Can I qualify for EDD unemployment if I voluntarily quit my toxic workplace?

Yes, you can potentially qualify for unemployment benefits even if you quit, but only if you had "good cause" for leaving. Workplace harassment can definitely qualify as good cause. The key is proving that: 1. The conditions were so bad any reasonable person would quit 2. You made efforts to resolve the situation before quitting (like reporting to HR) 3. You had no reasonable alternative but to leave Make sure you're extremely detailed and specific when filing your claim. Don't just say "hostile workplace" - describe specific incidents, dates, who was involved, and how it affected you. The medical documentation from your doctor will be extremely helpful too. EDD will likely schedule an eligibility interview to determine if your reason for quitting meets their standard for good cause. Be prepared to explain everything clearly.

my sister quitt her job becuase her boss was a total jerk too and she got denied at first but then she apealed and won. its really imprtant you have like proof and stuff. good luck!!!

I WENT THROUGH EXACTLY THIS LAST YEAR. My supervisor was a complete nightmare - constantly criticized me, changed my performance metrics, and even made comments about my appearance. I quit after 8 months and applied for unemployment. EDD DENIED ME AT FIRST because they always side with employers initially. Then I had the phone interview where I explained EVERYTHING in detail. Had all my documentation ready - emails, texts, performance reviews, everything. The interviewer actually seemed sympathetic but still denied me! I filed an appeal and finally won after the hearing. THE KEY was having that doctor's note showing the job was affecting my health. Make sure your doctor's note is SPECIFIC about how the workplace conditions caused your health issues. The whole process took almost 3 months from application to getting benefits. Be prepared financially if possible.

Employment law specialist here. You're on the right track. "Good cause" for quitting includes situations where continuing employment would be detrimental to your health or safety. Your doctor's documentation will be crucial evidence. Some practical advice for your situation: 1. When you file your claim, answer truthfully that you quit, but clearly explain it was due to workplace harassment affecting your health 2. For your eligibility interview, prepare a concise chronology of events showing: (a) the problematic behavior, (b) your attempts to resolve it, and (c) why continuing to work there was untenable 3. Request a copy of your personnel file from your employer immediately (you're legally entitled to this in California) 4. If denied initially, absolutely appeal - many valid claims are denied at first but approved on appeal The burden of proof is on you to show good cause, so documentation is everything.

I tried for months to reach EDD when I had a similar situation (quit due to safety concerns at work). Calling was impossible - always got the "too many callers" message. I finally used Claimyr.com to connect with an EDD rep within 20 minutes. They have a service that basically calls EDD for you and connects you when they get through. Saved me days of frustration. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD rep I spoke with gave me specific advice about my situation and what documentation they needed to see. Made a huge difference in getting my claim approved. Just having a real conversation with someone at EDD was worth it.

Everyone's giving good advice about the claim process, but I want to add something important: keep looking for work while this plays out! EDD requires you to be actively job searching and to certify this every two weeks. Even during the application and potential appeal process, document your job search efforts. You'll need to report any job contacts when you certify for benefits. Also, be prepared for your former employer to contest your claim. They'll get notified and have a chance to give their side of the story. They might minimize the harassment or claim performance issues. That's why having your own documentation is so crucial. Based on what you've described, you have a legitimate case for good cause, but EDD's determination process can be frustrating and sometimes inconsistent. Stay persistent!

Update: I filed my claim yesterday and got a notice that my eligibility interview is scheduled for 3 weeks from now. I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow to get a more detailed note specifically mentioning how the workplace conditions affected my health. I also requested my personnel file and am organizing all my documentation. Thank you all for the helpful advice! I feel much more prepared now. I'll update again after my interview to let you know how it goes.