EDD benefits in jeopardy after refusing unsuitable work - employer set me up?

You're actually protected here! According to EDD guidelines, work can be considered \

Thank you so much for this info! I've been so anxious about it. Do you know if I should put this explanation in the comments section when I certify or should I wait until they potentially question it? I'm worried about saying the wrong thing.

omg they totally trying to trap u!! my boss did same thing last year but with a location 2 hrs away from my house lol. edd is gonna ask u to explain why u turned down work so make sure u tell them abt the transportation issue!!! good luck!!

Thanks for the encouragement! Did EDD end up accepting your explanation when you refused the far away job?

yea they did! but it took like 3 weeks and they put my payments on hold while they decided ugh so frustrating

I work as an HR consultant and see this tactic occasionally. It's manipulative but not uncommon. When you certify, select \

is this realy tru?? my brother got disqaulified for ANY job refusal no matter the reason. EDD toldd him any job is better then no job. i dont trust them at all!!!

Your brother's situation was likely different. California unemployment law specifically allows claimants to refuse unsuitable work. EDD defines suitable work based on multiple factors including prior accommodations, transportation constraints, and whether the work matches your physical abilities. It's not about refusing ANY job - it's about refusing jobs that are legitimately unsuitable based on these established criteria.

This happened to me!!! Except my old boss offered me graveyard shift knowing I had childcare issues. I did lose my benefits initially when I reported the refusal BUT I appealed and won. Keep a paper trail of EVERYTHING. Record calls if you're in a one-party consent state. These employers will lie through their teeth to avoid UI charges.

Let me share what helped me in a similar situation. If EDD puts your claim on hold after you report this (which they might), you'll need to talk to an actual person at EDD to explain your situation. I spent WEEKS trying to get through on the phone without success.\n\nI finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes instead of days of redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. When I finally reached someone and explained my transportation issue for refusing work, they resolved it immediately. Just having that human conversation made all the difference.

I hadn't heard of that service before! I'll definitely look into it if I start having trouble getting through to EDD. Those phone lines are so frustrating.

actually the law says you have to accept ANY job after being unemployed for 4 weeks so your probably gonna lose benefits sorry but thats how it works

That's not accurate. California law allows claimants to refuse work that doesn't match their physical capabilities or that presents unreasonable hardship. After a certain period (typically 13 weeks, not 4), claimants may need to consider jobs outside their usual occupation, but even then, the work must still be suitable considering factors like transportation. Please don't spread misinformation that causes unnecessary stress.

UGH employers are the WORST!!! My last company tried to do this by scheduling me for 60+ hours knowing I had a documented back injury. I called the EDD and recorded the conversation (told them I was recording) where the employer admitted they knew I couldn't work those hours. CHECKMATE! When I appealed and played the recording, I won instantly. RECORD EVERYTHING!

Update on the law for 2025: In addition to the advice given above, be aware that EDD now requires you to submit their new form DE 4365SUW (Statement of Unsuitable Work) within 10 days of refusing the job offer. You can download this from the UI Online portal under

Thank you so much for mentioning this form! I just logged into my UI Online and found it. Going to fill it out immediately so I don't miss the 10-day window. Really appreciate the up-to-date info!

funny how bosses ignore u until ur gettin EDD money then suddenly they NEED u back lololol this happened to my cousin too!! such a scam!!!!

Im dealing with someing similar right now with my claim. I refused a job because the schedule was different than what was advertised. It's been 3 weeks and my payments are still pending while they investigate. So frustrating. Hope you have better luck!