Military spouse EDD eligibility after quitting job due to PCS - timing question

i went thru this last yr when we PCS'd to pendleton. you CAN file right after ur last day but make sure u have copies of the orders with u when u file! they will want to see them

Military spouse relocations are specifically protected under CA unemployment law. You're eligible to file as soon as your last day of work is complete - there's no waiting period beyond the standard one week for all claims. The 3-week difference between your resignation and his detachment date shouldn't be an issue as long as it's reasonably close and clearly connected to the PCS. Make sure you have: 1. A copy of the official PCS orders with your spouse's name and new duty station 2. Your marriage certificate (or proof of domestic partnership) 3. Documentation from your employer showing your resignation reason When filing, select "quit" as your reason for separation, then "military relocation" as the specific cause. This flags your claim properly in the EDD system as a non-disqualifying separation event.

My wife just went through this!!! EDD is actually pretty good with military moves. Just file after your last day and upload the orders when they ask for them. The 3 week thing won't matter as long as it's part of the same PCS move.

@user5 - You're right about the ongoing requirements. Military spouses DO need to complete bi-weekly certifications and meet the standard work search requirements. I was only referring to the initial eligibility determination being different. Unlike other "voluntary quit" situations, military spouse relocations don't trigger the normal disqualification process.

this LITERALLY makes me so mad...it's INSANE that military spouses just get free unemployment when they CHOOSE to quit!!!!! meanwhile the rest of us who got FIRED have to jump through 500 hoops and wait MONTHS to get approved!!!! THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!!

I've helped several military spouses with their EDD claims. Yes, file immediately after your last day of work. The 3-week difference shouldn't be an issue as long as it's clearly connected to the PCS move. However, be prepared for possible questions during your eligibility interview about this timing. One thing that might help - if you're having trouble getting through to EDD for questions (which is likely), try using Claimyr.com. It's a service that helps you connect with EDD agents without spending hours redialing. Saved me during my last claim issue. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km For your specific situation, make sure you select "quit" and then "military relocation" when filing. This codes your claim correctly in their system.

@user4 Yes, be completely upfront about your timeline. Transparency is important with EDD. The specific regulation covering military spouse relocations (Section 1256-9 of Title 22, California Code of Regulations) allows for "reasonable" time frames around the actual move date. Three weeks is generally considered reasonable preparation time for a cross-country PCS.

hey also dont forget u still have to do the work search stuff every week even with military spouse status! my claim got flagged cuz i didnt do that part right at first

Thanks everyone for the helpful answers! This clarifies things a lot. I'll make sure to have copies of the orders, our marriage certificate, and my resignation letter that mentions the military move. And I'll definitely remember to do the bi-weekly certifications and work search activities once approved. I feel much better prepared now!

One more thing - when you start your new job search at your new location, save ALL the documentation of job applications. My wife had to provide proof of her job search efforts during a random audit after our PCS. Better to have too much documentation than not enough!

@user4 She found a job after about 8 weeks. The job market was actually pretty good in our new location! Hope you have the same luck!