Can I get EDD benefits if I quit my job to care for my special needs infant?

This is definitely a challenging situation. In California, quitting to care for a disabled family member can potentially qualify as "good cause" for leaving work, but it's evaluated case by case. When you file, you'll have an eligibility interview where you need to explain that you tried to work with your employer on accommodations (which you did by requesting extended leave/part-time). Make sure to get documentation from your child's doctors explaining the medical necessity of your care. You'll also want any emails or paperwork showing your employer denied reasonable accommodation. Honestly though, regular UI might be tough in your case. Have you looked into SDI/PFL (State Disability Insurance/Paid Family Leave)? That might be more applicable for caregiving situations.

sry but u probably wont qualify. EDD is super strict about quitting. i tried something similar when my mom got sick last yr and they denied me even tho i had no choice. good luck tho maybe ull have better luck

I successfully received UI benefits after quitting my job for family care reasons, but ONLY because I proved I exhausted all alternatives first. Here's what helped me: 1. I had documented proof that I requested accommodations (FMLA, reduced hours, schedule changes) 2. I had copies of all denials from HR 3. I brought a letter from our specialist explaining why my presence was medically necessary 4. I clearly explained during my eligibility interview that I attempted all reasonable alternatives The key is demonstrating you had NO REASONABLE ALTERNATIVE but to quit. Make sure you clearly state your willingness and ability to work if suitable arrangements could be made. Many people get denied because they don't emphasize they're still available for work under the right circumstances. Also, after PFL ends, there's often a gap before UI eligibility - be prepared financially if possible.

Have you considered the Paid Family Leave extension? If your child has a serious health condition (which it sounds like he does), you might qualify for an extension beyond the standard 8 weeks. It's not widely advertised, but worth looking into! Also, while you're figuring this out, if you need to speak directly with an EDD agent (which I HIGHLY recommend for complicated situations like yours), check out claimyr.com - they helped me get through to EDD when I was constantly getting the "too many callers" message. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Much easier than spending days trying to get through on your own, and for complex cases like yours, speaking directly to a rep makes a huge difference.

my cousin was in a kinda same boat last year with her special needs twins. she got denied for regular UI but ended up qualifying for something else through disability. wish i could remember what it was called... but dont give up there are other programs besides regualr unemployment!

MAKE SURE YOU APPEAL IF DENIED!!! I got denied the first time when I had to quit to care for my father after his stroke. The first-level EDD reviewers often deny automatically for voluntary quits. I appealed and explained everything at the hearing and WON!! The judge understood that I had good cause. Don't give up after the first no!!!!

One important thing to note: when you file your claim, your reason for separation needs to clearly state that you requested accommodations that were denied. Don't just say you quit to care for your child - that will likely result in automatic disqualification. Instead, emphasize that you: 1. Needed accommodations due to your child's medical condition 2. Requested reasonable accommodations (extended leave, flexible schedule, etc.) 3. Had those accommodations denied 4. Had no reasonable alternative but to leave This framing focuses on the employer's unwillingness to accommodate rather than your decision to quit, which better aligns with EDD's "good cause" criteria.

just wondering hav u looked into if ur kid qualifies for SSI? my friends baby has special needs and gets SSI payments every month. might help with some of the bills even if EDD doesn't work out