Can I still get unemployment if I was fired from my job in California?

Filing is absolutely worth it regardless of being fired. California EDD doesn't automatically disqualify you just because your employer let you go. The key thing they look at is whether you were fired for what they call 'misconduct' under UI law, and misconduct has a pretty specific legal definition - it's not just any mistake or performance issue. If you were fired for attendance problems but had valid medical documentation, that actually works in your favor. File your claim immediately and be honest about what happened. EDD will contact your former employer and conduct their own investigation. You'll likely get a phone interview where you can explain your side.

Quick clarification on the misconduct thing because people get confused about this a lot. Under California unemployment law, misconduct means something like intentional wrongdoing or deliberate disregard for your employer's interests. Things like honest mistakes, poor performance, or even some rule violations don't automatically qualify as disqualifying misconduct. Missing work with medical documentation is a really strong argument against a misconduct finding. File your claim at UI Online on the California EDD website as soon as possible because there's a waiting week and benefit year start date considerations.

Not gonna sugarcoat it - getting EDD on the phone to actually explain your specific situation is a nightmare. I was fired back in February and spent WEEKS trying to get a straight answer about my eligibility status. Eventually someone in a different forum mentioned Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it was honestly a game changer. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10 that shows how it works. They basically handle the phone queue hell for you and get you connected to an actual EDD agent. For something like a fired claim where you really need to understand what's happening with your case, being able to talk to a real person made a huge difference for me.

The phone interview process for a fired claim is really important so let me break down what to expect. EDD will mail you a questionnaire first asking about the circumstances of your separation. Fill it out completely and attach copies of any supporting documents like those medical notes you mentioned. Then there's usually a phone interview scheduled. During that interview stay calm, stick to facts, and specifically explain that your absences were medically necessary and documented. Don't badmouth your employer or get emotional. Just walk through what happened factually.

wait i'm confused about something. if EDD is still investigating does that mean your claim is in adjudication? and does that mean you won't get paid at all during that time or does it just delay things?? going through something similar and i'm spiraling a little ngl

I have to vent for a second because I've been fighting EDD for 6 weeks now after being fired and it's EXHAUSTING. They sent me a questionnaire then scheduled an interview then the interview got rescheduled TWICE and now I'm just waiting with no money coming in. The system is genuinely broken and it feels like they're designed to make you give up. Anyone else in this endless loop?

something nobody told me when i got fired: you also have to do the job search requirements even while your claim is being investigated. like you still need to be looking for work and logging your contacts every week. i almost got caught out on this

I want to address the original question directly because I think people are dancing around it. Yes, you CAN get unemployment if you were fired. Whether you WILL depends on the specific reason. Fired for: attendance with medical documentation = likely eligible. Fired for: showing up drunk = likely ineligible. Fired for: not meeting sales quotas = often eligible because performance isn't misconduct. Fired for: stealing from the company = definitely ineligible. Your situation with documented medical absences sounds like a solid case. Don't let the word 'fired' scare you away from filing.

One thing worth knowing: your former employer has financial incentive to contest your unemployment claim because their payroll taxes fund the UI system and claims affect their rate. Some employers will fight claims even in situations where the termination was not for disqualifying misconduct. This doesn't mean you'll lose - EDD makes the determination based on the facts, not just what the employer says. But it does mean you should be thorough in documenting your side of the story. Those doctor's notes are gold.

Let me also mention the UI Online system for people who haven't filed yet. Go to edd.ca.gov and file through UI Online. Have ready: your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, your last employer's name and address, your reason for separation. Be honest and specific on the form. Once filed you'll get a confirmation and then wait for your Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award or further instructions. Continue filing weekly certifications starting from the Sunday of your first week of unemployment.

Answering a question you haven't asked yet but will probably have: what if EDD denies your claim? First, don't panic. File an appeal immediately - you have 30 calendar days from the mailing date on the determination letter, not when you receive it. The appeal goes to the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board (CUIAB). The appeal hearing is more formal but you can present evidence including those doctor's notes, call witnesses, and make your case. Many claimants win on appeal especially in fired-for-attendance cases with medical backing.

Update for anyone following this thread - I went through a very similar situation (fired, employer contested, adjudication) about four months ago. The whole process took about 7 weeks from filing to receiving my first payment. It was stressful but I was ultimately approved. Things that helped: keeping a paper trail of everything, filing my weekly certs religiously even when nothing seemed to be happening, and when I couldn't get status updates through the automated line I used Claimyr to actually reach an agent who could tell me where things stood. Hang in there, the process works it just takes time.

does anyone know if there's a way to speed up adjudication at all or is it literally just wait and hope

random tip that helped me: screenshot your UI Online dashboard every time you file your weekly cert. just a few seconds to document it. saved me once when EDD claimed they hadn't received one of my certifications and i had screenshots proving i submitted it on time

i'm reading all of this and getting overwhelmed, can i ask something dumb - what exactly happens to your health insurance when you get fired? does california have anything for that or is it totally separate from EDD

Coming back to summarize what OP should actually DO right now in order: 1) File your claim at UI Online TODAY - every day you wait is potentially lost money. 2) Gather all your doctor's notes and any documentation of your absences. 3) Register on CalJOBS and start your 3 job search activities per week. 4) When you get EDD's questionnaire about your separation, fill it out completely and attach copies of your documentation. 5) Keep filing weekly certifications every single week no matter what status your claim shows. 6) If you have trouble getting information from EDD by phone, claimyr.com can help you actually get through to an agent. 7) If denied, appeal immediately and note the mailing date on the letter.

One more thing specifically for people fired with medical documentation: California has specific protections around absences related to medical conditions. If your absences were for a serious health condition, there may also be FEHA or other considerations about whether the termination itself was lawful. This is outside EDD's scope but if you believe you were wrongfully terminated you might want a free consultation with an employment attorney - many do free consultations. This doesn't affect your EDD claim but could be an additional avenue.

Final thing I want to add for anyone reading this in the future - the waiting week. California has a one-week waiting period after you file where you won't receive benefits even if approved. You still need to file your certification for that week, you just won't be paid for it. So week 1 is waiting week, week 2 is typically when benefits start if approved. Don't be confused or alarmed when your first payment is delayed relative to when you filed.