Can EDD approve unemployment if I quit to relocate out-of-state with partner? (CA to TN)

From wat i understand, quitting to follow ur spouse usually qualifies for ui in cali but im not 100% sure if it applies to boyfriends/girlfriends. i think ur supposed to be married?? someone plz correct me if im wrong

I WAS IN THE EXACT SAME BOAT last year!! Moved from Sacramento to Denver for my fiancé's job and EDD rejected my claim because we weren't legally married yet!! They don't consider boyfriend/girlfriend or even engaged couples as qualifying for that good cause exemption. It's complete BS if you ask me - like what century are we living in?? I tried to appeal and got nowhere. Had to survive on savings for 3 months until I found work in Colorado. The system is BROKEN!!!!

Actually, the rules changed slightly after 2022. EDD will sometimes approve these claims under certain conditions even without marriage. It depends on how long you've been together, if you share finances, if you're moving into a shared home, etc. When you file, be VERY specific about why this move is essentially equivalent to a spousal move - shared lease/mortgage, joint accounts, length of relationship. Don't just say "for my boyfriend's job" because that will get auto-rejected. I had to call EDD about 15 times before I got someone who actually knew the updated policies. The phone system is terrible though - I kept getting disconnected or waiting hours.

what about filing in tennessee after u move there? might be easier than dealing with california edd

I'm wondering if there's any way to get laid off instead of quitting? Maybe talk to your boss? My cousin did that and it made things wayyy easier with his EDD claim. Just a thought.

One more thing to consider - even if you don't qualify for regular UI, you might be eligible for the California Training Benefits program if you plan to take classes or get certified in something during your transition. Worth looking into as another option.

To summarize what everyone has said: 1. California generally requires a legal marriage or registered domestic partnership for relocation to qualify as "good cause" 2. There are some exceptions based on the nature of your relationship and financial interdependence that might apply under newer interpretations 3. Document everything thoroughly - length of relationship, shared finances, housing arrangements, etc. 4. When you file, use the specific phrase "compelling family circumstances" rather than just saying you're following a boyfriend 5. Be prepared for an initial denial and the need to appeal with additional documentation 6. Consider establishing a legal domestic partnership before leaving if possible 7. Explore California Training Benefits as an alternative if you plan to use this transition for education/retraining You should file your claim as soon as you have your last day of work and final paycheck. They'll schedule a phone interview where you can explain your circumstances in detail.

let us kno how it goes!! im in a similar situation might b moving with my gf to arizona next year

Just wanted to add that if you do end up getting denied initially, don't give up! The appeals process can take a while but it's worth it. I know someone who got approved on appeal for a similar situation by providing a detailed timeline of their relationship, proof of shared expenses going back 2+ years, and a letter from their partner's employer confirming the job offer and start date. The key was showing that this was essentially a "family unit" moving together, not just following a casual boyfriend. Also, keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit - EDD has a habit of "losing" documentation during appeals.

Another option to consider is checking if California has any reciprocity agreements with Tennessee that might help your case. Some states have interstate compacts that make it easier to transfer benefits or handle cross-state moves. Also, make sure to save all communication with your current employer about the remote work request - having documentation that you tried to keep your job but were denied remote work could strengthen your "good cause" argument. The fact that you made an effort to avoid quitting shows you're not just voluntarily leaving without trying alternatives first.

I've been through a similar situation and wanted to share what worked for me. When I relocated from CA to Oregon with my long-term partner (not married), I was initially denied but got approved on appeal. The key things that helped were: 1) We had been together for 4+ years with joint bank accounts, shared lease, and combined finances, 2) I documented that my partner's job was the primary household income and the move was financially necessary for our "family unit", 3) I included a letter from a family law attorney explaining how our relationship met the criteria for a domestic partnership even though we hadn't formally registered one. The whole process took about 6 months but I eventually received retroactive benefits. Don't let the initial denial discourage you - the appeals officers seemed more knowledgeable about these nuanced situations than the first-level reviewers.