Just want to throw in my experience. I had almost your exact situation back in 2023. Was at a company for 5 years, then took a new job that turned out to be terrible. They let me go after only 2 months. I was worried about qualifying but had no problems getting benefits based on my previous work history. As long as you've earned enough in your base period (which sounds like you would have with 4 years at your previous job), and you're not fired for misconduct, you should be fine.

I went through something similar about 6 months ago! Was at my previous job for 3 years, then started a new position that was clearly not a good fit. Got laid off after just 5 weeks during their "restructuring" (aka they realized they hired too many people). I was panicking about whether I'd qualify for benefits with such a short stint, but it turned out to be no problem at all. EDD calculated my benefits based on my earnings from the previous job that fell within the base period. The whole process was pretty straightforward once I understood that they don't care about tenure at your most recent job - they just want to see that you didn't get fired for cause. One tip: when you file, make sure you have all your wage information handy from ALL employers during the base period, not just your most recent one. They'll verify everything anyway, but having it ready speeds up the process. Hope things work out better at your current job, but if not, you should be covered!

lol EDD basically denies everyone first time no matter what just to see if u give up dont let them

As someone who went through a similar situation with EDD, I want to add that timing is crucial here. Don't wait too long to file your claim once you leave - there's a one-week waiting period before benefits can start, and delays in filing can complicate things. Also, when you do your initial interview with EDD, be very specific about the phrase "good cause connected with work." That's their exact terminology for situations like yours where childcare responsibilities make continued employment impossible. I'd also suggest keeping a detailed log of your current daily schedule showing how the new commute would conflict with your kids' school dropoff - concrete timestamps really help your case. The fact that they gave you an ultimatum rather than trying to work with you on alternatives will also work in your favor.

After reading through this thread, I think your best options are: 1. Apply for Paid Family Leave through SDI Online for intermittent caregiving 2. Request the compelling family circumstances exemption for your work search requirements 3. Contact your local assemblyperson if you hit roadblocks 4. Consider reaching out to disability rights organizations as they often have resources for parent caregivers The California Work & Family Coalition might also have resources specific to your situation. Their website has guides for navigating these benefits.

I went through something similar last year with my elderly father who has Alzheimer's. The PFL option that others mentioned was a lifesaver - I was able to get benefits for about 6 weeks while still working part-time. Just wanted to add that when you apply, make sure the doctor's certification is very specific about the need for intermittent care. My first application got denied because the form wasn't detailed enough about the unpredictable nature of the condition. The second time, his doctor specifically mentioned that emergencies could occur at any time requiring immediate attention, and it was approved. Also, don't get discouraged if it takes a while to process - mine took about 3 weeks but they backdated the payments. Hang in there, you're doing everything you can in a really tough situation.

Anyone else feel like they need a PhD in bureaucracy just to navigate this system? 🎓🤯

I just went through this process last month and wanted to share some specific tips that helped me. Beyond the DE 2501 form, make sure your doctor includes specific functional limitations in the medical certification - like "cannot lift more than 10 lbs" or "cannot sit for more than 2 hours" rather than just listing your diagnosis. Also, if you're working reduced hours, keep detailed records of your schedule changes. The EDD loves documentation! And yes, definitely go with certified mail - I actually took photos of everything before mailing just in case. The whole process took about 5 weeks for me, but having everything perfectly documented made it go smoothly. Hang in there! 💪

Just an update - I logged into UI Online and checked my Money Network card. Turns out there WAS money on there! EDD had processed an adjustment for one of my earlier weeks where I reported partial earnings. They recalculated and added about $175 to my card that I never knew about. So thanks everyone for encouraging me to actually check instead of just ignoring those emails!

Wow, this thread is so helpful! I'm in a similar situation where I've been getting these statements for months after stopping my claim. Reading about everyone finding money they didn't know about has me nervous that I might have missed something important. Definitely going to check my UI Online and Money Network card today. It's crazy how EDD's system works - you'd think they'd send a specific notification when they make adjustments or add funds instead of burying it in regular statements. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially about the potential overpayment issues. Better safe than sorry!