EDD benefits after refusing school district involuntary transfer - distance + toxic workplace issues

You might actually qualify in this situation. When an employer significantly changes your work conditions (45 min vs 10 min commute is substantial), it can be considered "constructive discharge" rather than voluntary quit. Document EVERYTHING - the increased distance, the department's high turnover rate, and especially your childcare obligations that make the new position impossible. When you file, be very clear that you didn't quit, but were effectively forced out by unreasonable changes to your employment terms. The childcare conflict is especially important - EDD sometimes recognizes this as good cause. Make sure to appeal if initially denied!

i quit my school district job last yr bcuz they tried moving me to a campus 35 miles away. EDD denied me at first but I appealed and WON because I had documentation showing the distance was unreasonable compared to my original job offer. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!

This is definitely a tricky situation, but there's good news. California EDD recognizes several situations where quitting can still qualify you for benefits. Your situation hits two key factors: substantial change in work conditions (distance) and potential hardship (childcare conflict). Before you resign, do these things: 1. Send an email explaining why the transfer creates genuine hardship with your childcare responsibilities 2. Request reasonable accommodation for your situation 3. Ask for written confirmation that no alternatives are available 4. Document the conversation where they said "transfer or resign" When you file with EDD, use their specific terminology: "I did not voluntarily quit. I was forced to leave due to a substantial change in work conditions that created undue hardship." Be prepared for an eligibility interview where you'll need to explain all this. Also, if you're part of a teachers union, speak with your rep immediately as this may violate contractual terms regarding transfers.

they ALWAYS try to make it seem like u have no options!! typical school district BS. my friend got told same thing but she went to union & filed grievance. turned out they needed to offer her at least 2 position options not just 1. check ur contract!!

I just went through something like this with EDD when my hours got changed and made childcare impossible. Here's what worked: I filed for unemployment stating I had "good cause" to quit. During my phone interview, I focused ENTIRELY on the childcare issue and how the new schedule made it physically impossible to continue employment while meeting my parental obligations. I got approved! Have you tried claimyr.com to help get through to EDD when you file? I spent days trying to reach a human at EDD with no luck. Claimyr got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes who could actually explain the "good cause" requirements for my situation. They have a demo of how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Definitely worth it because the agent I spoke with gave me specific advice about what documentation to submit for my childcare hardship claim.

THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME LAST YEAR!!! The district tried to force me to a school 20 miles away with a principal who had gone through 8 teachers in 2 years!!! They told me transfer or resign too, but guess what? THEY WERE LYING. I filed a grievance through my union and they backed down because our contract had language about hardship transfers. Don't resign yet!!! Talk to your union rep TODAY!

ppl saying check ur contract r right but also start applying 4 other positions NOW. even if u win the EDD claim u still need new job right? most districts r hiring 4 next year already.

Just to follow up on my earlier comment - when you file with EDD, you'll need to clearly articulate that the transfer created an impossible situation with your childcare responsibilities. California specifically recognizes childcare conflicts as potential "good cause" for leaving employment. Make sure you have documentation showing: 1. Your current commute time/distance 2. The new commute time/distance 3. Your children's school schedule 4. Any communication where you explained this conflict to your employer 5. Their response offering no accommodation Even with good documentation, be prepared for an initial denial. About 60% of EDD claims are initially denied. If that happens, immediately file an appeal - the success rate on appeals is quite high when you have clear documentation showing good cause.

lol EDD basically denies everyone first time no matter what just to see if u give up dont let them

As someone who went through a similar situation with EDD, I want to add that timing is crucial here. Don't wait too long to file your claim once you leave - there's a one-week waiting period before benefits can start, and delays in filing can complicate things. Also, when you do your initial interview with EDD, be very specific about the phrase "good cause connected with work." That's their exact terminology for situations like yours where childcare responsibilities make continued employment impossible. I'd also suggest keeping a detailed log of your current daily schedule showing how the new commute would conflict with your kids' school dropoff - concrete timestamps really help your case. The fact that they gave you an ultimatum rather than trying to work with you on alternatives will also work in your favor.

I'm going through something similar right now with my district! They're trying to transfer me to a site that would add 30 minutes each way to my commute. What really helped me was documenting EVERYTHING in writing. I sent an email to HR specifically outlining how the transfer would create "undue hardship" due to my childcare responsibilities (use those exact words - EDD looks for specific language). I also requested they provide any alternative accommodations in writing. When they couldn't offer any reasonable solutions, I had a paper trail showing they were unwilling to work with me. Haven't had to file yet since my union is still fighting it, but I feel much more prepared now if it comes to that. The key seems to be framing it as the employer forcing you into an impossible situation rather than you choosing to quit.