Can you qualify for California EDD unemployment if you get fired?

This is really helpful, thank you. So when EDD sends that questionnaire thing, I just explain that I never got formal warnings? Should I also mention that my verbal reviews were positive?

Yes, absolutely include all of that. Mention the verbal positive feedback, the lack of any written warnings, no PIP, nothing. Dates help too if you can remember approximate timeframes of any performance conversations. The more context you provide the better.

this happened to me too and i got approved, no written warnings means they cant really prove misconduct imo

What if my employer lies and says there were warnings? I'm worried they'll make stuff up after the fact.

That's a legitimate concern but EDD generally asks for documentation. If your employer claims they gave written warnings, they need to produce those documents. Since none exist, they can't manufacture them out of thin air. Just stick to the truth and let the lack of evidence speak for itself.

I had an employer try to exaggerate the misconduct thing and EDD still approved me because they couldn't back it up with paperwork. Keep records of anything you have from your employment just in case.

The adjudication process sounds scary but it's really just a phone interview. Don't overthink it.

I've been trying to call EDD and cannot get through at all, just keeps telling me to try again. I'll look into this, thanks for mentioning it.

seconded on claimyr, used it when my claim got flagged and it saved me so much stress

Does it actually work or is it one of those things that sounds good but doesn't deliver? Genuinely asking

I really hope it doesn't come to an appeal but good to know that's an option. The 30 day window is important, I'll make note of that.

Appeals are actually more common than people realize for termination cases. Don't give up if you get denied initially.

Unfortunately there's no way to go back and file for that now since there's a strict deadline, but yes - firing for performance, personality conflicts, downsizing disguised as firing, etc. generally does not disqualify you. Only actual misconduct does. Spread the word!

ugh that's so frustrating i definitely would have qualified. filing immediately if anything ever happens again

Oh this is a good reminder, I certified for last week already. So I should just keep doing that every week even during adjudication?

yes exactly, every week no matter what. missing a week is a headache to fix later

This is correct and really important. Weekly certifications must continue throughout adjudication. If approved, EDD will release payment for all those weeks you certified for during the waiting period.

2 weeks is actually pretty common for adjudication. Depending on EDD's current workload it can take 3-5 weeks sometimes. Keep certifying weekly and try not to read into the timing too much.

ok that makes me feel a little better. I just keep checking UI Online every hour which is probably not healthy lol

The waiting is genuinely awful. If you want to check on your status without spending hours trying to call, Claimyr (claimyr.com) is worth trying - it got me connected to a live EDD agent to get a real update on my adjudication rather than just staring at the portal.

same situation here, mine took exactly 3 weeks and then got approved out of nowhere one morning. hang in there

This is actually really useful advice, I tend to over-explain when I'm nervous. I'll remember to keep it factual and concise.

Exactly. Short truthful answers. If they want more detail they'll ask. Over-explaining can sometimes introduce complications that weren't there before.

this is underrated advice honestly, i rambled during my interview and confused myself

what about fired during probationary period? asking for a friend

Probationary period doesn't automatically disqualify you either. Same standard applies - was it actual misconduct or just not working out? 'Not working out' during probation is generally still not misconduct.

The attendance one is interesting - I did have a couple late arrivals early in my employment but nothing recent and nothing documented formally. Should I mention that proactively or wait to see if it comes up?

I'd wait and see rather than volunteer information that might not even come up. If asked directly, be honest about it, but don't introduce new potential issues on your own.

Yes I've heard EDD correspondence can be confusing. I'll read everything multiple times before reacting.

and if it IS a denial letter it'll say specifically what the reason is. then u have that 30 day window the other person mentioned to appeal

That's actually really reassuring to hear. 'Parting ways' and 'culture fit' seem like the same category of vague non-reasons.

yeah its basically HR speak for we cant document actual misconduct so we're being vague. works against them in unemployment cases

Fair point and good to have realistic expectations. The distinction is usually how clearly the employer can articulate what rule was violated and whether you had reason to know it was a rule. 'Alleged policy violation you didn't know about' is actually a good appeal argument - lack of notice of a policy is relevant.

Yeah I did eventually win my appeal but it took 4 months total. Just want people to know the process can be long even when you're ultimately right.

I appreciate the honest perspective. I'm going in with cautious optimism and will absolutely appeal if denied.

Oh wow I hadn't thought about that - I haven't received any official separation paperwork yet. Is that normal?

some employers send it some don't, if they ask you to sign anything get it reviewed before signing, especially if there's any severance involved because sometimes that comes with clauses

This is important advice. Signing a separation agreement with certain language could potentially affect your unemployment claim. If severance is offered, it's worth at least a quick consultation with an employment attorney before signing - many do free initial consultations.

This explains so much about why my adjudication is taking longer than I expected. I didn't know the employer's response timeline affected everything.

yeah nobody tells u that part, employers can drag their feet responding and it just adds time on ur end

They can certainly try, but EDD asks for documentation to support their position. If they told you it was performance but then claim to EDD it was misconduct, the lack of any disciplinary documentation makes that very hard to support. Inconsistency between what they told you and what they tell EDD can actually work in your favor.

good to know, my situation is a little murky and i wasn't sure if i could trust what HR told me about the reason

This is why it helps to get the reason for termination in writing before you leave if possible. Even a quick email to HR confirming 'just to confirm my employment ended on X date due to Y reason' can establish a paper trail.

100% agree. The language around 'discharged' and 'misconduct' is legalistic and confusing and I think it absolutely discourages eligible people from filing. The default should be: file regardless of how you left, and let EDD sort out eligibility.

exactly. just file. worst case you get denied and you can appeal. best case you get approved and you have income while you job hunt.

This should be pinned honestly. Clear and direct summary.

And if you need to actually reach a live EDD agent to check your claim status during the process, claimyr.com has been a lifesaver for a lot of people in this thread since getting through to EDD by phone normally is a whole ordeal.

saving this thread, so much useful info in one place

Wait I didn't realize I had to do job search activities even while adjudication is pending. I've been applying anyway but good to know I need to actually be tracking and logging these.

Yes! Log everything - applications submitted, interviews, networking contacts. The UI Online portal has a way to track them. EDD can ask for your job search records at any time.

Correct - the job search requirement is 3 per week in California currently. Keep records with dates, employer names, position titles, and how you applied. A simple spreadsheet works fine.

omg I did not know this either, adding this to my weekly routine immediately

This is exactly what I needed to see today, thank you for coming back to post an update. Really gives me hope.

Congrats!! This whole thread has been genuinely helpful, nice to see a positive ending

The weekly certifications were key - every single week even during the uncertainty. And being straightforward and calm during my phone call with EDD. Good luck to everyone still waiting.

love a good update post, glad it worked out