EDD eligibility question - can I get unemployment after refusing seasonal job due to family caregiving?

This is a complicated situation, but I think I can help. Generally, you need to be available for "suitable" work to qualify for UI benefits. The question is whether requiring 60-80 hour workweeks is considered "suitable" when you have caregiving responsibilities. In my experience, EDD typically considers full-time work (40 hours) as the standard for availability requirements, not excessive overtime. When the interviewer called, documenting your willingness to work full-time but inability to work those extreme hours was actually the right approach. Your caregiving responsibilities for an immediate family member with a medical condition is a compelling reason for limiting availability to standard full-time hours.

sounds like they might deny u at first but APPEAL IT!! i got denied when i couldnt work nights cuz of my kids but won on appeal. its all about how u explain it. gotta show ur still looking for work that fits ur schedule

I used to work for EDD (not anymore), and I can tell you that this situation falls under what we call "good cause" for restricting your availability. The key is that you're still available for full-time work (40 hours), just not excessive overtime. Make sure you clearly explain this during your eligibility interview and emphasize that you're actively seeking work that accommodates your caregiving responsibilities. When they ask about job search efforts, demonstrate that you're applying to full-time positions in your field. Document everything - your applications, any doctor's notes about your mother's condition, and any communication with potential employers. This documentation will be crucial if you need to appeal.

Yes, getting documentation from your mother's doctor would be very helpful. A brief letter stating she requires care/supervision due to dementia and fall risk is sufficient. As for job search requirements, you need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and record them in your UI Online account when you certify. Make sure the jobs you're applying to are actually jobs you can do while managing your caregiving responsibilities.

wow thats rough im sorry about ur mom. EDD can be so frustrating!!! i had something kinda similar and tried calling them for WEEKS but could never get through. i wasted hours hitting redial until i found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an EDD rep in like 20 mins. saved my sanity lol. check out claimyr.com or their video https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km if ur having trouble reaching someone. definitely worth it for peace of mind, esp with ur mom situation

Um actually refusing ANY work can disqualify you. My brother got denied because he couldn't work weekends. The EDD doesn't care about your personal problems, they just want to know if you're available to work. Sorry but that's just how it is.

Just went thru this EXACT situation last year!!!! My dad had a stroke and needed care, and I couldn't work the crazy hours at my previous warehouse job (they wanted 12-14 hour shifts during peak season). I was honest with EDD about why I couldn't return. They initially DENIED my claim saying I refused suitable work, but I APPEALED and explained I could work 40 hours just not 70+ hours because of caregiving. I WON THE APPEAL!!! The judge said caring for immediate family members with medical needs is valid reason to limit availability as long as you're still available for full-time work. GET DOCUMENTATION from your mom's doctor ASAP!!! That was what saved me.

My appeal took about 7 weeks from start to finish. It was ROUGH financially - had to borrow from family. BUT when I won, they paid ALL the back weeks at once. The hearing was over the phone and only took like 30 min. Make sure you have your mom's medical documentation and proof you're looking for work that fits your availability. That's what the judge focused on for me.

I think what matters is if you're still available for "suitable" work. The EDD defines that differently than employers do. My understanding is that if you can work a normal 40-hour workweek, you should still qualify even if you can't do overtime. Just make sure you're applying to jobs you could actually accept given your mom's care needs.

This whole unemployment system is SO BROKEN! They ALWAYS side with employers and don't care about real people's situations. I got denied because I couldn't work nights due to no childcare and they said I wasn't "available for work" even though I could work 40 hours during the day! Had to fight for MONTHS to get my benefits. The system is designed to deny you first and ask questions later. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and be prepared to appeal!!

I'd also recommend keeping a detailed log of your job search activities. Note the company, position, date you applied, method of application (online, in-person), and any follow-up. This proves you're actively seeking work that fits your availability. Also, when you certify for benefits, answer the questions carefully - you ARE available for work (full-time work that accommodates your caregiving), you ARE looking for work, and you CAN accept suitable work. If you answer "no" to any of these, it can trigger an automatic disqualification.