Can my son get EDD benefits after quitting for full-time lineman apprenticeship 4 hours away?

Unfortunately, voluntarily quitting generally disqualifies you from UI benefits unless you had "good cause" to quit. EDD has specific criteria for what constitutes good cause, and attending school/training typically isn't one of them. However, the relocation aspect might help his case if he can demonstrate there was no reasonable alternative (like commuting). The fact that it's a union-affiliated training program could also potentially help.

my cousin did almost the same thing last year but for welding school!!! he got denied at first but appealed and won. The trick is proving that the training improves his employment prospects significantly. did your son get approval from edd before quitting???

There's two different issues to understand here: 1. Quitting to attend school usually doesn't qualify for UI benefits UNLESS he applied for the California Training Benefits (CTB) program beforehand and got EDD approval. 2. The relocation aspect is important - EDD might consider it good cause if staying at his job was no longer practical due to the 4-hour distance. I've seen this situation go both ways. The key factors EDD will consider: Did he explore alternatives before quitting? Could he have requested a leave of absence instead? Is this training program directly related to his career path? Did he give proper notice? Also important: Is this an approved apprenticeship program? If it's state-recognized, that significantly helps his case.

I had to call EDD 27 times before getting through when I was in a similar situation. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an EDD representative without the endless redial nightmare. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. The rep I spoke with explained that for training-related quits, having documentation ready is crucial - proof of enrollment, the program's schedule showing it's full-time, and anything showing it improves employability. Your son should prepare this documentation for any appeals he might need to file.

EDD DOESNT CARE ABOUT YOUR REASONS!!!! I quit for a training program 2 yrs ago and got DENIED DENIED DENIED!!!! They only care if u were fired or laid off not if ur trying to better urself. The whole system is broken!!! Tell him to prepare for a denial and appeal right away. They automatically reject voluntary quits!!!

wait did he apply for the california training benefits (CTB) thing or regular unemployment? there different i think

From what I understand about your son's situation, here's what matters most: 1. If this lineman apprenticeship is an approved program under California state standards, that's a big point in his favor 2. The 4-hour relocation is significant - EDD considers geographical factors when determining if a quit was for "good cause" 3. His union connection could help if the union formally sponsors or endorses this training I'd recommend he gathers the following documentation just in case he needs to appeal: - Official acceptance letter to the apprenticeship program - Program schedule showing it's full-time - Documentation showing the geographic necessity of relocation - Any union documentation showing the relationship between his membership and this training - Evidence that this training will substantially improve his employment prospects Have him check his UI Online account daily for any requests for additional information.

also tell him to keep certifying every 2 weeks even if he gets denied!!! so important if he wins appeal later they can pay for those weeks!!

Based on all the information shared, I think your son has about a 50/50 chance of approval. The relocation factor combined with a state-approved apprenticeship program gives him a reasonable argument for good cause. If he does get denied, he should immediately file an appeal and request a hearing. In the appeal, focus on: 1. The necessity of the relocation (impossible to commute 4 hours each way) 2. The career advancement opportunity the apprenticeship represents 3. The connection to his existing union membership Many initial denials get overturned on appeal when all the facts are properly presented. Just make sure he continues certifying for benefits every two weeks while waiting for the appeal outcome.

One more important thing to note: If he does receive a denial, he only has 30 days from the mailing date of the determination to file an appeal. The appeal deadline is strict and rarely extended, so mark the calendar and don't miss it. Regarding timeline: Unfortunately, appeals are currently taking about 3-4 months to be scheduled for a hearing. If he's facing financial hardship, he should include that information in his appeal request and ask for an expedited hearing. It doesn't always work, but sometimes they'll prioritize cases with severe financial impact. In the meantime, he should look into emergency assistance programs in his new location - many counties have short-term aid available for people waiting for unemployment appeals.