Can I get EDD benefits if fired for not meeting sales quota in healthcare?

Yes, you can likely qualify for unemployment if you're fired for not meeting quotas. In California, EDD generally considers this a case of "not being able to meet the employer's performance standards" rather than misconduct. The key is that you weren't willfully neglecting your job - you were actually trying but couldn't reach their targets. This is typically seen as a 'good cause' termination from EDD's perspective. When you apply, just be honest about the circumstances and emphasize that you were putting in genuine effort but the quotas were unrealistic. Make sure to appeal if initially denied - many claims are rejected first time around but approved on appeal.

Im in healthcare sales too and got let go for similar reasons last year!!! the quotas are INSANE rn with all the budget cuts and staffing issues in hospitals. When i applied for unemployment i was soooo nervous that id get denied but they approved me. The EDD person said as long as ur not fired for misconduct (like stealing or not showing up) and ur just not meeting their crazy expectations its usually approved. just dont say ANYTHING that sounds like it was ur fault when u apply!!!!

The real question is if they're setting you up for failure. If they're consistently raising quotas beyond what's reasonable for the market conditions, that could actually strengthen your case with EDD. Document everything - the quota changes, market conditions, your sales numbers compared to team averages, etc. Keep all performance reviews and any emails discussing expectations. This documentation will be super helpful if you need to file.

The key difference EDD looks at is between 'misconduct' and 'performance issues.' Not meeting sales targets typically falls under performance issues unless there's evidence you weren't trying or were violating company policies. Here's what you should do if you end up needing to file: 1. File your claim immediately after separation 2. When explaining the reason for separation, focus on the fact that despite your best efforts, you couldn't meet the increasing quotas 3. Be prepared for an eligibility interview where they'll ask more details 4. If your employer contests (some do automatically), be ready to appeal with documentation Don't quit your job - that would significantly complicate your eligibility. If they let you go, you're in a much better position for benefits.

my cousin was in pharma sales got fired for quota issues they denied his claim sayin he shoulda tried harder but he appealed and won dont give up if they deny u

I went through something similar in mortgage sales when the market crashed in 2008. If you do end up needing to file an EDD claim, trying to reach them by phone will be nearly impossible. I wasted days trying to get through before discovering Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they got me connected to an EDD rep within about 30 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Talking to an actual human at EDD made all the difference in getting my claim processed correctly, especially since my situation with performance-based termination needed some explanation.

I want to add something important - if your employer calls it a "performance-based termination" rather than firing for misconduct, that language actually helps your EDD claim. The terminology matters. During your exit (if it happens), pay close attention to the exact reason they give and get it in writing if possible. If they call it a "layoff due to not meeting targets" that's even better from an EDD perspective than "fired for performance." The words make a big difference when EDD reviews your claim.

Don't listen to some of these people saying it's automatic approval. Healthcare companies fight unemployment claims ALL THE TIME. My friend worked at Kaiser in marketing and they contested her claim when she couldn't meet metrics. It became a big mess with multiple appeals. Document EVERYTHING. Save every email about your quotas, performance, etc. Get copies of market trend data showing the overall healthcare marketing/sales environment is down. You'll need evidence that the quotas were truly unreasonable and not just you underperforming.

To answer your follow-up question about the "verbal warning" document: Yes, you should disclose it if asked directly during the eligibility interview, but it's not necessarily something you need to volunteer upfront. The fact that they had you sign a document for a verbal warning is actually somewhat contradictory and could work in your favor. Also, while you're still employed, consider requesting a copy of your personnel file (you're legally entitled to this in California). This will give you insight into any documentation they have about your performance that might impact an unemployment claim later. Sometimes employers say things verbally but document them differently.

btw not to go off topic but have you checked if there are other healthcare marketing positions available now? sometimes its better to job search while your still employed rather than waiting to get fired. the job market for healthcare marketing actually has some decent openings right now at companies with more reasonable expectations

Just wanted to add some encouragement - I've been following this thread and it sounds like you're handling this really well. The fact that you're documenting everything, job searching proactively, and getting informed about your rights shows you're being smart about this situation. One thing I didn't see mentioned is that if you do end up filing for EDD, make sure to apply for jobs consistently and keep records of your job search activities. EDD requires ongoing job search efforts to maintain eligibility. Given that you're already looking, you'll be ahead of the game. Also, don't let the stress consume you - easier said than done, I know. But you sound like a dedicated employee who's dealing with unrealistic corporate expectations, which unfortunately is super common in healthcare sales right now. You're not alone in this struggle, and you have options whether that's finding a new job or qualifying for benefits if needed.