If I get fired will I get unemployment through California EDD?

So write-ups for being late or missing targets wouldn't count as misconduct? That's kind of what's been happening to me.

Generally no. Tardiness and performance issues are usually considered not meeting expectations rather than willful misconduct. You'd still likely qualify. Just make sure you file your claim right away if it happens.

This is correct. I went through this exact thing last year - got fired for 'performance issues' and California EDD approved my claim no problem. The employer tried to fight it but EDD sided with me.

What if my employer lies on their questionnaire? Like what if they say I did something I didn't actually do?

That's what the adjudication process is for. If there's a conflict between what you say and what your employer says, EDD investigates. You'd get a chance to provide your side. Keep any documentation you have - emails, write-up notices, anything that shows context.

employers lie ALL THE TIME on those things. i had one claim my attendance was 'chronic and excessive' when i literally missed 3 days in 8 months. save everything

Does Claimyr actually work? I've heard EDD phone lines are basically impossible to get through.

It worked for me. Got connected to an agent same day and got my adjudication issue explained and resolved within a week after that. Way better than calling at 8am and getting the busy signal message.

gonna look into this, been trying to reach EDD about something unrelated for like 2 weeks with no luck

She absolutely should file! You can file a backdated claim up to certain time limits. She should go to UI Online right away and file for past weeks too. Don't leave money on the table.

omg i'm telling her right now. she's been struggling this whole time thinking she had no options

Yes this is a really common misconception. Being fired does NOT automatically disqualify you from unemployment in California. So many people don't realize this.

Seven weeks with no income sounds absolutely terrifying. How did you manage?

Barely. Had to borrow money from family. The system is genuinely broken and they know it. File immediately if anything happens, don't wait even one day.

The delays are real but they've gotten somewhat better in 2024-2025 from what I've seen. Still not great but claims that don't have employer disputes often move faster now.

The job search requirement - how many applications per week do you need?

Currently California EDD requires a minimum of 3 job search activities per week. These can include submitting applications, attending networking events, contacting employers directly, etc. You also need to register on CalJOBS which is the state employment portal.

The CalJOBS registration is easy but a lot of people forget to do it and then get flagged. Do it the same week you file your initial claim.

Interesting. So if they make conditions bad enough that I quit it might still count? How would I prove that?

You'd need documentation showing the conditions changed significantly and unreasonably - like a major change in duties, pay cut, hostile work environment etc. It's harder to prove than a straight firing but it's a real legal concept that California EDD recognizes.

Yes this is called constructive discharge and it's absolutely a valid basis for a UI claim in California. Keep records of everything that's changing with your working conditions just in case.

This is genuinely reassuring. I've been so stressed about this.

Document everything from here on out. Keep copies of write-ups, emails, anything work-related. If you have a personal email, forward important work communications there before you lose access. Don't do anything that could actually be considered misconduct in the meantime.

this advice is solid. paper trail is everything when it comes to fighting EDD decisions or employer disputes

Back pay for the adjudication weeks - so you don't lose that money even if it takes a while to approve?

Correct! As long as you keep filing your weekly certifications during adjudication, those weeks stay in the system. When your claim gets approved they release all those pending payments at once. That's why NEVER stop filing your weekly claims even if it feels pointless.

This is so important and so many people don't realize it. Keep filing weekly claims no matter what. Every week you miss is money you can't get back.

That's helpful context. Not rich but survivable for a bit while job searching.

You can also get a rough estimate before you even file using EDD's benefit calculator on their website. Lets you know what to expect.

wait the max is only $450 a week?? that seems really low for California costs of living

5 months is extreme even by EDD standards. Was there something specific that caused the delay or just pure bureaucratic dysfunction?

employer kept submitting appeals and requests for more time and EDD just kept granting them. meanwhile i'm drowning. eventually got everything plus interest but the damage was done.

For situations like this where employer disputes are dragging things out, having a way to reach an actual EDD agent is huge. I've heard Claimyr (claimyr.com) has helped people in contested claim situations get through to EDD to check on dispute status. Might have saved some of those months.

The waiting week - so the first week is always unpaid no matter what?

Yes there's a mandatory unpaid waiting week in California UI. So even if your claim processes fast, your first payment will typically cover week 2 onward. Good to know going in so it's not a shock.

This is accurate - the waiting week has been a standard part of California UI for a long time. Budget for at least 3-4 weeks with no income just to be safe.

Yeah I've been halfheartedly looking. Might need to get more serious about it.

The job market in logistics has been decent in most parts of California. Might find something before EDD even becomes necessary. Either way you're in a better spot than most people who get blindsided with zero preparation.

Thank you for that clear summary. This whole thread has been really helpful, I feel way less panicked about my situation now.

Good luck. File immediately if it happens, keep your documentation, and stay on top of your weekly certifications. You've got the right mindset going in.

Rooting for you. Hopefully the job situation stabilizes but if not you're going into it informed which makes a huge difference.

That's really practical advice, I probably would have written a whole essay venting about my manager.

Ha, understandable impulse but definitely resist it. Save the venting for Reddit. On the EDD form just give them the facts they need to process your claim.

seriously this. i made the mistake of going into way too much detail on my first claim and it just created more questions and delays. keep it short and factual

30 days to appeal - is that 30 calendar days or business days?

Calendar days. So if you get a denial don't sit on it. File the appeal as soon as possible, ideally within the first week so you have buffer time.

And if your appeal is coming up and you need to get clarification from EDD beforehand, that's another situation where getting through to an actual agent is clutch. Claimyr at claimyr.com helped me get through before my own appeal hearing to confirm they had received my documents. Huge peace of mind.

same, I've been employed continuously for years and always just assumed I'd never need to know this. kind of glad to be informed now even if I hope to never use it

It's one of those things everyone should understand before they need it. California EDD can seem really intimidating but there's more protection for workers than most people realize.

Appreciate all the responses in this thread. Went from totally panicked to feeling like I actually understand my options. If something does happen I'll come back and update.

Please do update! Threads like this help the next person who searches this question. Good luck with everything.

yeah come back and let us know what happens. and seriously - file the SAME DAY if they let you go. every day you wait is a day of benefits potentially lost

Saved the number and the Claimyr link. Hoping I don't need either but better to have it.

same saving all of this. never know when you might need it in this economy

Good advice. The EDD phone system is genuinely difficult even when your situation is straightforward. Having backup options is just smart.