EDD eligibility after quitting temp job due to workplace harassment?

just tough it out man... EDD will say u quit voluntarily and deny u. temp jobs suck but unemployment is worse trust me

This is actually a complicated situation. For EDD purposes, you might qualify under "good cause" if you can prove a hostile work environment. However, since you're with a temp agency, there's another factor - EDD might expect you to ask the agency to place you at a different assignment rather than quit entirely. Have you tried asking your agency for reassignment to a different workplace? That would be an important step before quitting if you want to preserve your unemployment eligibility.

I left a job last year bcuz my boss was a total jerk!! Screaming at everybody, making fun of ppl, etc. EDD denied me at first saying I quit w/o good cause. I appealed and gathered evidence from coworkers and even had texts showing I complained to HR. Won my appeal and got all backpay!!! The key is EVIDENCE - can any coworkers back you up on the hostile environment??

There are a few important steps to consider here for unemployment eligibility: 1. You need to make a reasonable effort to preserve your employment before quitting. This means formally requesting reassignment through your temp agency as others have suggested. 2. Document all instances of harassment/hostile behavior with dates, times, what was said, and who was present. 3. Follow the temp agency's formal complaint procedure completely. 4. If the agency doesn't resolve the issue or offer reassignment, then you'd have a stronger case for "good cause" when quitting. If you quit without taking these steps, you'll likely be disqualified initially. During the EDD eligibility interview, they'll ask specifically what steps you took to resolve the situation before quitting. Being able to show you exhausted all reasonable alternatives is critical. Also, temp agencies sometimes have special rules with EDD. They may report you as "still employed but not currently on assignment" rather than laid off, which complicates claims.

I went through something like this in 2024 and EDD was impossible to reach when I had questions about my application. After getting the "maximum callers" message for DAYS, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an EDD agent in about 25 minutes. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The agent explained that quitting a hostile work environment CAN qualify for benefits, but documentation is everything. In my case, they wanted proof I had tried to resolve the issues through proper channels first. Just sharing because talking directly to an agent helped me understand exactly what I needed for my specific situation.

my friend quit her job bcuz her coworkers were bullying her and she got denied unemployment then she appealed and got approved so maybe try that??

IMPORTANT: If you decide to quit, make sure your FINAL REASON stated to the employer and EDD is the hostile work environment, not something else like "found another job" or "personal reasons." My sister made this mistake and had a nightmare trying to appeal later. Whatever reason you give when you quit is what EDD will use to determine your claim!!!

One more thing to consider: the temp agency's perspective. From EDD's standpoint, your employer is the temp agency, not the specific workplace. During an eligibility interview, EDD will want to know why you couldn't continue working for the temp agency at other assignments. Make sure to clearly document that you requested reassignment and what the agency's response was. This is crucial for your claim.

Just want to add that California Labor Code Section 230 protects employees who quit due to workplace harassment or unsafe conditions. Keep detailed records of every incident - dates, witnesses, what was said/done. Also save any communications with your temp agency about the issues. EDD will look at whether a "reasonable person" would have quit under the same circumstances. The fact that you've already reported it twice and nothing changed actually works in your favor. But definitely try the reassignment route first like others suggested - it shows you made good faith efforts to stay employed.