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Layla Sanders

Can I claim EDD if put on leave of absence due to burnout?

My boss just told me yesterday she wants to put me on a leave of absence for 3 months because our department is overstaffed right now. I've been working 55-60 hour weeks for the past 8 months in healthcare admin and I'm completely burnt out anyway, so part of me is actually relieved. But I'm worried about income - can I claim unemployment benefits during this forced leave? I didn't ask for it, but I also can't deny I need the break. Does EDD consider burnout or being put on leave a valid reason to collect? I've never filed before and have no idea how this works. Thanks for any advice!

it depends if ur leave is paid or unpaid. if unpaid then ya u can prolly get benefits since ur not working cuz of employer decision not urs. if its paid leave then no

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Layla Sanders

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It would be completely unpaid. My company doesn't offer paid leaves unless it's for disability or maternity. So I might qualify then?

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Kaylee Cook

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This is actually a complicated situation. The key factor here is that you didn't voluntarily take this leave - your employer initiated it. When you file for unemployment, you'll need to clearly indicate this was employer-initiated leave due to lack of work (overstaffing). Don't mention the burnout aspect during your application, as voluntarily leaving due to stress typically doesn't qualify you for benefits. You should be eligible since: 1. You didn't choose to stop working 2. You're available for work 3. You're experiencing a reduction in hours/income due to employer needs When you certify, make sure to answer that you're able and available to work, and that you're looking for work during this period. You'll need to complete the work search requirements each week.

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Layla Sanders

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Thank you so much for this detailed explanation! I was wondering about the work search requirement - do I really need to be applying for other jobs while I'm technically still employed? My position is supposedly guaranteed when I return after the 3 months.

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Yes, you need to meet work search requirements even while on temporary leave. However, you have options: 1. Apply for other jobs that interest you (you're not obligated to accept them) 2. Network with professionals in your field 3. Attend job fairs or workshops 4. Take job-related courses Document all these activities for your certification. EDD can audit your work search efforts, so keep records of everything you do. Also, when you first apply, you'll likely need to have a phone interview with an EDD representative to explain your situation. Be prepared to explain this was an employer-imposed leave, not voluntary.

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Lara Woods

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Good luck getting through on the phone!!!! I had a similar situation last year and spent 3 WEEKS trying to reach EDD for my interview. Called literally 72 times in one day and couldn't get through. The system is completely BROKEN!!

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Adrian Hughes

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Have you tried using Claimyr to reach EDD? Saved me hours of frustration when I needed to schedule my eligibility interview. They connect you directly to an EDD agent without the endless redials. Check out their video demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km or go to claimyr.com. After trying for days on my own, I got through in under 30 minutes with their service.

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Lara Woods

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Does that actually work? I spent so much time trying to get through I eventually gave up and just lived off savings until I found a new job. The whole system is designed to make you give up!!!

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Adrian Hughes

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It really did work for me! Definitely better than the 200+ calls I made on my own that got me nowhere. They basically keep dialing for you until they get through, then call you to connect with the EDD agent.

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I went thru something soooo similar last year!! My company put me on "temporary layoff" for 10 weeks but really it was cuz I complained about unsafe working conditions. I did get unemployment but omg the process was a nightmare. It took like 6 weeks to get my first payment cuz they had to investigate why I wasn't working. My advice is apply IMMEDIATELY don't wait even a day cuz the backlog is crazy. Also when they ask about your reason select "temporary layoff" not leave of absence!!!! This is super important!!

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Layla Sanders

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That's really helpful! So I should select temporary layoff rather than leave of absence? I'm worried about giving incorrect information though - my employer specifically called it a leave of absence in the letter they gave me.

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Kaylee Cook

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Be completely honest on your application. If your employer called it a leave of absence, list it as such. However, make sure to clarify it was employer-initiated due to lack of work/overstaffing. Using the wrong category could lead to complications later. Your employer will receive notice of your claim and can contest it if they believe the information is incorrect. The most important thing is to be truthful while emphasizing that this reduction in hours was not your choice. Also, be prepared that your first certification might be delayed while EDD determines eligibility. Have about 3-4 weeks of expenses covered if possible.

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Layla Sanders

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Thanks again. That makes sense. I'll be completely honest in my application. Luckily I have some savings to tide me over for a bit.

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Ian Armstrong

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Just wanted to add that u might wanna get some written documentation from your employer stating that they initiated this leave and the reasons why. I had a similar situation where my boss told me one thing verbally but then when EDD contacted them, they said something different. Get EVERYTHING in writing!

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also dont 4get healthcare coverage might change on leave. check with HR about cobra or covered california

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Layla Sanders

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That's a good point I hadn't thought about. I'll definitely check with HR about my health insurance during this period.

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One last thing - because you're technically still employed, your unemployment benefits will likely be temporary. Make sure to report if your employer contacts you to return to work earlier than expected. And when you do return to full employment, immediately stop certifying for benefits to avoid any overpayment issues that you'd have to repay later. Good luck with your application, and I hope the time off helps with your burnout. The healthcare field has been particularly challenging these past few years.

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Layla Sanders

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Thank you for all this helpful information. I'll definitely follow your advice and be careful about stopping benefits when I return to work. You're right about healthcare - it's been absolutely brutal since COVID, and administrative staff are often forgotten when people talk about healthcare burnout.

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Luca Conti

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I'm in a somewhat similar situation - my employer just reduced my hours to part-time due to "budget constraints" but I'm still technically employed. From what I've learned, you should definitely apply since this wasn't your choice. One thing I'd add is to keep detailed records of all communication with your employer about this leave. Screenshot emails, save any paperwork they give you, etc. Also, when you file your weekly certifications, you'll need to report any work you do (even if it's just checking work emails) and any income you receive. The burnout aspect is real - I know healthcare admin has been incredibly demanding. While you can't mention that as your reason for the claim, at least this forced break might help you recover before you return to that intense environment.

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Jacinda Yu

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This is all such valuable advice! I'm definitely going to document everything and keep detailed records. You're absolutely right about healthcare admin being incredibly demanding - it feels like we're expected to do the work of 3 people with impossible deadlines. I'm honestly grateful for everyone's help here because I had no idea where to even start with unemployment benefits. It sounds like I have a decent chance of qualifying since this wasn't my choice, but the process itself seems pretty daunting with all the phone calls and interviews required.

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Jabari-Jo

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Just want to echo what others have said about getting everything in writing from your employer. I was in a similar spot last year - put on "administrative leave" that was supposedly temporary but felt more like they were trying to push me out. Having that paper trail saved me when EDD questioned whether it was really employer-initiated. Also, don't stress too much about the work search requirements while you're still technically employed. You can fulfill them by networking, taking online courses related to your field, or even just updating your LinkedIn profile and resume. The key is showing you're making an effort to stay "job ready" even if you're not actively trying to leave your current position. One more tip - if you do get approved, your weekly benefit amount will be based on your earnings over the past 12-18 months, so hopefully those long hours you've been working will result in a decent benefit amount. Take care of yourself during this break - burnout in healthcare is no joke!

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Geoff Richards

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Thank you so much for all this reassurance! It's really helpful to hear from people who've been through similar situations. I'm definitely going to focus on building up my documentation and getting that paper trail in place. The work search requirement was stressing me out, but your suggestions about networking and online courses make it seem much more manageable. And you're right about those long hours potentially helping with the benefit amount - at least something good might come from all that overtime! I really appreciate everyone taking the time to share their experiences and advice.

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