EDD unemployment eligibility for ROP teachers during summer break with fall contract

This is a common gray area with ROP positions. The key factor is the 'reasonable assurance' of returning to work. Generally, if you have a signed contract for the next school year, EDD considers this reasonable assurance and typically denies benefits to teachers during scheduled breaks. HOWEVER, ROP teachers funded by grants sometimes qualify as an exception since funding isn't guaranteed like traditional school positions. You should apply anyway and be very specific about being an ROP teacher with grant-based funding in your application. When they ask if you have reasonable assurance of returning, you can truthfully say yes but explain the unique nature of ROP positions. The worst they can do is deny your claim, but many ROP teachers do successfully receive benefits during breaks.

i got approved last summer as an ROP teacher! applied right after our program ended in june. the key is being honest about everything but making it clear your position depends on enrollment and funding. took about 3 weeks to get approved and had to do a phone interview

I tried applying for UI as a summer school teacher last year and got DENIED because I had a contract for fall. They said this counts as "reasonable assurance" of work resuming. WASTED SO MUCH TIME with the whole process and couldn't even get someone on the phone to explain my situation better!!! The EDD website is totally useless for explaining these specific situations. They just apply blanket policies without understanding different teaching positions!!!

If you're having trouble reaching EDD to get a clear answer on your specific situation (which is totally common), I'd recommend trying Claimyr. I was in a similar situation last year with a specialized teaching position and couldn't get through to anyone at EDD for weeks. Claimyr got me connected to an EDD rep within about 20 minutes who actually understood my situation. Saved me so much frustration! Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km or visit claimyr.com. They basically wait on hold for you and call you when an agent is ready. Lifesaver for complicated situations like yours where you really need to talk to someone who understands the rules.

Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread: California Education Code explicitly states that teachers with "reasonable assurance" of returning to work are NOT eligible for unemployment benefits during regularly scheduled breaks. This includes summer breaks. However, there are important nuances for ROP and other categorically funded positions: 1. If your position is contingent on special funding or grants 2. If your position depends on student enrollment meeting certain thresholds 3. If there's any substantial chance the position won't exist next year In these cases, you may qualify despite having a contract. EDD will evaluate reasonable assurance based on the likelihood of the position continuing, not just whether you have a contract. When you file, be prepared for an eligibility interview where you'll need to explain these factors. Don't just say "I'm an ROP teacher" - explain specifically how your position's funding structure creates uncertainty despite the contract. Document any communication about potential funding changes or enrollment concerns.

ive heard some ROP teachers get approved and others dont. seems like it depends on who reviews ur claim tbh

One more important point - California has specific precedent cases for ROP and adult education teachers that differentiate them from K-12 regular teachers. The key case law established that when positions are contingent on funding, enrollment, or other variable factors, the "reasonable assurance" standard may not be met despite having a contract for the following year. When you certify for benefits, you'll need to answer "Yes" to the question about whether you have reasonable assurance of returning to work (since you do have a contract), BUT then use the additional information section to explain the contingent nature of ROP funding and how it differs from regular teaching positions. This will likely trigger a phone interview, which is actually good because it gives you the opportunity to explain your situation to a human instead of just being automatically denied by the system.