EDD denial for tardiness - can I still qualify if I was late due to car problems?

This is actually a common misconception. Being fired for tardiness does NOT automatically disqualify you from benefits. The key factor EDD considers is whether your actions constitute \

Yes! I texted my supervisor EVERY single time with pictures of my car issues. I also tried to carpool with a coworker when possible but our schedules only aligned twice a week. I have two repair estimates from different shops ($1,900 and $2,250) that I couldn't afford on my wages. This makes me feel more hopeful - thank you!

ur definitely getting denied the 1st time no matter what, EDD always denys everyone first then u gotta appeal. my brother got fired for the EXACT same thing last year (late cuz of car) and had to wait like 6 weeks to get his money. just be ready to fight for it

This is NOT accurate information. EDD does not have a policy of denying everyone first time. I work with unemployment cases regularly, and while denials are common, they're based on specific disqualifying factors, not a universal

You need to make sure you clearly explain during your eligibility interview that these were mechanical failures beyond your control, not just oversleeping or poor planning. The key legal distinction is whether your tardiness was a \

Wait seriously? I got denied for something similar and didn't bother appealing!!! I just assumed it was final. Ugh wish I'd known this 3 months ago 😫😫😫

I went through a similar situation in 2024 when my employer fired me for 'excessive tardiness' that was actually due to medical appointments. The key in your situation will be the ELIGIBILITY INTERVIEW. That's where the EDD determines if your termination was for misconduct.\n\nHere's what I learned from my experience:\n\n1. They'll schedule you for a phone interview - BE PREPARED. Have documents ready about your car issues.\n\n2. During the interview, clearly state that your tardiness was not willful but caused by factors beyond your control.\n\n3. If you're denied, you have 30 days to appeal, and MANY people win on appeal.\n\nThe problem is actually GETTING through to schedule that interview if needed. I spent days trying to reach an EDD rep. Finally tried a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD agent in about 15 minutes when I'd been trying for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km\n\nIn your case, being able to speak directly with an agent to explain your situation could make all the difference between approval and denial.

Thank you so much for the detailed advice! I haven't been scheduled for an eligibility interview yet - is that something that always happens or only in certain cases? I'll definitely check out that service if I have trouble getting through. Did your appeal process take a long time?

Eligibility interviews are typically scheduled when there's a potential issue with your claim - like being fired rather than laid off. In my case, I waited about 3 weeks for the interview to be scheduled, then another 10 days for the determination. The appeal process took about 5-6 weeks from filing to hearing, but that was during a less busy period. The wait times vary throughout the year, so your mileage may vary.\n\nThe most important thing is to keep certifying for benefits every two weeks even while waiting for determinations. If you're eventually approved, you'll get backpay for all the certified weeks.

im confused why ur worried? i got fired for being late tons of times and still got EDD no problem. they never even questioned me about it lol. maybe my employer didnt report it as misconduct? idk the whole system seems random af

It's not random, but it is complicated. Your former employer may not have contested your claim or specified misconduct as the reason for separation. When employers don't provide details or contest claims, EDD often approves benefits by default. Each case is different based on what information the employer provides to EDD.

MY HUSBEND GOT FIRED FOR THE SAME REASON!!!! he was late like 5 times becuz of traffic and they fired him! EDD gave him the run around for MONTHS and he never got a penny!!!! THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR REASONS THEY JUST WANT TO DENY YOU!!!!

Traffic issues are actually treated differently than mechanical failures by EDD. Regular traffic is generally considered foreseeable and within your control (you could leave earlier), whereas a sudden car breakdown usually isn't. The distinction matters legally. Did your husband appeal the decision? Did he have documentation of unusual traffic incidents rather than regular congestion?

Just a thought... have you considered if you might qualify for a wrongful termination case instead? California is pretty employee-friendly, and firing someone for being late due to legitimate car troubles (especially if you communicated about it) might be questionable. Maybe check r/legaladvice too?

I hadn't even thought about that angle. I was employed \

The key legal terminology you need to understand for your case is \

i got fired for attendance too but in my case i was actually oversleeping lol. EDD denied me and said i committed misconduct. but you should be fine since yours was actual car problems! good luck!

I had a very similar situation last year! Got fired for being late due to my car breaking down multiple times over 2 months. The difference between your case and some others mentioned here is that you have DOCUMENTATION - those texts to your supervisor are gold! Here's what worked for me: During my eligibility interview, I emphasized three key points: 1. The tardiness was due to circumstances beyond my control (mechanical failure) 2. I communicated proactively with my employer each time 3. I was actively trying to resolve the issue but couldn't afford repairs immediately EDD approved my claim after the interview. The interviewer specifically asked if I had proof of communication with my employer and proof of the car issues. Your repair estimates will be crucial evidence. One tip: If they do schedule an eligibility interview, don't just say "car problems" - be specific about the transmission failure and how it was unpredictable. They need to understand this wasn't you being irresponsible but dealing with an urgent mechanical issue while trying to keep working. You've got a strong case with your documentation. Stay positive and keep certifying while you wait for their decision!

I work for a legal aid organization and see cases like yours regularly. You actually have a stronger case than many people realize! The key factors working in your favor: 1. **Documentation** - Those texts to your supervisor are crucial evidence 2. **Frequency** - 4-5 times over 3 months isn't "excessive" by most standards 3. **Legitimate cause** - Transmission failure is mechanical, not behavioral 4. **Good faith effort** - You communicated each time and tried alternatives like carpooling California EDD uses a "misconduct" standard, which requires deliberate or willful disregard of employer interests. Mechanical breakdowns don't typically meet this threshold, especially with your documentation. My advice: During any eligibility interview, emphasize that this was an ongoing mechanical issue you were actively trying to resolve within your financial means. Bring your repair estimates and screenshot those texts. Don't let them frame it as "chronic tardiness" - frame it as "dealing with an urgent vehicle emergency while maintaining employment." If denied initially, absolutely appeal. I've seen many similar cases win on appeal when the full story gets properly presented. Keep certifying throughout the process - you'll get backpay if approved. Your situation is actually quite defensible legally. Stay confident!