Fired after leaving out-of-town job site against supervisor's orders - Can I get EDD benefits?

they can't just deny u for that! u had a family emergency what were u supposed to do?? i'd definitely apply and see what happens. worst they can say is no

You should definitely apply, but be prepared for some challenges. EDD typically considers whether you had "good cause" for your actions. A genuine family emergency can qualify as good cause, especially when it involves your child's wellbeing. However, the employer will likely argue that you could have handled it differently. When you file, be very specific about: 1. The exact nature of the emergency (details matter) 2. Why you couldn't resolve it remotely 3. That you were off-clock when you left 4. Your otherwise perfect work record They'll likely schedule an eligibility interview where both you and your employer get to explain your sides. Document everything now while it's fresh in your memory, including any witnesses who knew about your situation.

I went through something similar in 2023, but it was a medical emergency with my parent. EDD initially denied my claim when my employer said I abandoned the job, but I appealed and won. The key difference maker was documentation - I had text messages showing I tried to get coverage, medical documentation of the emergency, and proof that I'd never had attendance issues before. During your eligibility interview, focus on the fact that you were ALREADY OFF WORK for the day when you left. This isn't the same as walking off during a shift. Also emphasize that your child's safety was at risk - parental responsibilities for emergencies are viewed favorably by EDD judges. Even if you get initially denied (which happens all the time), APPEAL! Most construction workers in these situations win on appeal if there was a legitimate emergency.

i dont think u can get unemployment for that tbh. my cousin got fired for something similar and they denied him because he technically violated a direct order. EDD is super strict about insubordination. maybe try food stamps instead?

After reading your situation, I think you have a reasonable chance at benefits, but EXPECT YOUR CLAIM TO BE CONTESTED by your employer. Construction companies often fight unemployment claims aggressively. I went through HELL trying to reach EDD when my claim was contested last year. Spent WEEKS calling hundreds of times daily just to talk to someone. Couldn't get through for 3 weeks straight while my bills piled up!!! Finally tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an EDD rep the SAME DAY. Totally worth it to actually get someone on the phone who could explain what was happening with my claim and get my eligibility interview scheduled. They have a video demo here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km My advice: Apply immediately, prepare for your employer to contest it claiming misconduct, then be ready to fight for your benefits. Document EVERYTHING about the family emergency.

When I got fired from Amazon warehouse for something similar (family emergency), my initial claim was denied but my appeal was successful. Make sure when you certify you don't accidentally say you refused work or quit - that's an automatic denial. Put that you were terminated and explain your side clearly.

my brothers gf works for edd and she says they r really backed up right now so expect to wait FOREVER for interviews.. apply now so u can get in line

One more important point: When you explain your case to EDD, be very careful about how you frame what happened. Don't say "I disobeyed my supervisor" or "I knowingly violated policy." Instead, present it as "I had to respond to a family emergency involving my child's safety after work hours." Framing matters tremendously in these cases. Also, California has specific protections for parents dealing with emergencies related to their children. If your employer has more than 25 employees, you might have been protected under California's Family Rights Act, which could strengthen your unemployment case by showing the termination itself may have been improper.