EDD eligibility after relocation for spouse's job - no suitable transfer positions available

yup this happns alot. spouse relocation is usually considerd good cause but EDD is weird about it sometimes. did ur employer give u anything in writing about not having positions at ur level?

Moving because of a spouse's job is typically considered "good cause" to quit under EDD regulations, which means you could be eligible for benefits. However, they will want to verify that you genuinely couldn't continue working for your employer in the new location. The emails from HR you mentioned will be extremely helpful. When you file, make sure to clearly explain in your application that: 1. You quit because of spouse relocation 2. You actively sought transfer opportunities within your company 3. No suitable positions at your qualification level were available EDD will likely schedule a phone interview to verify these details, so keep those HR emails handy. They might also contact your former employer to confirm the situation.

I went thru almost EXACTLY the same thing last yr!! My husband got transferred to Arizona and I had to leave my job at a bank. It was a NIGHTMARE trying to get through to EDD to explain my situation. I finally got approved but it took over 7 weeks and multiple phone interviews where they kept asking the same questions over and over. So frustrating!!

Just my two cents, but during your eligibility interview, be prepared to explain what kind of job search you're doing NOW. EDD doesn't just care about why you left your last job - they want to see that you're actively looking for work in your new location. Make sure you have a list of jobs you've applied for. I got tripped up on this part during my interview and it delayed my claim.

The EDD system is totally broken. I had a similar situation and was waiting for MONTHS to get it resolved. They'll probably deny you at first even though you qualify - they deny everyone these days. The appeal process takes forever too.

I went through this exact situation in 2023 and learned the hard way that getting through to EDD is critical. After failing to reach anyone for weeks, I discovered Claimyr.com which got me connected to an EDD agent within 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The agent I spoke with confirmed that spouse relocation is considered good cause, but explained I needed to provide documentation of: 1) my spouse's job change, 2) proof we actually moved, and 3) evidence I tried to transfer within my company but couldn't. Once I got that clarified, the process went much smoother.

One thing to keep in mind that tripped me up: if you've moved to Oregon, you may need to file an interstate claim rather than a regular California claim. Your benefits would still come from California (assuming that's where you earned your wages), but the claim process might be different. This caught me off guard when I moved to Nevada but had worked in California.

make sure u certify for bennefits every 2 weeks even if ur claim is pending!!! this is rly important so they backpay u for everything once approved

I have a question kind of related to this... my wife might get relocated next year and I'm wondering if I should try to get laid off instead of quitting? Would that be easier for EDD eligibility or does the spouse relocation exception work just as well? Sorry to hijack your thread!

Thank you all SO much for the helpful advice! I've got my eligibility interview scheduled for next Wednesday, and I'm gathering all the documentation everyone suggested. I've got my husband's offer letter, our new lease agreement, and the emails from HR about lack of transfer opportunities. I've also started keeping a detailed job search log. Fingers crossed it goes smoothly!