Got fired from my job - can I still get California EDD unemployment benefits?

Wait seriously?? I genuinely thought I was just out of luck. So the difference is whether they fired me for like actual bad behavior vs just performance?

Exactly. California EDD defines misconduct pretty specifically - it generally has to involve deliberate violation of company rules, dishonesty, or behavior that shows willful disregard for your employer. Struggling to hit metrics or performance benchmarks usually doesn't rise to that level.

This is correct. I went through the same situation last year, terminated for performance reasons at a tech company, and got approved no problem. File immediately, don't wait.

Ugh adjudication sounds scary. How long does that take if it happens?

took about 3 weeks for me but i've seen people say way longer. just make sure you respond to ANY letters or calls from edd immediately or they can deny by default

adjudication is basically just edd reviewing the circumstances of your separation from both sides. it's not an automatic bad thing it's just a hold while they investigate

Oh wow I didn't even know something like that existed. I'll bookmark that link, thank you

claimyr saved my sanity during my claim last year lol. edd phone lines are basically impossible

is this legit? like does it actually work or is it some kind of scam

100% legit, I was skeptical too. You can watch the demo video at the youtube link I posted before committing to anything. It just gets you through to an actual EDD agent instead of being stuck on hold forever.

Good call on documenting everything. I'm going to write it all down today. They really said almost nothing to me, just called me into an office and said today was my last day.

That vague of a termination is actually really good for your case. No specific misconduct cited = harder for them to prove it during the EDD review.

this ^^^ document everything asap memory fades fast

This is incredibly helpful thank you. One question - do I file weekly certifications even if my claim hasn't been approved yet?

YES absolutely file every week without fail. Even if your claim is in adjudication or pending. If you get approved later, those weekly certifications are what EDD uses to calculate your backdated payments. Missing weeks means missing money.

seconding this, I almost made this mistake. file every single week no matter what, even if the portal looks weird or says pending

the weekly certification questions are pretty straightforward, mostly asking if you were able and available for work, did you look for work, and did you earn any money that week

That's actually really reassuring to hear. Thank you for sharing that

yeah he was shocked too lol. edd is more claimant friendly than people think especially in california

Generally speaking misconduct that disqualifies you includes things like: theft from employer, harassment of coworkers, repeated insubordination after warnings, falsifying company records, showing up drunk or on drugs, or abandoning your job. Basically deliberate harmful or dishonest behavior. Just being bad at your job or not hitting sales numbers? Usually not misconduct.

ok that makes way more sense now. I was confused thinking getting fired automatically meant no benefits

Yeah this is one of the biggest myths about unemployment. Even a lot of people who get fired for legitimate reasons like attendance issues often still qualify depending on the circumstances.

Check out Claimyr - claimyr.com - that's genuinely the only thing that worked for me when I was in the same situation. The regular EDD phone lines are a nightmare. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10 that explains how it works.

Thank you I will try this today, I'm desperate at this point

The phone lines are genuinely terrible. Early morning right when they open at 8am is your best shot otherwise

I didn't know there was an appeals process. Is it complicated?

Not terribly. You file a written appeal, then get a hearing date with an Administrative Law Judge. You present your side, employer presents theirs, judge decides. You can represent yourself, you don't need a lawyer. The key is having documentation of your employment history and the circumstances of your termination.

appeals hearings are way less formal than you'd think. I sat through mine via phone and just explained my situation. Won on appeal after being denied initially.

Thank you, that actually means a lot. Filing today.

Good luck! Come back and update us when you hear something

How quickly do I need to return it?

Usually 10 days from the mail date on the form. EDD dates everything from when they mail it not when you receive it so you sometimes have less time than you think. Return it certified mail if you want proof of delivery

Oh I didn't realize there were job search requirements. What if I'm picky about what I apply to, does it matter what kinds of jobs?

They should be jobs you're reasonably qualified for and similar to your past work. You can't just apply to random stuff you'd never actually take. CalJOBS.ca.gov is where you register and it makes logging your contacts easier.

Important clarification: the 3 employer contacts per week requirement applies during your active job search. If you're granted standby status because you have a definite return to work date, this requirement is waived. But for a termination situation like OP's, regular job search requirements apply.

Five weeks feels like forever when you have bills but knowing it eventually worked out helps

I know. It's rough. See if family can help bridge the gap, and check if you qualify for any local assistance programs in the meantime

Yes, employers can contest unemployment claims. When EDD contacts them after you file, they can provide information arguing the termination was for misconduct. That's what triggers adjudication - when the employer's account contradicts yours. But again, the burden is on them to prove misconduct, not on you to prove you didn't commit it.

Wow I had no idea. That seems like it could get messy

It can. Especially with larger companies that have HR departments that proactively fight every claim to keep their UI tax rates down. That's exactly why documenting your side clearly when you file matters so much.

if an employer contests and it goes to a hearing, you have full rights to present your case. I've seen plenty of people win even against large companies with lawyers because the facts were on their side

This timeline is really helpful to have as a reference. Thank you for sharing the whole thing

Of course. The anxiety of not knowing what to expect is almost worse than the wait itself. Now you know what to roughly expect.

I was making around $22/hour working 40 hours. Any rough idea what benefit I might expect?

At $22/hour for 40 hours that's roughly $880 weekly gross. California EDD would typically pay around 60-70% of your average weekly wage, so potentially somewhere in the $500-600 range per week depending on your exact base period earnings. You can use the EDD Benefit Calculator on their website for a more precise estimate.

yeah that's a decent benefit amount. definitely worth filing, that's real money each week

Same honestly. Nobody expects to lose their job but it's good to know your rights before it happens

Agreed. And remember if you ever can't reach EDD by phone, Claimyr at claimyr.com is genuinely useful - saved me hours of frustration when I was dealing with my own claim issues.

Will do! Filed my claim this morning. Got my confirmation number. Now the waiting begins I guess. Thank you everyone in this thread, I went from completely panicked to actually feeling like I understand what's happening. This community is amazing.

Great news that you filed! Remember - weekly certifications every week without fail, respond immediately to any EDD mail, and if you can't reach them by phone try claimyr.com. You've got this.

Come back and let us know when you get approved!! 🤞