< Back to California Unemployment

EDD interview coming up - can 'change in relationship' termination reason affect my UI benefits?

I got laid off last week from my customer service job after 8 months. My termination paperwork only lists "change in relationship" as the reason. My manager wouldn't give me any other explanation even when I asked directly - just said they were "going in a different direction" and that my "position was being eliminated." I'm filing for unemployment for the first time and have my phone eligibility interview scheduled for next week. I'm really stressed about how to answer the termination questions. Should I just repeat exactly what's on my termination form ("change in relationship") during the interview? Or do I need to explain more about what might have happened? I've never been written up and had good performance reviews, so this came out of nowhere. Does anyone know if this vague termination reason will create problems with my EDD claim? I'm worried they'll think I'm hiding something or that I actually did something wrong.

Connor Murphy

•

You should absolutely state exactly what's on your termination paperwork. "Change in relationship" is actually a common corporate euphemism for a no-fault termination. This is actually good for your unemployment claim because it doesn't indicate misconduct, which is what would typically disqualify you. During your eligibility interview, be honest about the circumstances. Mention that you were not given any specific performance-related reasons, had no write-ups, and were told it was a position elimination. The EDD interviewer may contact your employer for verification, so keeping your story consistent with their documentation is important. I went through something very similar last year with my claim and was approved without issue. Just be prepared to answer questions about your work history, last day worked, and whether you're able and available for full-time work.

0 coins

Lucy Taylor

•

Thank you so much! That makes me feel better. Do you think I should mention the "going in a different direction" comment too, or just stick strictly to the official paperwork wording?

0 coins

KhalilStar

•

BE CAREFUL! My boss put "professional separation" on my paperwork which sounds similar to ur "change in relationship" thing. But then they told EDD I was fired for attendance issues!!!! I had to fight for 3 months to get my benefits approved. Make sure u get EVERYTHING in writing from your employer before the interview!!! The EDD will believe whatever your employer says!!!!

0 coins

Lucy Taylor

•

Oh no, that's exactly what I'm afraid of! I don't think I can get anything else in writing at this point. They've already stopped responding to my emails.

0 coins

I've helped several coworkers through this process after our company had layoffs. Here's what you need to know: 1. "Change in relationship" typically means a no-fault separation - this is good for your claim 2. In your interview, stick to the facts without embellishment 3. Mention you had no disciplinary action or performance issues 4. If asked why you think you were let go, be honest that they didn't provide a specific reason beyond what's on the paperwork 5. Don't speculate or make assumptions about their reasoning It's important to understand that the burden of proof is on the employer to show misconduct if they want to contest your claim. If they provided no specific reason on your termination paperwork, they'll have a hard time arguing misconduct later. Also, be prepared with your employment dates, final wages received, and make sure you're certifying on time while you wait for your interview.

0 coins

Lucy Taylor

•

This is so helpful, thank you! I have all my pay stubs and employment dates ready. One more question - my interview is scheduled for 10am-12pm. Will they call at exactly 10am or could it be anytime in that window?

0 coins

Kaiya Rivera

•

same thing happened to my cousin last month!!! she got approved no problem. just tell them exactly what ur paperwork says and ur fine

0 coins

They can call anytime during that window. Make sure your phone is charged, you have good reception, and you're in a quiet place where you can speak freely. Have your paperwork in front of you so you can reference it if needed. They won't expect you to remember exact dates without looking at your documents.

0 coins

Lucy Taylor

•

Perfect, I'll be ready for the entire window. I've cleared my schedule completely that day.

0 coins

KhalilStar

•

Hey also FYI i waited almost TWO HOURS past my scheduled interview time for EDD to call and then when I called to see what was happening I got the "we're experiencing high call volume" message over and over for days!! So frustrating!!

0 coins

I had the same issue! Interview was scheduled 1-3pm and they never called. Took me 4 days of constant calling to finally reach someone to reschedule. Missed a whole week of benefits because of it!

0 coins

Noah Irving

•

When I had trouble reaching EDD during my interview reschedule nightmare last month, I used this service called Claimyr that got me through to a live EDD agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. Their system basically holds your place in line so you don't have to keep calling back. I was skeptical at first but it worked really well. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their website is claimyr.com if you need to reach someone at EDD quickly.

0 coins

Lucy Taylor

•

Thanks for the tip! Hopefully my interview goes as scheduled, but I'll keep this in mind if I run into problems.

0 coins

Vanessa Chang

•

"Change in relationship" is actually better for your case than if they cited performance issues. I went through something similar in 2023 - the interview was painless and I got approved within 2 days after. Just be truthful and don't overthink it. Your claim will probably be processed faster than most since this is pretty straightforward.

0 coins

One more important tip: make sure to maintain your work search requirements while waiting for your interview and claim processing. Document all job applications, interviews, and networking activities. You'll need to certify that you're looking for work, and they can ask for this documentation later. Even though your separation reason seems clear-cut, staying on top of work search requirements will prevent any potential issues with your ongoing claim.

0 coins

Lucy Taylor

•

Thank you! I've already applied to 5 jobs this week and I'm keeping track in a spreadsheet with dates and contact information. I'm hoping to find something soon, but it's good to know my claim should go through without issues in the meantime.

0 coins

Kaiya Rivera

•

wait can they see ur search history?? i havent been keeping track of mine just checking boxes YIKES

0 coins

They can't see your search history, but they can audit your work search activities at any time and request documentation. You should start tracking specific employers you've applied to, including company names, positions, dates, and how you applied. You don't need to provide this with every certification, but you should maintain records in case they ask.

0 coins

TaxRefund AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
7,282 users helped today