Denied EDD for childcare reasons - can I reapply or find alternatives?

I went through something similar in March. Unfortunately, EDD is pretty strict about the childcare issue - you generally need to prove you exhausted ALL options before quitting. For your appeal, you'll need documentation showing you researched different daycares, maybe emails with family members saying they can't help, and proof that care costs exceed what you earned. Did you try asking your employer for accommodations before quitting (like flexible hours or part-time)? That's something they'll want to see evidence of too.

not to be that person but UI is for when u lose ur job not when u quit... even 4 good reasons like childcare. U might want 2 look at CalWORKs instead if ur family income is low enough they help with childcare subsidies too

Yes you absolutely can APPEAL this decision!!! I had a similar issue when I was denied for UI last year (different reason but still denied initially). DO NOT just reapply - file a formal appeal within 30 days of your determination letter. There should be appeal instructions right on that letter. The appeal process is actually not that complicated - you fill out the form explaining why you think the decision was wrong and provide any evidence you can. The hearing is usually by phone and much less scary than it sounds. In the meantime, DEF check out CalWORKs like the other person mentioned. Also look into whether you qualify for CalFresh (food stamps) to help with groceries while you're sorting this out. Every little bit helps!!!

I was an EDD claims specialist for 5 years before changing careers. Here's what you need to know: 1. Appeals are definitely worth pursuing if you truly did explore all reasonable alternatives. Document EVERYTHING - daycare quotes, emails with your employer about schedule flexibility, budget showing childcare would exceed your income, etc. 2. For your appeal hearing, be very specific about the timeline of events. When did you realize childcare was unaffordable? What specific steps did you take to find alternatives before quitting? Did you discuss the situation with your employer? 3. In the meantime, apply for CalWORKs as others suggested. Even if your husband's income is above the threshold for cash aid, you might qualify for their childcare assistance program separately. 4. Consider contacting your local Resource and Referral Agency - they help parents find affordable childcare options you might not know about: https://rrnetwork.org/ 5. If you're truly looking for work that accommodates your childcare situation, make sure you're certifying that fact in your ongoing UI certifications (assuming you continue with the appeal).

In my experience, childcare-related appeals have about a 30-40% success rate, but it HEAVILY depends on your documentation and specific circumstances. The key factors that improve your chances: 1. Proving the childcare costs truly exceeded your take-home pay (exact numbers help) 2. Documentation showing you worked with your employer to find solutions before quitting 3. Evidence of researching multiple childcare options (including subsidized programs) 4. Timeline showing you didn't quit impulsively but exhausted options first The judge will want to see you made every reasonable effort to maintain employment. Just saying childcare was expensive isn't enough - you need to show you actively tried to solve the problem before quitting.

Hey there, not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet but when I was having similar issues trying to get through to EDD about my appeal last year, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me actually get through to a live person at EDD instead of being on hold forever or getting disconnected. Saved me hours of frustration! They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their website is claimyr.com - definitely worth checking out if you decide to appeal and need to speak with someone at EDD. The call service actually got me through to a rep who helped explain exactly what documentation I needed for my appeal.

I recommend you take a two-pronged approach here: 1. File your appeal within 30 days (this is critical - don't miss this deadline). Focus your appeal documentation on specifically addressing the "reasonable alternatives" issue that EDD cited. Include any emails with your employer about schedule changes, detailed childcare cost breakdowns compared to your take-home pay, and written timelines of your search for affordable options. 2. Simultaneously apply for other assistance programs. As mentioned, CalWORKs may help. Also look into the Alternative Payment Program (APP) which provides childcare subsidies to low and moderate-income families: https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/op/cdapprograms.asp You can also research the Child Care and Development Block Grant subsidies in your area. Some counties have additional resources beyond the state programs. Lastly, when you're job searching, be sure to look into the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) programs - some employers participate in programs that help parents returning to the workforce.

is ur husband looking 4 better job too? maybe thats another option to explore while ur dealing with all this edd stuff. my cousin was in similar spot and her husband found better paying job which solved their childcare issues

Has anyone mentioned you could qualify for Disability Insurance instead of regular Unemployment? If you're experiencing depression or anxiety due to your situation (which would be TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE), you might qualify for SDI with a doctor's certification. Just another option to consider while you're figuring everything out. The SDI requirements are different from regular UI and don't have the same 'good cause' requirements.

Hey, just wanted to say I'm going through the exact same thing right now and it SUCKS. The whole system feels designed to fail parents. I don't have much advice but just know you're not alone in this struggle. Sending you strength!