Can I get EDD benefits after PFL ends if I quit my job vs. being fired?

Quitting is almost NEVER covered by EDD unless u can prove u had NO CHOICE but to quit!!! They call it "good cause" but trust me the bar is SUPER high. My friend quit bcuz her boss was literally screaming at her daily and EDD still denied her. If ur fired, u get benefits UNLESS they fire u for misconduct (stealing, violence, etc). If I were u I'd go back after PFL and let them fire u if they're gonna be jerks.

The previous response isn't entirely accurate. EDD does allow benefits if you quit with "good cause," but you need to meet specific criteria. Good cause means a compelling reason that would make a reasonable person in similar circumstances leave their job. This can include: 1. Hostile work environment (with documentation) 2. Significant reduction in hours or pay 3. Unsafe working conditions 4. Medical reasons that employer won't accommodate However, before quitting, you should: - Document all issues in writing - Attempt to resolve the issues with your employer (keep records) - Request reasonable accommodations if applicable If you're fired without misconduct, you typically qualify. Being fired "for cause" is different from misconduct, which requires willful disregard for employer interests. The burden of proof for good cause falls on you, so documentation is critical.

just go back to work after pfl and start looking for a new job. much easier than dealing with edd headaches. trust me.

I went through something similar in 2025 after taking PFL for my dad's cancer treatment. When I came back, they had basically demoted me without officially changing my title. I documented EVERYTHING for 3 weeks - emails, conversations, changes to my duties, etc. Then I formally requested accommodation for the stress it was causing (got a doctor's note), which they ignored. When I quit and filed for UI, I was initially denied, but I appealed and won my case. The key was showing I had tried everything reasonable to resolve the situation before quitting. Honestly though, the appeal process took 11 weeks and was super stressful. If you can tolerate going back while job hunting, that might be easier mentally. Whatever you decide, start documenting EVERYTHING now - save emails, text messages, take notes after conversations, etc. You'll need all of it if you quit and apply for benefits.

I handled it myself, but I spent hours researching and preparing. The appeal hearing was over the phone, and I had all my evidence organized and ready to reference. Made a timeline of events too, which really helped. One big thing that helped my case was showing I had formally asked for solutions before quitting. I sent emails to both my boss and HR outlining the issues and requesting specific changes. When they didn't address those concerns, it strengthened my "good cause" argument. Btw, when you're trying to reach EDD to discuss your claim (which you'll need to do), I recommend using Claimyr.com to get through. The regular phone lines are impossible - I spent days trying before finding this service. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km It was the only way I could actually get an EDD rep on the phone to discuss my case details.

It definitely works! Not a scam at all. I was skeptical too but after spending three full days trying to get through on my own (kept getting the "too many callers" message), I tried it and got connected to EDD within an hour. Totally worth it when you absolutely need to speak to someone about your claim status.

From an EDD standpoint, here's what you need to know about quitting vs. being fired: **If you quit:** - The burden of proof for "good cause" is on you - You must prove you exhausted all reasonable alternatives before quitting - Common acceptable reasons: unsafe conditions, significant schedule/pay changes, harassment, discrimination, or medical necessity - Documentation is essential **If you're fired:** - Burden of proof shifts to the employer to prove misconduct - Simple poor performance or not being a good fit typically doesn't disqualify you - Misconduct means deliberately violating reasonable employer policies A strategic approach if you're returning: 1. Document the hostile environment thoroughly 2. Formally request accommodation or resolution (in writing) 3. Give employer reasonable time to address issues 4. If nothing improves, formally resign citing specific good cause reasons When filing your claim, be very specific about your reasons and timeline. Many claimants get denied initially but win on appeal because they provide better documentation. Keep in mind that leaving work without good cause can result in a 5-10 week disqualification period even if your claim is eventually approved.

everyone talking bout documentation but nobody saying WHAT exactly to document??? like what counts as hostile work?? is my boss being rude enough or do i need like harassment level stuff?? im in similar situation and confused about what EDD actually accepts

honestly this whole thing depends on how your employer responds when EDD contacts them. my sister quit and got benefits no problem because her employer didn't bother to contest it. my cousin got fired and was denied because his work told EDD he was chronically late (which was true). so a lot of it depends on what your employer says and if they fight it.

Unpopular opinion maybe but if ur work environment is THAT toxic then ur health is worth more than struggling with EDD!!! Just quit if u need to - mental health comes first. Found job searches are WAAAY easier when ur not dealing with toxic workplace every day. Took me 4 weeks to find new job after I quit my hellhole job.