EDD eligibility for relocation over 73 miles - can we claim unemployment?

Yes, you might qualify! EDD generally considers quitting due to moving 35+ miles away as a potentially valid reason IF the move was for compelling circumstances outside your control. Financial necessity (like a massive rent increase you can't afford) can often qualify. When you apply, make sure to clearly explain that your move was due to financial necessity, provide documentation of the rent increase if possible, and emphasize that continuing your current employment isn't feasible due to the distance. You'll need to be available for work and actively seeking employment in your new location. Be prepared for an eligibility interview where they'll determine if your reason meets their criteria.

my friend moved from san diego to redding and got ui but they made her do phone interview first. make sure u say ur ACTIVELY looking for work in new city or theyll deny u

I DON'T THINK YOU'LL QUALIFY!! The EDD is EXTREMELY strict about voluntary quits. They rejected my claim when I moved for my husband's job in 2022 even though we moved 65 miles away. The interviewer kept saying I "chose" to quit and should have found a way to commute. They don't care about your personal circumstances - just looking for any excuse to deny benefits. Such a broken system!!!!!

Important distinction: this would be considered a "good cause quit" situation by EDD standards. You need to be very careful with how you word things during your application and interview. Do NOT just say you're quitting to move. Instead, emphasize that economic circumstances forced the relocation (35% rent increase is significant) and that the distance makes continued employment impossible. You should also consider requesting a transfer from your current employer if that's an option - EDD will ask if you tried to preserve employment. Be prepared to provide documentation of the rent increase and your financial situation showing you couldn't afford to stay. Both you and your spouse can apply separately since you work for different employers.

When I had to reach EDD about a similar situation (moved due to domestic violence, different but still "good cause"), I spent WEEKS trying to get through on the phone. Kept getting the "maximum callers" message. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Made a huge difference because I needed to explain my situation directly to someone instead of just filling out the online form. The EDD rep gave me specific advice on how to document everything properly.

i moved from la to fresno last yr bc my apartment building got sold and new owner raised rent like crazy. edd approved me but took forever liek 6 wks and they made me do interveiw. make sure u tell them exactly why u HAD to move and couldnt afford not to. good luck!!

One more thing - make sure you're actually moved BEFORE you quit and apply. If you apply while still at your current address, it can complicate things. EDD may wonder why you're not looking for work in your current area. Timing matters in these situations. Also, be aware that EDD might initially deny your claim (they often do for voluntary quits), but don't panic if that happens. You'll have the right to appeal, and many people win their appeals when they can document financial necessity for relocation.

I'm curious - why exactly did you pick Bakersfield? Do you have family there or is it just cheaper? Just wondering because I've been looking at more affordable areas too...

Based on your situation and all the advice here, you have a good case for UI benefits. To summarize the key points: 1. Your move exceeds the 35-mile threshold EDD typically considers for reasonable commuting 2. You have a compelling financial reason (35% rent increase) 3. You're moving before quitting, which is the correct order 4. You'll be actively job searching in your new location 5. You have documentation of the rent increase Just make sure both you and your spouse are very consistent in your explanations during the application and interview process. Be honest but clear that this move was a financial necessity, not a preference. Good luck with your relocation!

Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me when I was in a similar situation - when you do your EDD interview, have a timeline ready showing your rent increase notice, when you started looking for affordable housing, and when you realized you had to relocate. They really like to see that you explored all options before deciding to move. Also, if you can show that you looked for comparable housing within commuting distance of your current jobs but couldn't find anything affordable, that strengthens your case. Document your housing search if possible - screenshots of rental listings, emails to landlords, etc. It shows EDD that the move truly was your only viable option, not just a preference. Best of luck to both of you!

I've been reading through this entire thread and wow, what an incredibly helpful discussion! As someone who's currently facing rising rent costs in my area, I'm taking notes on all this advice even though I'm not quite at the point of needing to relocate yet. One thing I wanted to add that I learned from a friend's experience - if either of you has any documented health issues that would make a 146+ mile daily commute particularly difficult (back problems from long drives, etc.), that can be additional supporting evidence for why commuting isn't feasible. Obviously only mention this if it's genuinely applicable to your situation. Also, I noticed someone mentioned the Claimyr service earlier. While that might be helpful for getting through to EDD, just be aware that some people have reported mixed experiences with third-party services, so do your research first. Sometimes persistence with the regular EDD line (especially using that 8 AM tip) can work just as well and won't cost you anything. Your preparation level based on all these responses is really impressive. It sounds like you're documenting everything properly and thinking through all the angles. Best of luck with your move and the unemployment application process! This thread has been incredibly educational for all of us dealing with California's housing crisis.