EDD application confusion - on administrative leave but can't find right option besides 'quit' or 'laid off'

You should select 'laid off' since you're involuntarily not working. In the additional details section, explain that you're on administrative leave pending investigation. Make sure to note that your employer directed you to apply for UI. When they contact your employer for verification, the investigation situation will be clarified. The important thing is that you didn't voluntarily leave your job.

I went thru almost exactlyt the same thing last yr!! My company put me on leave for 3 months during an audit. I picked 'laid off' and then wrote in the comments box that I was on ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE. Got approved but took like 5 weeks. Make sure u keep certifying every 2 weeks even if ur not getting paid yet!!

This is actually a common situation that comes up. You should select 'laid off' and then in the explanation section clarify that you are on administrative leave pending investigation. Your situation would typically qualify under what EDD considers a 'temporary layoff' since you are not working through no fault of your own. When you certify for benefits, make sure to answer truthfully that you are still technically employed but not receiving wages. EDD will likely schedule an eligibility interview to get more details about your specific circumstance. Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to an EDD representative? Their service connects you with EDD much faster than calling yourself. I used them when I had a similar issue last year and got through within 20 minutes instead of days of calling. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

I think everyone here is giving BAD advice!! If ur still technically employed you CAN'T get unemployment!!! My cousin tried this and got DENIED and had to pay back money. Administrative leave is NOT the same as being laid off and EDD knows the difference!!

Dont stress too much about the exact category - the EDD system is old and doesn't have options for every possible scenario. Just pick the closest option and explain your specific situation in the details section. They'll sort it out during processing.

I used to work in HR and we had employees file for UI during administrative leaves all the time. It's absolutely allowed as long as the leave is unpaid and was initiated by the employer. The key here is to document everything clearly. Save any emails or notices about your leave. Keep a log of all conversations with HR. When you have your eligibility interview (you'll probably get scheduled for one), have these documents ready. Also, when you certify every two weeks, make sure you indicate you're still attached to an employer but not working or receiving wages. Don't say you're looking for other work if you expect to return to your current job.

i had a similar thing happen and i just put laid off cuz thats basically what it is if ur not getting paid. nobody from edd ever contacted my work they just approved it after like 3 weeks

To answer your latest question - yes, you should still be actively looking for work while collecting UI benefits, even if you expect to return to your job. This is a requirement for receiving benefits. Document your job search activities for each week you certify. If your administrative leave ends and your employer calls you back, you can simply report that you've returned to work when you certify.

One more thing - when you do manage to talk to an EDD representative, ask them specifically about your work search requirements given your unique situation. Sometimes in temporary separation cases where there's an expected return date, they can adjust the work search requirements. Be totally upfront about your circumstances though - transparency is key with EDD.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago when my company put me on administrative leave during a compliance investigation. Here's what worked for me: 1. I selected "laid off" and clearly explained in the details that I was on unpaid administrative leave pending investigation 2. I kept detailed records of all communications with my employer about the leave 3. EDD did schedule an eligibility interview about 2 weeks after I applied 4. During the interview, I was completely honest about my situation - that I was still technically employed but not working or receiving pay through no fault of my own 5. I was approved and started receiving benefits about 3 weeks after applying The key is being transparent about your situation. Don't try to hide that you're on administrative leave - EDD handles these cases regularly and they understand the difference between voluntary separation and involuntary leave. Also, regarding the work search requirement - during my eligibility interview, they adjusted my requirements since I had a reasonable expectation of returning to work. I still had to look for work but the requirements were less stringent. Good luck! The waiting and uncertainty is really stressful but you're doing the right thing by applying for benefits you're entitled to.