), make sure you have those handy when you call. The tech support agents will ask you to verify your identity with information from your claim, and having those documents ready speeds up the process significantly. Also, if you know anyone else who has successfully gotten through to EDD recently, ask them for the exact menu options they pressed - sometimes the phone tree changes and you want to make sure you're getting routed to the right department. The whole system is frustrating but you'll get through it!

good luck!! do the right thing and hopefully EDD will understand!!

You're absolutely doing the right thing by prioritizing patient safety! As someone who works in healthcare compliance, I want to emphasize that your situation sounds like a textbook case for "good cause" under EDD guidelines. Healthcare workers have additional professional and legal obligations that EDD recognizes - you could actually face personal liability or licensing issues if you remain complicit in these violations. A few additional tips: 1) When you file with the Medical Board, request a copy of your complaint filing - this serves as excellent documentation for EDD, 2) If possible, try to get any of your concerns in writing to your supervisor before quitting (even if they brush you off, the paper trail helps), and 3) Consider reaching out to OSHA as well if there are workplace safety violations beyond just patient care issues. The financial stress is real, but remember that continuing to work in that environment could expose you to much bigger problems down the road. You've got strong documentation building up and precedent is on your side for this type of situation.