Can I get EDD benefits if fired due to transportation issues after relocating for uninhabitable housing?

This is actually a really interesting question. The short answer is: maybe. EDD evaluates whether you were fired for "misconduct," which normally includes excessive absences. HOWEVER - you have a unique situation with the uninhabitable housing that forced your move. You'll need to clearly document: 1. The mold situation (photos, doctor notes if you had health issues, texts with landlord) 2. That you attempted to find transportation solutions (bus schedules showing the impossible commute times) 3. That you're actively seeking work in your new area When you apply, make sure to explain in detail that your move wasn't voluntary but was due to habitability issues. The key is showing you made reasonable efforts to keep your job despite circumstances beyond your control.

ur not gonna qualify. EDD is super strict about this stuff. they'll say u should've found a place closer to work. my cousin got denied for something similar last year.

When you apply for benefits, you'll have a phone interview with an EDD representative about your job separation. This is where you'll need to explain your full situation. I'd suggest a few things: 1) Talk to your employer ASAP about the possibility of reducing hours or transferring to a location closer to Watsonville if they have one 2) Document EVERYTHING about your housing situation - the more evidence the better 3) When you apply, use the term "compelling family circumstance" to describe your need to relocate due to unhealthy living conditions 4) Be prepared to show you've been actively looking for work in your new location In CA, you generally need to show that you lost your job through no fault of your own. Housing becoming uninhabitable could qualify as a circumstance beyond your control that led to your job loss.

when u file ur claim online make SURE u say u were laid off due to no fault of ur own!! dont say u quit!!! if u say u quit u will be automatically denied and have to appeal and thats a NIGHTMARE trust me ive been there lol

I had a somewhat similar situation last year. Had to move due to domestic violence and couldn't get to my job anymore (no car). EDD approved my claim but not right away - I had to do a phone interview first and provide documentation about my housing situation. The most frustrating part was actually REACHING someone at EDD to explain my situation. I called 72 times in one day and couldn't get through! Finally I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected with an EDD rep within about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Totally worth it because I was able to explain my unique situation to a human instead of just submitting online and hoping for the best. The rep I spoke with was actually really understanding once I explained everything.

DEF GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!! My brothers friend lost his job cuz of a housing thing and EDD denied him cuz he didnt have enough "proof" that he tried to keep his job. Also did u tell ur manager bout the mold and moving and all that? If u didnt tell them or ask for help finding solutions they might use that against u js

Something else important to consider: When you file for unemployment, you'll need to certify every two weeks that you're able and available for work. Make sure you're applying to jobs in Watsonville where transportation won't be an issue. If you only apply to jobs in Monterey (where you already know you can't get to), EDD might determine you're not truly available for work. Keep detailed records of every job you apply for in your area. This demonstrates you're making efforts to solve your employment situation in your new location. EDD wants to see that you're actively trying to become re-employed.

what about trying to find a place back in monterey? might be easier than dealing with edd tbh

I think something people aren't mentioning is that your employer might fight your unemployment claim. Restaurants often contest claims because their UI rates go up. If they do, you'll probably have to attend a hearing where you explain your situation to a judge. This happened to me last year and I was super nervous, but it worked out okay because I had documentation. Also, when you first apply, your claim might get automatically denied initially (the system is pretty automated). Don't panic if this happens! Appeal right away and that's when a human will review your specific circumstances.

One last important suggestion: before you miss any more shifts or get terminated, consider requesting a formal accommodation from your employer under California law related to your housing crisis. Put it in writing (email is fine) and specifically ask if there are any options like: 1) Temporary schedule change to match available transportation 2) Reduced hours until you secure housing closer to work 3) Ability to work remotely for any portion of your job 4) Transfer to another location if possible 5) Temporary leave of absence Your employer may still say no to all options, but having this documentation shows you made every effort to maintain employment despite your housing emergency. This will significantly strengthen your EDD case by showing the job loss was truly unavoidable.

hey i just remembered somethin important!!!! if u get approved for benefits dont forget u HAVE TO do the work search requirements! u need to apply to like 3 jobs every week and keep records cuz they can audit u and make u pay everything back if u didnt actually look for work! happened to my roomate and she had to pay back like $4000 😱

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this situation - it sounds incredibly stressful. Based on what others have shared, it seems like you might have a decent chance at qualifying for benefits given the documented uninhabitable housing situation that forced your move. A few additional thoughts that might help: - Consider reaching out to local housing assistance programs in Monterey County. Sometimes they have emergency transportation vouchers or can help with temporary housing closer to work while you transition. - Look into whether your county has any emergency rental assistance that could help you secure housing closer to your job, even temporarily. - If you do get terminated and file for unemployment, be very clear in your application that this was an involuntary relocation due to health hazards (the mold), not a personal choice to move somewhere inconvenient. The fact that you have documentation (texts with landlord, photos, doctor's note) and that you've been actively trying to solve the transportation issue shows you weren't just abandoning your job responsibilities. That should work in your favor. Good luck, and I hope you're able to find a local job soon that eliminates this whole transportation nightmare!

I work for a legal aid organization that handles housing and employment issues, and your situation is actually more common than you might think. The key legal concept here is "good cause" for leaving/losing employment. California recognizes several circumstances as good cause, including when unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions force a necessary relocation that makes continued employment impossible. The mold situation you described - especially with landlord refusal to remediate and documented health impacts - could absolutely qualify. A few critical points for your EDD application: 1. Frame this as "constructive discharge" - you were essentially forced out due to circumstances beyond your control 2. Emphasize the health hazard aspect of the mold (your doctor's note is crucial evidence) 3. Document your good faith efforts to maintain employment despite the obstacles 4. Show that the relocation was the only reasonable option available to you Also, since you're still employed, consider filing a complaint with your local health department about the mold issue. This creates an official government record of the habitability problem, which strengthens your case significantly. Don't let anyone tell you this is automatically a losing case - I've seen similar situations approved, especially when the claimant has strong documentation like you do.