Can I get EDD benefits after quitting due to employer forcing me to work with COVID?
Really frustrated and need advice ASAP! My supervisor is demanding I come into work even though I tested positive for COVID 3 days ago. I sent him photos of my positive test and doctor's note recommending isolation, but he keeps saying they're 'short-staffed' and that I 'look fine' on our video calls. I've been at this warehouse job for almost 2 years with perfect attendance until now. To make it worse, my 8-month-old daughter also tested positive yesterday and needs constant care (single dad here). I've reached my breaking point and am planning to resign tomorrow. Would I qualify for unemployment benefits in this situation? Has anyone successfully claimed EDD after leaving a job due to COVID safety concerns? Really worried about paying bills next month.
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Malik Thompson
Omg ur boss is totally breaking the law!!! I went thru something similar at my restaurant job in december. YES u can get benefits but u need to document EVERYTHING. save texts, emails, take screenshots!!!! They'll probably try to fight ur claim so u need proof they were making u come in while sick.
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Emma Anderson
•Thanks for responding! I've saved the texts where he's asking me to come in, and I have screenshots of the work schedule showing me still assigned shifts. Should I formally state in my resignation letter that I'm quitting because of the COVID safety issue?
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Isabella Ferreira
This would likely qualify as "good cause" to quit under EDD guidelines. When you file your claim, you'll need to clearly explain that you quit because your employer was violating COVID safety protocols by requiring you to work while positive. Make sure to document: 1. Your positive COVID test results (date and type of test) 2. Any medical documentation recommending isolation 3. All communications where your employer demanded you work despite your condition 4. Any company policies regarding illness/COVID they may be violating 5. Documentation of your child's positive status if possible When filing, select "quit" and then "health or safety reasons" when asked for the separation reason. Be prepared for your employer to possibly contest the claim, which might lead to a phone interview with EDD to determine eligibility.
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CosmicVoyager
•this exactly! my cousin had to go thru an eligibility interview after quitting for similar reasons but she got approved. just stick to the facts and dont get emotional when u talk to edd
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Ravi Kapoor
I had a similar situation last year and quitting WITH DOCUMENTATION was considered good cause. BUT you need to be super specific with EDD about the safety violation. Don't just say "my boss was mean" or "I felt disrespected" - focus 100% on the COVID positive status and that they wanted you to come in while contagious!!! Also, call EDD ASAP after filing to make sure they understand your situation. Getting through to an actual person is nearly impossible though. I wasted 2 WEEKS trying to reach someone before I found out about Claimyr at claimyr.com - they got me connected to an EDD agent in under an hour when I'd been trying for days. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km that shows how it works. Seriously saved my sanity when dealing with my claim.
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Freya Nielsen
•This is excellent advice. The distinction between quitting due to a legitimate health/safety concern versus general dissatisfaction is crucial for EDD determination. California specifically recognizes COVID-related safety concerns as potential good cause for voluntary separation.
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Omar Mahmoud
wait i thought u cant get unemployment if u quit?? i always heard u only get it if ur fired. maybe COVID changed the rules?? confused now
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Isabella Ferreira
•You can absolutely receive unemployment if you quit for "good cause" - which includes unsafe working conditions, health reasons that prevent you from performing your job, or certain family obligations. Being asked to work while COVID positive would typically qualify under health/safety concerns. The key is demonstrating that any reasonable person would have quit under the same circumstances.
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Chloe Harris
THE ENTIRE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST WORKERS!!! I quit my job last year when they wanted me to work with 103 fever and EDD DENIED me saying I "didn't exhaust all reasonable alternatives" before quitting. What was I supposed to do?? Collapse on the floor before they'd let me stay home??? Good luck dealing with the bureaucratic nightmare that is EDD!!!!
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Emma Anderson
•Oh no, that's really discouraging to hear. Did you appeal the decision? I'm getting worried now that I might be making a mistake by quitting, but I really don't see any other option with my daughter sick too.
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Freya Nielsen
•Each case is evaluated individually. Documentation is critical to demonstrate you had no reasonable alternative. If you've communicated your COVID status clearly to your employer and they still insisted you work, while also having a dependent with COVID requiring care, you have a stronger case than someone who simply had a fever without documentation or didn't attempt to resolve the situation before quitting.
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Emma Anderson
Update: I submitted my resignation letter yesterday citing the COVID safety concerns and my need to care for my daughter. My manager actually got really angry and said "don't expect a reference from me" but HR was a bit more understanding. I'm going to file for EDD tomorrow morning. Thanks everyone for the advice - I'll let you know how it goes!
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CosmicVoyager
•good luck!! and dont worry about the reference thing, most places just verify employment dates now anyway. they cant legally say bad stuff about u
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Ravi Kapoor
One more thing - when you certify each week, make ABSOLUTELY SURE you answer the question "did you refuse any work" correctly. Since you're refusing to go to your job due to COVID, you should answer YES and then provide the explanation that you refused unsafe work due to having COVID and caring for a COVID-positive child. If you just answer NO to that question, it could cause problems with your claim later.
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Emma Anderson
•Thanks for pointing this out! I would have definitely answered that wrong. The certification questions are more complicated than I realized.
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Malik Thompson
hey just wondering how old is ur baby again? cause if they're under 18 months u might also qualify for paid family leave to care for them!! u can actually get that at the same time as unemployment i think??? or wait maybe its one or the other im not sure actually lol
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Isabella Ferreira
•Important clarification: You cannot collect Unemployment Insurance and Paid Family Leave simultaneously. They are separate programs with different eligibility requirements. PFL might be appropriate for caring for the sick child, but would not address the employment separation issue. If approved for UI based on good cause for quitting, that would typically be the better option financially.
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Diego Vargas
My sister works for EDD and says they're getting super strict about COVID claims now that most restrictions are lifted. Make sure you have a recent test date (not from months ago) and medical documentation backing up your need to isolate. The childcare aspect actually strengthens your case a lot.
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Emma Anderson
•That's good to know - my test and my daughter's test are both from this week, and I have the doctor's note recommending isolation. Hoping that's enough documentation.
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