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.

I'm so sorry you went through that toxic workplace situation - no one should have to endure harassment just to earn a living. Based on what you've described, you definitely have a strong case for "good cause" quitting. A few additional things that might help your case: - If you have any text messages or emails from your manager that show the hostile behavior, make sure to include those - Consider reaching out to any coworkers who witnessed incidents, even if they can't formally testify - sometimes just having their names and what they observed can help - Keep records of any medical appointments or treatments related to the work stress (therapy sessions, prescriptions for anxiety, etc.) The fact that you tried to resolve it through HR first really strengthens your position. EDD looks for evidence that you made reasonable efforts before quitting. One thing I learned from my own experience with EDD - be very specific about dates and incidents during your interview. Instead of saying "my boss was mean," say something like "On March 15th, my supervisor yelled at me in front of three coworkers about a mistake that wasn't mine, then changed my schedule the next day without proper notice." Wishing you the best with your claim! The process can be stressful but you're taking all the right steps.

I'm so sorry you had to go through that workplace harassment - it takes real courage to leave a toxic situation even when you need the income. Based on what you've shared, you absolutely have grounds for a "good cause" unemployment claim. A few things that might strengthen your case: - When you get that updated doctor's note, ask them to specifically mention how the workplace harassment contributed to your anxiety and insomnia. The more detailed the better. - Keep a timeline of all incidents with specific dates, times, and witnesses if any were present - Save all your communications with HR, including their responses (or lack thereof) - Document any changes to your work conditions that happened after you reported the harassment The fact that you documented everything and went through proper channels with HR first shows you acted reasonably. EDD will likely ask about this during your interview. One thing to prepare for - your former employer will probably contest your claim and may try to paint this as a performance issue rather than harassment. Having your own detailed records will be crucial to counter their narrative. The process can be lengthy and frustrating, but don't give up if you get an initial denial. Many legitimate claims are approved on appeal. You're doing everything right by gathering documentation upfront. Hang in there - you deserve to work in a safe, respectful environment!

I'm really glad to see you're getting such great advice here! As someone who went through a similar situation a few years ago, I wanted to add one more thing that really helped me during the EDD process. When you have your eligibility interview, they might ask you something like "Did you consider any other options before quitting?" Be prepared to explain what you tried - like reporting to HR, talking to your manager directly (if you did), or even looking into transfers within the company. The key is showing that quitting was truly your last resort. Also, if you haven't already, try to get a copy of your company's harassment policy from the employee handbook. If they failed to follow their own procedures after you reported the harassment, that can actually strengthen your case for good cause. The emotional toll of dealing with workplace harassment is real, and it sounds like you made the right choice for your health and wellbeing. The unemployment process can feel overwhelming, but you're clearly being thorough and proactive about documenting everything. That preparation will really pay off during your interview. Best of luck - you've got this!

I'm so sorry you had to endure that kind of workplace harassment - it's incredibly brave of you to prioritize your mental health and leave that toxic environment. From what you've described, you absolutely have a valid case for "good cause" unemployment benefits. A few additional tips that might help strengthen your claim: 1. **Medical documentation is key** - When you get that updated doctor's note, ask them to specifically link your health issues (anxiety, insomnia) to the workplace harassment. The more medically detailed, the better. 2. **Prepare for the employer pushback** - Your former employer will likely contest your claim and may try to frame this as a performance issue. Having your detailed documentation will be crucial to counter their narrative. 3. **Be ready for specific questions** - During your eligibility interview, they'll want to know exactly what steps you took before quitting. Walk them through your reports to HR, any conversations with management, and why those efforts failed to resolve the situation. 4. **Save everything** - Keep all your documentation organized and easily accessible. Include emails, text messages, your journal entries with dates, medical records, and any witness information. The process can be lengthy and EDD often denies legitimate claims initially, but don't let that discourage you. Many people win on appeal with proper documentation. You're already doing everything right by being so thorough with your record-keeping. Stay strong - you made the right choice for your health, and you deserve those benefits while you look for a better work environment!