EDD claim for leave of absence - can't select correct option on UI form
I've been put on administrative leave during a workplace investigation at my company (retail management). It's completely open-ended with no set return date. I haven't done anything wrong, but company policy requires leaves during certain types of investigations. My supervisor told me I should apply for unemployment since I'm not being paid during this time. The problem is when I go to file a claim on UI Online, the only separation options are 'quit' or 'laid off' - neither applies to my situation! I've been calling EDD for 3 days straight (like 50+ calls) and either get disconnected or told all reps are busy. I've tried calling at 8:01am, 10:30am, 2pm... nothing works. Does anyone know what option I should choose on the application? Or how to actually reach a human being at EDD who can help me file properly? My rent is due next week and I'm seriously stressing out.
17 comments
Giovanni Rossi
You should select "laid off" and then explain your specific situation in the comments section. When it asks for additional details about your separation, that's where you can clarify that you're on administrative leave during an investigation. EDD reviews these applications manually, so a representative will see your explanation. Make sure to be very clear that you did not quit and were not fired - you're on a temporary leave without pay. If they need clarification, they'll schedule a phone interview with you.
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Amara Adebayo
•Thanks for the advice! Will this cause problems with my employer during the claim verification? I'm worried they might say I wasn't laid off and then I'll get denied or something.
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Fatima Al-Mansour
same thing happend to me but it was medical leave. i just put laid off and then in the details section i explained how it was actually FMLA. they ended up calling me for an interview anyway cause they always do but i got approved 👍
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Amara Adebayo
•That's good to hear! How long did it take from when you applied until they called you for the interview?
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Dylan Evans
Your situation is actually quite common. The EDD system isn't designed to handle every possible employment scenario in the dropdown menus. The most accurate option would be "laid off" since you're involuntarily not working. When you get to the section asking for details about your separation, explain very clearly that you're on administrative leave during a workplace investigation with no end date and no pay. You will almost certainly get scheduled for a phone eligibility interview where they'll ask more questions about your specific situation. Be prepared to explain: 1. The exact date your leave started 2. That the decision was made by your employer (not you) 3. That you're available and able to work 4. That you have no income during this period As for reaching EDD by phone, it's notoriously difficult. Many people have success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it's a service that navigates the EDD phone system for you and calls you when they reach a representative. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Good luck with your claim!
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Sofia Gomez
•This is really helpful advice. I had the same situation but with a different employer. Can confirm the eligibility interview is pretty much guaranteed in these situations, but as long as you're honest about the circumstances they're usually understanding.
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StormChaser
I HATE how the EDD system is so outdated!!! Why don't they have an option for administrative leave??? It's like they're TRYING to make it impossible to get benefits. I spent THREE MONTHS fighting with them last year when my work situation didn't fit their stupid categories. The whole system needs to be rebuilt from scratch!!! Anyway, definitely go with "laid off" and explain in detail. But BE READY for them to deny you initially because that's what they did to me. You'll have to appeal and wait for a judge to review your case.
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Dmitry Petrov
•Actually, while the system is frustrating, selecting "laid off" and providing a detailed explanation shouldn't result in an automatic denial in this case. Administrative leave during an investigation is typically considered a qualifying event as long as the claimant is not being paid and didn't cause the situation. The key is being very clear in the explanation section and during the phone interview that this was an employer-initiated action. The eligibility interview is where this gets sorted out properly.
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Ava Williams
have u tried asking ur HR department what to put? they might know since they probly deal with this alot
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Amara Adebayo
•Our HR is part of the investigation so they told me they can't advise me on unemployment stuff during this process. Super helpful, right? 🙄
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Dmitry Petrov
To add some clarity here: For EDD purposes, being placed on unpaid administrative leave during an investigation is most similar to a temporary layoff. You should select "laid off" and then provide a detailed explanation. Your employer will be notified of your claim and will have to verify the information. They'll need to confirm that: 1. You didn't voluntarily quit 2. You weren't terminated for misconduct 3. You're not receiving any compensation during this period Most employers understand this process and will respond accurately. If they contest it for some reason, you'll have an opportunity to present your side during the eligibility interview. I recommend documenting everything - save any emails or letters about your administrative leave, note dates of conversations, etc. This will be helpful if there are any discrepancies.
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Amara Adebayo
•Thank you for such a detailed response. I do have the leave letter from HR stating it's administrative leave pending investigation results, and confirming I'm not receiving pay. I'll make sure to have that ready for the interview.
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Sofia Gomez
I know this doesn't answer your original question but just want to say I was in almost the exact same situation last year and it got resolved eventually. Hang in there!
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Giovanni Rossi
One thing I forgot to mention - once you file your claim, make sure you certify on time every two weeks even if your claim is pending or under review. If you're eventually approved, they'll only pay for weeks you properly certified for.
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Amara Adebayo
•Thank you! I filed yesterday and selected "laid off" with a detailed explanation. Fingers crossed they don't make this more complicated than it needs to be. I'll definitely keep certifying on time.
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Fatima Al-Mansour
ya the interview took like 3 weeks for me. make sure u answer ur phone even if u dont recognize the number cuz they only call once and if u miss it u have to reschedule and wait another month lol
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Ava Williams
my brother works for amazon and same thing happened when they were investigating some missing inventory. he got approved for benefits but took like 6 weeks total i think? dont give up
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