Laid off from tech job but working at husband's business unpaid - EDD eligibility question

This is a tricky one. The main issue is whether EDD would consider you "available for work" while helping at your husband's business. Even though you're not getting paid, if you're spending significant time there (15-20 hours is substantial), it could potentially impact your eligibility since you're supposed to be actively looking for and available to accept suitable employment. When you certify, you have to report ANY work performed, paid or unpaid. You'd report the hours but $0 earnings. EDD might question this arrangement and could potentially consider you as working for a family business, which might affect your eligibility. I'd recommend being completely honest on your application about your situation. Mention the layoff, the unpaid work, and be prepared to explain the arrangement during an eligibility interview (which you'll likely get).

my brotherinlaw worked at my shop for 2 month while looking for work and he still got ui benefits. just make sure u report the hours even with 0$ earnings. they asked him if he could quit anytime to take a job and he said yes and that was good enough for them

I was in a somewhat similar situation in 2023. Here's what you need to know based on my experience: 1. You MUST report the unpaid work when you certify, listing the hours but $0 earnings 2. EDD will likely schedule an eligibility interview to discuss your situation 3. The key factors they'll evaluate: - Whether you're truly available for full-time work (can you quit immediately if you find employment?) - Whether there's a reasonable expectation of payment later (even if deferred) - Whether you're actively seeking work in your field (software development) During my interview, they wanted documentation showing I was genuinely looking for work while helping at the family business. They asked specific questions about my work search efforts and how quickly I could leave the unpaid position. Make sure you keep detailed records of all your job applications and be prepared to explain why you're not taking a salary from your husband's business (legitimate business/financial reasons rather than trying to maximize unemployment benefits).

Yes, I was approved after the interview, but it took about 3 weeks for them to make the determination. The interviewer was particularly interested in whether I had an ownership stake in the business (I didn't) and if there was any formal or informal agreement about future compensation. One thing that really helped my case was having a clear separation - I was helping at the business while searching for work in my actual profession. Show that you're actively pursuing suitable employment in your field (software development) rather than just biding time at your husband's business. Also, be prepared for them to possibly contact your husband to verify your statements about the working arrangement.

THE EDD IS GOING TO SAY YOU'RE COMMITTING FRAUD!!! My cousin's wife did something similar and they made her pay back THOUSANDS plus penalties!!!! They always assume family businesses are trying to scam the system. They'll say you should be getting paid and are just choosing not to so you can double-dip with UI benefits. The system is RIGGED against small business families!!!

I'd strongly recommend trying to actually speak with an EDD representative about your specific situation before filing. Getting through to EDD is nearly impossible these days, but I recently used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD agent within about 25 minutes when I'd been trying unsuccessfully for weeks. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Having a direct conversation with EDD about your specific situation before you file could save you a lot of headaches and potentially prevent issues with your claim. The agent I spoke with was able to give me guidance on my specific situation that I couldn't find anywhere online.

Just be honest. Report everything. That way even if they deny u now u can always appeal without worrying about lying. Better to get nothing than commit fraud and owe penalties later. My friend got hit with a fraud penalty and it was 30% on top of what she had to pay back!!!!

i think ur overthinking this. just apply! worst they can say is no lol. ur not getting paid so how is that even work? my nieghbor volunteers at a charity 15hrs a week and still gets unemployment because volunteering isnt a job. ur basically volunteering for ur husband

UPDATE: I wanted to thank everyone for their advice! I used Claimyr to reach an EDD representative yesterday after failing to get through on my own for days. The rep was really helpful and told me I should definitely apply but make sure to report the unpaid hours when certifying. She said I'll likely get an eligibility interview, but as long as I'm honestly reporting everything and actively looking for work in my field, I should be eligible. I'm going to file my claim today and make sure I keep detailed records of all my job search activities. Will update again after my interview!