Fired after only 8 days - can I qualify for EDD benefits?

Yikes, that's really rough! Yes, you CAN apply for unemployment, and your claim will be based on your earnings during your "base period" which looks at earnings from previous quarters. So your 3 year job DOES matter! Your 8-day job probably won't contribute much to your claim amount but the reason you left that job will be important. "Not a good fit" is usually considered not your fault, which is good for eligibility purposes. Apply ASAP through UI Online. You'll need to report both jobs.

Your base period for UI will include wages from both jobs, including your 3-year previous employment. The key issue is WHY you left each job. For the 8-day job, "not a good fit" generally counts as being let go without misconduct, which shouldn't disqualify you. However, you'll need to explain why you left the previous 3-year job. If you left for a good cause (like taking a better position), you might still qualify. EDD will investigate both separations.

this happened to my brother in law last yr. quit a job for a better 1 then got fired after 2 weeks. he got benefits no problem. something about quitting for a better job being ok reason. u shud be fine just apply today dont wait

You NEED to call EDD directly to explain this situation because it's complicated with TWO job separations. I was in a similar situation and spent 3 WEEKS trying to reach someone at EDD. The phone lines are ALWAYS busy!! I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through - they have this system that calls EDD for you and gets you in line to speak with a representative. Totally worth it because they solved my issue in one call. Check out their demo: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

When u apply, make sure you're SUPER CLEAR that u quit the 3yr job for a BETTER JOB with HIGHER PAY. That's considered good cause in CA. I quit my job at Target for a better-paying gig at Amazon, but then got laid off during probation period. EDD still approved me cuz leaving for better work is reasonable. Just be honest about everything!!!

According to EDD regulations, leaving your previous employer for a better job (substantially higher wages or benefits) is considered "good cause" for voluntary separation. This should not disqualify you from benefits when you were subsequently terminated from the new position without misconduct. You should apply immediately, as benefits begin from your application date, not your termination date. Be prepared for an eligibility interview where both separations will be discussed. Make sure to gather documentation of both your previous resignation (showing the reason was for better employment) and your recent termination ("not a good fit" letter or email if possible).

I had the EXACT same situation last year I swear! Quit my job at the bank for a better paying job at a software company and then they let me go after TWO WEEKS saying I "wasn't catching on fast enough". Super humiliating. Anyways I applied for unemployment and checked the box for "voluntary quit with good cause" for my bank job and explained I left for better pay. For the software job I selected "discharged" and explained they said I wasn't a good fit. Got approved after a phone interview. The interviewer was actually really understanding about the whole thing. Don't stress too much!

One important detail: when you file your claim, you'll need to list BOTH employers. The EDD online application will ask for your last employer first (the 8-day job) and then ask if you had other employers in the last 18 months. Make sure to include your 3-year job there. This is crucial because your benefit amount will primarily be calculated based on the longer employment since the 8-day job likely didn't generate much in wages for the calculation. Also, be prepared for an eligibility phone interview - almost everyone in your situation gets one due to the job change complexity.

Update us on how it goes! The whole EDD process can be confusing but I've seen multiple cases where people got benefits after leaving a stable job for a better opportunity that didn't work out. The system is designed to protect workers in exactly this type of situation. Just make sure you certify on time every two weeks once you open your claim!

I went through something very similar a few months ago! Got let go from a new job after just 2 weeks because of "performance concerns" but I had left my previous job of 5 years for what I thought was a better opportunity. The good news is that California's base period system worked in my favor - EDD calculated my benefits based on earnings from up to 18 months prior, so my long-term previous job was included. The key thing that helped me was being completely transparent about both job separations during my eligibility interview. I explained that I left my stable job for career advancement (higher salary, better benefits) and that the new employer let me go during what was essentially an extended probationary period. EDD approved my claim because leaving for a substantially better job is considered "good cause" and being terminated for not being a good fit isn't considered misconduct on your part. Don't wait to apply - even if there are questions about your eligibility, it's better to get the process started. The worst thing that can happen is they deny your claim, but based on what you've described, I think you have a strong case.