if ur really struggling with the low amount, check if u qualify for the federal earned income tax credit or california earned income tax credit. not the same as higher ui benefits but might help a bit with ur taxes at least

I went through something similar when I got laid off in 2023. What really helped me was requesting a detailed breakdown of my base period earnings from EDD. You can do this through your UI Online account or by calling (though I know calling is a nightmare). The breakdown shows exactly which quarters they used and what wages were reported by your employers. Sometimes there are discrepancies or missing wages that can actually be corrected. It won't change the base period rule, but at least you'll know if they calculated it correctly based on what they had. Also, if you worked multiple jobs during your base period, make sure all employers properly reported your wages - I found out one of my part-time jobs never submitted my earnings to EDD.

When I applied last year after being let go, my former employer tried to fight my claim saying I voluntarily quit (which wasn't true). Just be prepared that your employer might contest your claim. If they do, you'll get paperwork about an appeal hearing. DON'T PANIC if this happens! It's actually pretty common. Just make sure you attend the hearing (they're usually by phone) and bring all your documentation. The judges are generally fair if you can show medical necessity and that you were essentially laid off when trying to return.

Hey Ruby! I went through something very similar about 6 months ago - medical leave followed by basically being let go when I tried to return. The whole process was way less scary than I expected. A few quick tips that really helped me: 1. Apply ASAP - don't wait! The sooner you file, the sooner your claim starts processing. 2. When you get to the part about reason for separation, be very clear that you left for medical reasons but were told you could return, then were terminated when you tried to come back. 3. Keep calling EDD if you don't hear back within 2-3 weeks. I know their phone system is awful but persistence pays off. 4. Start keeping a job search log NOW even before you get approved - it'll save you headaches later when you need to certify. Based on what you've shared about your wages, you should definitely qualify. The medical leave won't hurt you since you had good cause and documentation. You got this! 💪

lol good luck dealing with EDD. might as well try to teach a rock to swim 🪨🏊‍♂️

Has anyone here successfully switched from unemployment to disability? How long did the process take? I'm worried about having a gap in benefits while everything gets sorted out.

Congratulations on winning your appeal! I went through a similar situation about 6 months ago. The Appeals Board does automatically notify EDD, but here's what I learned: give it about 5-7 business days, then definitely call to confirm they've received and processed the decision. In my case, the notification went through fine, but my claim was stuck in some kind of "pending review" status that required a manual push from an EDD rep. Once they cleared that, I got my backpay within 3 business days. Also, make sure to keep certifying during this waiting period - those weeks will flip from "disqualified" to "paid" once they update your claim status. The whole process took about 2 weeks total for me, but calling definitely sped things up. Good luck!

Just wanted to add my experience since I went through this exact situation about 4 months ago! I won my appeal for the same "voluntary quit" issue and was also unsure about next steps. Here's what I learned: The Appeals Board does automatically send the decision to EDD, but there's often a delay in their system actually processing it. I waited about 10 days and then called EDD to confirm they had received the decision. The rep told me it was in their queue but needed to be manually reviewed and updated in their system. She was able to expedite it right then and there, and my payments started showing up within 48 hours. My advice: wait about a week to give the automatic process a chance to work, then call to confirm. Also, definitely keep certifying during this waiting period - all those "disqualified" weeks will flip to "paid" once they update your claim. The backpay should include everything from when you were originally disqualified. Hope this helps and congrats on winning your appeal!

I'm in the same boat, girl. These government systems are a joke. We're just trying to take care of our babies and they make it so hard. Sending you strength! 💪👶

I went through something similar last year! A few things that might help: 1. Check if you filed within the right timeframe - SDI has strict deadlines after childbirth 2. Make sure your doctor's certification was complete and properly filled out 3. Verify that you had enough wages reported in your base period (they look at specific quarters) 4. Sometimes it's as simple as a missing signature or date on the forms Also, try calling first thing in the morning (8 AM sharp) - I had better luck getting through then. The SDI number is different from regular unemployment, so make sure you're calling 1-800-480-3287 specifically for disability claims. Don't give up! The system is frustrating but you deserve those benefits, especially as a new mom. Keep us posted on how it goes!