EDD eligibility with performance termination after 17 years - should I apply?

You should definitely apply for UI benefits! "Performance issues" is generally NOT considered misconduct in California, which is what would disqualify you. Misconduct requires a willful and deliberate violation of your employer's interests. Simply not meeting performance expectations is rarely grounds for disqualification. For your phone interview, be prepared to explain: 1. What specific performance issues they cited 2. Whether you received warnings or progressive discipline 3. Whether you tried to improve after receiving feedback 4. How long the issues existed The fact that you worked there for 17 years will work in your favor. Document everything, including any positive reviews from your history. Stay calm and factual during the interview - don't badmouth your employer even if you're upset.

Ugh my company did the SAME THING to me last yr!! They said "performance" but everyone knew they were just cutting costs. U definitely qualify for unemployment!! They gonna make u wait for the interview but don't stress, its just procedure. Good luck!!

Actually, it depends on the specifics. If your performance issues were due to things within your control that you failed to fix after warnings, EDD could potentially rule against you. That said, the burden of proof is on the employer. They need to prove you deliberately performed poorly or violated policies. Simple inability to meet unreasonable quotas or subjective performance metrics usually isn't enough to deny benefits. I went through this last year. My company cited "poor performance" but during my interview I explained that I had never received proper training for new systems they implemented. EDD approved my claim because they determined I was making good faith efforts to improve. Be completely honest in your interview, don't exaggerate or minimize anything. Stick to facts, not emotions.

I worked at my last job for 23 years before they fired me for "not meeting new company metrics" which was BS because they just wanted younger cheaper workers. EDD approved me no problem even tho my boss fought it. You'll be fine

Dont let the phone interview stress you out. I was so nervous for mine i could barely sleep the night before! But the EDD interviewer was actually pretty nice and just asked basic questions. The whole thing took like 15 minutes. They just wanna hear your side of the story. With 17 years at the same place, thats gonna look real good for you.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!! I had almost the exact same situation and EDD sided with my employer because they claimed I "failed to meet reasonable job expectations" even though they kept changing what those expectations were!!! I had to appeal and it took THREE MONTHS to get a hearing. By then I'd already found another job but still fought for my backpay. The whole time I couldn't get ANYONE on the phone at EDD to explain what was happening with my case!!! SO FRUSTRATING!!!

When you can't reach EDD agents for your interview or have questions about your claim, try using Claimyr.com - it helped me get through to an actual person after weeks of trying. They have a system that connects you directly to EDD without waiting through the usual phone tree nightmare. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Regarding your performance termination - I was in a similar situation last year. The key factor EDD looks at is whether your actions constituted "misconduct" which has a specific legal definition. Generally, just not meeting performance standards isn't misconduct unless you were deliberately underperforming or violating specific policies. During your interview, focus on how you attempted to meet expectations and any challenges that prevented you from doing so that were outside your control.

wait did they already schedule the interview or did u schedule it? i thought u had to apply first then they schedule the interview??

Regarding the performance improvement plan you mentioned - that's actually important information. Make sure you explain during your interview: 1. What specific issues were identified in the PIP 2. How the goals kept changing (be specific about how and when) 3. What steps you took to meet the original goals 4. Whether you received any feedback during the PIP period If you can show you made good faith efforts to improve but were given shifting or unclear expectations, that strongly supports your case. The key is demonstrating you weren't willfully underperforming. After 17 years of employment, it would be unusual for you to suddenly decide to perform poorly without cause. Remember that employers sometimes use PIPs as documentation to justify a termination they've already decided on. EDD understands this practice.

the phone interviews are WAY less scary than they sound trust me its just an edd person asking questions not like a crazy interrogation lol