Locked out of EDD account during pregnancy - fired for tardiness, need help filing claim
I'm completely stuck trying to file for unemployment after being let go from my customer service job last month. I worked there for almost 3 years with a great record until recently. The problem started when I developed hyperemesis gravidarum (severe morning sickness) in my second trimester that made me late several times despite leaving home extra early. My supervisor initially seemed understanding but eventually fired me citing 'excessive tardiness' despite my medical explanation. Now I'm trying to file for UI but can't access my EDD account from years ago! When I try to reset my password, it asks for the last benefit amount I received (from 2021 pandemic benefits) and I honestly have no idea what that exact figure was. I've tried calling EDD at least 15 times but can't get through to anyone who can help. Does anyone know if there are resources that can help me create a new application? Or ways to retrieve my old benefit amount? I really need this unemployment while I look for a new job that can accommodate my pregnancy needs. I'm worried about my eligibility due to the termination reason, but I believe my medical condition should qualify me. Any advice appreciated!
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Sofia Morales
You should absolutely apply - pregnancy-related tardiness could qualify as a good cause reason for termination, especially if you explained your condition to your employer. For your account issue, try these options: 1. Check old bank statements from 2021 to find EDD deposits, that would show your benefit amount 2. Look for any saved EDD correspondence in your email 3. Try contacting the EDD through their AskEDD online system and specifically request account recovery help If none of that works, you might need to create a new account and explain your situation during your eligibility interview. Make sure to emphasize that your tardiness was directly caused by a medical condition (pregnancy-related sickness) and that you attempted to remedy the situation.
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Dylan Mitchell
•Thanks for the detailed advice! I checked all my bank statements but I had a different account back then that's now closed. I've tried the AskEDD system but haven't gotten a response in 5 days. Would creating a new account cause issues with my old claim history? I'm worried they might think I'm trying to commit fraud or something.
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Dmitry Popov
u can try calling RIGHT AT 8:01 AM when they open. thats wat I did. tried for 2 weeks after getting fired (my reason was dumb 2 but thats another story lol). u need to get some1 on the phone who can manually verify ur identity
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Dylan Mitchell
•I've tried calling at opening time but still get the 'we're experiencing high call volume' message and then it disconnects me! I'll keep trying though. How long did you have to call before getting through?
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Dmitry Popov
•took me like 20 tries over 3 days. but keep calling!! dont give up!!
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Ava Garcia
I had almost the EXACT same situation last year!!! I was pregnant and had complications that made me late, got fired from my retail job after 2.5 years. It's actually discrimination to fire someone for pregnancy-related issues - you might have a case against your employer! For the EDD account, I had to go to the actual office in person with my ID to get help resetting everything. Took half a day but they fixed it right there. The lady was super nice about it. Not sure if you're in a condition to go in person though... Morning sickness is BRUTAL.
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Dylan Mitchell
•Thanks for sharing your experience. I didn't even consider that it might be discriminatory! I hadn't thought about going in person either - is there a way to schedule an appointment? Or do I just show up and wait? I could probably manage it on a good day if I knew I'd actually get help.
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Ava Garcia
•You just have to show up early (like before they open) and wait. No appointments from what I know. Bring water and snacks in case the morning sickness hits while waiting! And definitely bring documentation about your pregnancy from your doctor - that helped me a lot with my claim.
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StarSailor}
I've been helping people with EDD claims for years, and I can tell you there's a specific process for retrieving old account information. You have 2 options: 1) For the password reset issue: Instead of using the online self-service reset, click on "Contact EDD" and select "UI Online" then "Password Reset" as your issue. This puts you in a different queue than general inquiries. 2) Regarding your termination reason: Make sure when filing that you clearly indicate your tardiness was due to a pregnancy-related medical condition. California considers this a valid reason that could qualify you for benefits. Be prepared for an eligibility interview where you'll need to explain this situation. For additional pregnancy protection info, check out the CA Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) laws - your employer may have violated these by terminating you rather than providing reasonable accommodation.
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Dylan Mitchell
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I'll try the specific password reset request path today. Do you know if I'll need any documentation for the eligibility interview about my pregnancy condition? I have some doctor's notes that mention the severe morning sickness.
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StarSailor}
•Yes, definitely gather all medical documentation! Doctor's notes specifically mentioning how your condition affected your ability to arrive on time will be extremely valuable. Also, if you have any emails or texts with your employer discussing your condition or requesting accommodation, save those too. The more documentation, the stronger your case.
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Miguel Silva
The EDD system is LITERALLY DESIGNED to make you give up!!!! I bet they HOPE pregnant women just stop trying to get benefits they DESERVE! Make sure you document EVERYTHING because they will try to deny you. When I got fired during my pregnancy in 2023 they initially denied me but I won on appeal!!
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Dylan Mitchell
•That's really encouraging to hear you won your appeal! Did you use any special resources or help during your appeal process? I'm starting to feel like I might need to prepare for that possibility too.
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Zainab Ismail
I had the same problem with forgetting my old benefit amount and couldn't reach anyone at EDD for weeks. I finally used Claimyr.com to get through to an EDD representative who could verify my identity and help me access my account. They connected me to an actual EDD agent in about 10 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Once I got through, the EDD rep was able to look up my info and help me regain access. They also scheduled my eligibility interview since my situation was a bit complicated like yours.
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Dylan Mitchell
•I've never heard of this service before! I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point, especially if it means actually talking to a real person at EDD. Did they help with just the account issues or did they also help with explaining your situation about why you were fired?
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Zainab Ismail
•They just help you get connected to an actual EDD representative - the real benefit is skipping the impossible phone system. Once you're talking to the actual EDD person, you can explain everything about your situation, get your account reset, and even ask them questions about your eligibility with the pregnancy situation. The EDD rep I spoke with was actually really helpful once I finally got through to them.
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Connor O'Neill
this is why i always screenshot EVERYTHING related to benefits and save all the papers they send. sorry ur going thru this while pregnant. have u asked any former coworkers if they had the same issue? maybe someone there knows a trick to get thru to edd?
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Dylan Mitchell
•That's a really good idea about asking coworkers! I'm still in touch with a couple people there who were supportive. I'll reach out to them tomorrow to see if anyone has advice. And yes, I've definitely learned my lesson about keeping records!
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Sofia Morales
Just wanted to update with some important information: When you do get your account access sorted out and file your claim, make sure to properly document the pregnancy-related tardiness. In California, termination for issues related to pregnancy complications can be considered "good cause" rather than misconduct. During your eligibility interview (which they'll schedule after your claim is filed), explain that: 1. You had a documented medical condition (hyperemesis gravidarum) 2. The condition directly caused your tardiness 3. You informed your employer about the condition 4. Your performance was otherwise satisfactory (as evidenced by your coworkers still contacting you for help) This approach significantly increases your chances of approval, as pregnancy-related terminations are viewed differently under California unemployment regulations.
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Dylan Mitchell
•This is exactly what I needed to know - thank you! I'll make sure to use those specific points during my interview. My doctor has been great about documenting everything so I have paperwork showing the diagnosis and how severe it's been. I really appreciate everyone's help with this!
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