Got fired from my job - can I apply for California EDD unemployment?

This is really reassuring to hear. So even though they said 'performance issues' I should still file? I've been putting it off because I assumed I wouldn't qualify.

Yep file asap. I got fired for 'not being a good fit' and got approved no problem. EDD looks at the actual reason not just what the employer calls it.

Agreed. The burden is actually on your former employer to PROVE misconduct to California EDD. If they can't demonstrate it was intentional or willful wrongdoing on your part, you'll likely be approved even if they contested the claim.

What happens during adjudication? Is that like an investigation? Do I need a lawyer?

Adjudication basically means EDD is reviewing the circumstances before approving or denying. They may call you to ask questions - answer honestly, stay calm. You don't need a lawyer at this stage. It's just EDD gathering info.

adjudication took like 6 weeks for me when my employer contested lol it was brutal but i got approved eventually

Oh wow I didn't even think about needing to call EDD. I assumed it was all done online. I'll check out that Claimyr thing if I run into issues getting through.

I've heard of Claimyr before. Did it actually work well? EDD phones are seriously impossible.

Yeah it genuinely worked. Got a callback from an actual EDD agent which was kind of shocking after spending two days trying to call myself. 10/10 would recommend if you're dealing with anything contested or complicated.

bookmarking this for when i inevitably need to call edd 😭

Yes! This is super important. California EDD distinguishes between a simple termination and a termination for misconduct. Most firings - even ones that feel unfair - don't meet the legal definition of misconduct under California UI code.

Exactly. And even if EDD initially denies your claim, you can appeal. The appeals process gives you a hearing with an administrative law judge where you can present your case.

Should I keep certifying during adjudication even if I haven't been paid anything yet?

YES. This is really important. Keep certifying every week no matter what. If your claim gets approved after adjudication, you'll receive back payments for all the weeks you certified. If you stop certifying, you won't get those weeks even if you're eventually approved.

This happened to me, stopped certifying thinking it was pointless while waiting and lost like 3 weeks of benefits 😤 don't make my mistake

What counts for the job search requirement? Like does applying on Indeed count?

Yes, your former employer will be notified that you filed a UI claim and given an opportunity to respond. However this is completely legal and normal - employers expect it. Most HR departments don't hold it against former employees for filing. It's your legal right to apply.

Honestly if they'd hold a reference hostage over you filing for unemployment you probably don't want them as a reference anyway

This makes sense. I was worried about burning bridges but I think I need to just do what's right for me financially right now.

Ugh that's really scary to think about. What if I miss their call?

Check your UI Online messages constantly and make sure your phone number is updated. EDD often tries to reach claimants by phone to conduct an interview as part of adjudication. If they can't reach you it delays everything.

This is another reason Claimyr was so useful for me - I was able to proactively call EDD to give them my updated contact info and confirm they had everything they needed. Didn't have to wait and wonder if they were trying to reach me.

This is so encouraging thank you. Can I ask what kind of documentation you submitted?

Mostly just emails showing I was doing my job, no formal warnings in writing, and my own statement explaining what happened. Kept it simple and factual.

yeah they really do look at whether there was any written discipline before the firing. no paper trail = harder for employer to prove misconduct

Good point, I've been working there 2 years full time so hopefully that's not an issue. What if someone only worked there a short time though?

There's also an alternate base period option if you don't qualify under the regular base period - EDD will automatically check both. So even if your regular base period earnings were low, you might qualify under the alternate calculation.

Exactly right. And your weekly benefit amount will be based on your highest earning quarter in the base period, so the longer you worked the higher your potential benefit.

Totally agree. One tip - when you set up your UI Online account use Chrome or Firefox, not Safari. The site has weird issues with Safari sometimes.

SAME took me forever to figure out where to certify vs where to manage my account. they're kind of different sections

Ugh I was already dreading figuring this out. At least now I know to use Chrome lol

This is a good real-world example of exactly how California EDD applies the misconduct standard. Vague reasons like attitude, fit, or performance rarely hold up.

Though I'd note that if there was any kind of final incident - like a blowup with a manager or a clear policy violation - employers sometimes use those as the hook for a misconduct claim even if the underlying reason was different.

3 per week doesn't seem that bad. Is there any way to be exempt from the job search requirement?

Yes - if you're on standby status because you have a definite return-to-work date with your current employer within 10 weeks, you can be exempt. But that doesn't apply in OP's situation since they were fired. There are a few other exemptions but they're pretty narrow.

Also if you're in an approved training program you can be exempt but you have to apply for that specifically through EDD

Okay this is what I needed to hear. I've been psyching myself out. Going to do it today.

good! and screenshot or write down your confirmation number. seriously.

I will definitely update. You all have been so much more helpful than I expected. Starting the application right now.

Good luck! And seriously if you get into adjudication and need to speak to someone at EDD, don't waste days trying to call - check out claimyr.com first. That adjudication period is stressful enough without adding phone hell to it.

rooting for you!! the system is confusing but you've got this

Thank you, this genuinely means a lot right now.

same energy. getting fired is scary and the uncertainty about benefits makes it so much worse. glad there are threads like this

Oh wow I hadn't thought of this at all. I still have access to my work email for another week per HR. Going to download everything I can today.

Smart. Even if you end up not needing it, having documentation never hurts. And if there's an appeal hearing, those records can be very useful.

Also screenshot your last few months of pay stubs if they were delivered digitally through a company portal - those establish your earnings for the base period calculation.

There's typically a one-week unpaid waiting period after your claim is approved - California EDD doesn't pay for the first week. After that, payments usually come through within a few days of certifying. If it's been 3 weeks with no payment and no pending adjudication showing on UI Online, I'd call EDD to check on it.

how do you even get through to EDD on the phone though it's impossible

Seriously try Claimyr - claimyr.com - I used it exactly for this kind of situation where I just needed to know what was happening with my claim. You get connected to an actual agent way faster than trying the regular EDD number. There's a walkthrough at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10 showing how it works.

okay fine i'll try it lol at this point i've got nothing to lose

Completely agree. A lot of employers threaten to contest knowing that claimants will just give up. Don't give up.

yep the squeaky wheel gets the grease with EDD. document everything, respond to every notice, and don't miss any deadlines

If you were laid off your path is even more straightforward - a standard layoff is one of the most clear-cut qualifying reasons for California UI. You should absolutely apply immediately!

Laid off is actually easier than fired in terms of getting approved - there's no misconduct question at all. File today, no reason to wait.

filing right now. thank you guys