Fired after 7 days at remote job, never paid - can I file for EDD benefits?

OMG i had something EXACTLY like this happen to me in 2024!!! they hired me as a "social media manager" but then fired me after 9 days saying my posts weren't getting enough engagement. i filed for UI even though they never sent me a paycheck and EDD put my claim on hold for like 3 weeks. they made me do a phone interview where i had to explain everything. the interviewer said because my previous job was a quit, they had to determine if i had "good cause" for quitting. i was so stressed!!!

You can absolutely file! Being terminated after such a short period still counts as involuntary separation (as long as it wasn't for misconduct). Your previous voluntary quit might complicate things though. Start your application ASAP since the process takes time.

This is a complex situation that involves a few different elements. Let me break it down: 1. Yes, you should file for unemployment. The fact that you weren't paid doesn't negate that you were employed and then terminated. 2. However, since you voluntarily left your previous job, EDD will need to determine if you had "good cause" for leaving that position. Taking another job is often considered good cause. 3. You will need to prove your brief employment. The offer letter, onboarding emails, and work submissions will help. If you have any communication about your termination, save that too. 4. The wage issue is separate from unemployment eligibility. You should continue pursuing payment through your attorney while simultaneously filing for unemployment. 5. Prepare for an eligibility interview. EDD will likely schedule a phone interview to discuss your voluntary quit from the previous employer and the circumstances of your brief employment. Don't delay filing - the sooner you start the process, the better. EDD has a 7-day minimum for employment, so technically you meet that threshold.

just a heads up, EDD is gonna make this complicated. my brother had something similar and they kept sending him letters asking for more proof. make sure u keep EVERYTHING from that job

This happened to my roommate last year, and EDD put his claim on pending forever!! He tried calling them for WEEKS but could never get through. The phone system is completely broken.

EDD will consider several factors in your situation: 1. You meet the threshold of having worked for at least one day at your most recent employer before being let go 2. Your base period wages will likely be calculated using your previous 3-year job (assuming it was within the last 18 months), not the 7-day job 3. The key issue will be the voluntary quit from your previous employer. Generally, quitting to accept other employment is considered good cause, but EDD will verify this during an eligibility interview 4. The wage dispute is separate from your unemployment claim, but document all attempts to recover those wages 5. When filing, be prepared to explain both the voluntary separation from your previous employer and the involuntary separation from the 7-day job While you pursue unemployment, also consider filing a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner's Office for the unpaid wages from your 7-day employment. This is handled separately from EDD but equally important for recovering what you're owed.

Thanks everyone for the advice! I just submitted my unemployment application and listed both employers. I tried to be very detailed in explaining the situation. Now I'm just waiting to see what happens. I also called the Labor Commissioner's Office about filing a wage claim for the unpaid work, and they're sending me the paperwork. Fingers crossed this all works out soon because my savings are getting really low.

one more thing!!! when u certify each week make sure u answer the job search questions correctly!!! u need to list AT LEAST 3 job contacts per week or they might deny ur benefits. i almost got disqualified for forgetting to do this!!!