Confused between PFL and UI - how to certify correctly when transitioning from caring for sick dad to unemployment?

PFL and UI are completely different programs, even though they're both administered by EDD. For your certification, you should select that you're not working because your job ended (assuming you no longer have a job to return to). Be 100% truthful about why you're not working now - which is different from why you were on PFL. You'll need to be available for work and actively job searching to qualify for UI. You won't be denied UI simply because you were on PFL before, but you do need to meet all the eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits, which are different from PFL requirements. Make sure you're doing your work search activities each week and documenting them.

I went thru this exact thing last summer when my mom got sick!!! I was on PFL for 8 weeks then needed to apply for UI. Here's what I learned the hard way: DO NOT say you quit your last job to be a caregiver. That will 100% get your UI claim denied because quitting without "good cause" (in EDD's definition) makes you ineligible. Instead, you need to carefully explain that your PFL ended and you're now AVAILABLE for work but haven't found a new position yet. They'll probably schedule an eligibility interview to sort this out. Be prepared to explain your situation clearly and show that you're actively looking for work now. Good luck!!!

my cousin had to go through this last yr and they rejected him LOL then he appealed and got approved but it was a HUGE hassle. EDD is such a mess sometimes!!!

@OP - Yes, my eligibility interview was over the phone. When they asked why I left my job, I explained that I took approved leave under family medical leave provisions, and then that leave period ended. I emphasized that I was now fully available for work, had childcare arranged for my other kids, and was actively job searching. The key is to focus on your CURRENT availability rather than your past situation. For your certification, I'd recommend answering that you're not working because "your job ended" rather than "you quit." Then in the explanation box, briefly state "PFL period ended, now available for full-time work." Keep it simple and straightforward.

CAREFUL HERE!! The EDD system might look automated but there are actual people reviewing these claims who can see your entire history. DO NOT say "job ended" if you actually quit - that's misrepresentation and could result in a false statement penalty and years of issues!! You need to be honest but strategic in how you explain things. What matters is whether your reason for quitting would be considered "good cause" by EDD standards. Family caregiving CAN qualify as good cause in some circumstances. Did you try to take a leave of absence first? Did you have no alternative options? These details matter in your eligibility interview.

I've helped several clients navigate this exact situation. Here's what you need to understand: PFL and UI have different eligibility requirements, but EDD does track your claim history across programs. For your certification: 1. When asked why you're not working, select the most accurate option (likely "quit") 2. In the explanation box, briefly explain "Completed Paid Family Leave claim for family caregiving, now available for full-time work" 3. Make sure you indicate YES that you are looking for work and available to accept work You will almost certainly get scheduled for an eligibility interview. They'll want to determine if your reason for quitting constitutes "good cause" under UI regulations. Having documentation of your caregiving situation will help. The most important thing now is to show you're currently available for and seeking work.

try calling EDD and explaining your situation before you certify so they can tell you exactly what to do!!! I had a weird situation last year (not the same as yours but also confusing) and calling really helped.

@OP - For your eligibility interview, prepare the following documents if possible: 1. Any medical documentation about your father's condition (with personal details redacted) 2. Timeline of your employment, when you started PFL, and when it ended 3. Documentation of your job search efforts since becoming available for work 4. Any communications with your previous employer about your leave/resignation And yes, getting through to EDD by phone is notoriously difficult. If you need to speak with someone before your certification deadline, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a system that keeps dialing EDD until they get through, then they call you when they have an agent on the line. There's a video demo here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Many of my clients found it useful when they absolutely needed to speak with an agent about complex situations like yours.

One more important thing nobody mentioned: When you're transitioning between EDD programs, there's often a gap in payments while they sort out eligibility. Make sure you have some emergency funds to cover at least 3-4 weeks of expenses just in case. I learned this the hard way when switching from disability to unemployment last year - took nearly a month with no income while they processed everything!

After reading through all the advice here, I think the key points for your situation are: 1. Be honest but focus on your current availability for work 2. Prepare for an eligibility interview where you'll need to explain your situation in detail 3. Start documenting your work search activities immediately 4. Have a financial backup plan for possible payment delays And remember that EDD decisions can be appealed if needed. Many people initially get denied but are approved on appeal once they have a chance to fully explain their circumstances. Good luck with your claim!

Just wanted to add that timing can be really important here. Make sure you apply for UI as soon as your PFL claim ends - don't wait weeks thinking about it because there could be gaps in coverage that affect your benefit year. Also, when they ask about your work search during certification, make sure you can show you've been actively looking since you became available again (not while you were still on PFL obviously). I've seen people get tripped up because they waited too long to transition between programs or couldn't prove they were genuinely available for work immediately after their caregiving responsibilities ended. Document everything and keep records of when your dad's new care arrangements started - that date is crucial for showing when you became available for employment again.