Can you go on unemployment if you quit your job? California EDD rules explained

Wait, so the reason you quit DOES matter? I was scared it was an automatic no no matter what.

Yeah the reason absolutely matters. EDD doesn't just rubber-stamp denials for every quit - they actually look at what drove you out the door.

Same thing with my situation - the interview is where you lay out everything. Document whatever you can before it.

The schedule change thing - does it have to be a huge change or can it be something like a shift moving two hours that made childcare impossible?

Childcare conflicts from a schedule change that wasn't in your original agreement are exactly the kind of thing EDD considers. Bring that up in the interview and explain the specific impact.

I had a schedule change situation too and it really came down to how I explained it in the interview. The more specific you are about why you couldn't make it work, the better.

Oh I didn't know that about the start date. Filing tonight for sure.

This is the most important thing in this thread honestly. I waited two weeks thinking I'd get denied and those two weeks were just gone.

Yep file immediately regardless. You can't go back and claim weeks you didn't apply for.

I have some texts from my manager that are pretty bad and I grabbed screenshots already. Good call on the work email - logging in to get those now.

Smart move. Work emails and HR complaints you filed (if any) are really useful. Anything that shows you tried to fix things before quitting helps your case too.

Seriously this myth causes people to not even file and then they miss out on benefits they might have gotten. File first, let EDD decide.

I'm really glad I posted here instead of just taking my coworker's word for it.

The notice you get is called a DE 4800 and it tells you the date and time AND the specific questions they're likely to ask. So you can actually prep your answers beforehand. The interviewer phones at the time on that form - keep your phone available and don't miss it, because if you do, phone EDD that same day.

Mine lasted maybe 25 minutes. They asked me to walk through what happened, when I raised concerns, what my employer said in response. It felt more like telling your story than an interrogation.

That actually makes me feel better. I've been dreading it like it's going to be super aggressive.

I did talk to HR about the schedule twice and both times they said there was nothing they could do. Does verbal count or does it need to be in writing?

Verbal absolutely counts - you can tell the interviewer you raised it, when, who you talked to, and what they said. If there's any email or calendar invite that shows the HR meeting, grab that too. But verbal conversations you describe yourself carry weight.

Went through the interview after quitting for unsafe conditions. They asked me if I'd ever brought it up with management. I had twice so I said so. The detail you give matters.

Oh I definitely would have confused those. So after I apply I have to wait and then certify separately?

Exactly. EDD takes about three weeks to process a new application. Then you'll certify every two weeks going forward - fastest to do it through UI Online.

I made this mistake and thought my claim was set up after I applied. Sat there wondering why I hadn't gotten anything for weeks.

Writing the timeline tonight. This is really helpful advice.

The witness thing matters too. If coworkers saw the incidents, mention that even if you don't have their statements. It makes it concrete.

This is making me realize how important it is that I saved those texts. I honestly almost deleted them.

Never delete anything until your claim is fully resolved. Even stuff that seems minor.

And remember you don't have to be there to 'win' against your employer - EDD is just gathering information. You're presenting your side, they're presenting theirs, and EDD makes the call.

File as soon as you're out of work or your last day is set. The claim starts the Sunday of the week you apply, so the sooner the better.

You can apply now. The DE 1101I is the form if you're doing it on paper but UI Online is way faster. Apply online, the application asks for your last day worked.

Okay filing this weekend then. Thanks.

How did your appeal go if you don't mind me asking?

Won it. The judge heard my full side including things I hadn't fully explained in the original interview. The hearing is testimony under oath but you can represent yourself.

Good to know you can still certify during an appeal. I didn't realize that.

Severance is on EDD's list of pay you report when you certify, but it's not treated like wages that cut into your weekly amount the way part-time work does. EDD decides how it affects things in each case. Tell her to report it when certifying and let EDD sort it out - she can file right away regardless.

She was worried she couldn't even file until the severance ran out. Good to know that's not the case.

Most claimants do have to register in CalJOBS and get a resume posted within 21 days of when you get the Notice of Requirement to Register for Work - that form is the DE 8405. If you don't do it on time it can pause your payments. EDD will tell you if you're one of the exceptions.

So wait for the DE 8405 in the mail and then register at caljobs.ca.gov? That's the site right?

Yes, caljobs.ca.gov is the site. The 21 days runs from the date on that notice, not from when you filed, so watch for it.

Six weeks in adjudication with no explanation sounds awful. At least the agent could actually see what was blocking it.

The phone line being impossible is my biggest fear. Going to look into that service.

You have to be able to work, available for work, and looking for work every week you certify, including while things are still pending. EDD asks about that on each certification.

So I should be applying to jobs even while waiting for the interview outcome?

Yes, keep looking for work throughout. The certification question covers every week you're claiming, not just after a decision comes through.

Keep a record of where you're applying - dates, company names, position. Good habit to have in case questions ever come up.

You have 30 calendar days from the mailing date on that notice, so you still have time. The appeal form DE 1000M should be right in the envelope with the denial - fill it out and mail it to the address on the notice.

The DE 1000M was in there, yes. Filling it out now.

Keep certifying every two weeks while you wait for your appeal hearing. Super important - those weeks only get paid if you certified them.

The Unemployment Benefit Calculator on EDD's site (edd.ca.gov) will give you an estimate based on your past wages. The real number shows up on the Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award, the DE 429Z, which EDD mails you. Weekly benefit amount runs from $40 to $450.

$450 max? That seems low if your rent is high.

It's based on your earnings in the highest quarter of your base period. For a lot of people it's not full replacement but it's something while you job search.

Really glad you updated! And good call on finishing the ID.me step - I almost skipped that thinking it was optional.

ID.me has to be fully completed or EDD can't verify who you are and the claim just sits there. Don't skip any steps in it.

Didn't realize ID.me could block payments like that. Going to double check mine right now.

I did go to HR twice before quitting so hopefully that counts similarly. I'm going to bring that up in my interview.

Absolutely bring it up. 'I tried to fix this twice before I left' is a much better story than 'I just quit.

Requesting accommodation or raising the issue formally before quitting is exactly what the interviewer is going to ask about. The more attempts you made, the stronger your case.

Giving two weeks notice doesn't hurt you. EDD cares about WHY you quit, not whether you gave notice. A planned exit because conditions became intolerable is still a valid reason - it just means you weren't reckless about it.

That's actually reassuring. I thought being professional about leaving would somehow be used against me.

EDD isn't penalizing anyone for being courteous about their exit. The substance of your reason is what the interview focuses on.

The Notice of Hearing comes by mail and has to reach you at least 10 days before the actual hearing. Timeline varies - keep certifying every two weeks while you wait no matter what.

Still certifying, yes. Just wasn't sure if I should expect weeks or months.

Keep checking your mail daily. The notice comes without a ton of warning before the hearing date.

Filing is the right move. Even if the interview is nerve-wracking, you gave yourself a chance. Good luck with it.

That automatic denial myth stops so many people from even trying. Glad you pushed through it.

Come back and let us know how the interview goes - the specifics really do matter and it sounds like you have documentation that will help.