Military spouse EDD eligibility when quitting job due to PCS orders?

Yes! You absolutely qualify! I went through this exact situation last year when my wife got orders to move us from Travis AFB to Hawaii. California considers this a valid reason to quit your job and still receive unemployment benefits. It falls under the "compelling family reason" exception. When you file, make sure to clearly state that you're leaving due to your spouse's military orders. You'll need to provide a copy of the PCS orders as supporting documentation. I uploaded mine during the application process. The EDD will likely still need to do a phone interview with you to verify the details, but as long as you have the orders, you should be approved. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait - took about 3 weeks for my interview, then another week for approval. Start your application as soon as you give notice at work!

My sister had to do this 2 years ago and they DENIED her at first!!! She had to appeal and go through a whole mess. Something about not having the right documentation or whatever. EDD is such a nightmare to deal with. Good luck getting through to anyone on the phone if you have questions.

Military spouse here with accurate info! Under California Unemployment Insurance Code, Section 1256, leaving your job to accompany a spouse who has been relocated qualifies as "good cause" for voluntary separation. This specifically includes military PCS orders. Here's exactly what you need to provide: 1. Copy of your spouse's PCS orders (must show both names) 2. Copy of your marriage certificate 3. Documentation of your current employment and residence 4. A statement explaining that your resignation is directly due to military relocation File your claim AFTER your last day of work, not before. During the application, when asked why you left your job, select "I quit" and then "I moved because of my spouse's job." This will trigger the proper review process. You will almost certainly have a phone interview scheduled. Be prepared to clearly explain that you're leaving your job solely because of your spouse's military transfer. As long as your documentation is complete, you should be approved. Just be aware there's typically a 1-3 week waiting period for benefits to begin after approval.

congrats on the move! fort liberty is nice, was stationed there when it was still fort bragg. the unemployment thing works but EDD is a mess rn just fyi

If you're having trouble getting through to EDD (which is very likely), I'd recommend trying Claimyr. I was in a similar situation and could NOT get through to anyone at EDD for weeks. Claimyr got me connected to an EDD rep within 30 minutes. It was worth it for me because I needed to explain my situation about leaving due to my husband's military orders. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their website is claimyr.com. Definitely saved me a ton of frustration after trying for days to get through on my own.

Hey there! Fellow military spouse here!! I went through this process in 2025 when we PCS'd from Camp Pendleton. One thing no one mentioned yet - make sure you're applying for regular UI benefits, NOT SDI or PUA or anything else. The dropdown menus can be confusing. Also pay attention to your certifications every two weeks! You have to keep certifying that you're looking for work (even during your move). I missed one certification period and it created a whole headache getting my benefits restarted. And YES you definitely qualify! The interview is just procedural to verify your situation. Good luck with the move!!! 💕

The system is SO FRUSTRATING to deal with. I had to call the EDD 23 TIMES IN ONE DAY when I was trying to sort out my benefits after leaving my job because my husband got deployed (different situation, I know). And that was AFTER trying for TWO WEEKS STRAIGHT! Honestly, I think the whole system is designed to make people give up. They put all these barriers in place hoping you'll just stop trying to get what you're legally entitled to. It's RIDICULOUS that military families have to jump through all these hoops. Make sure you keep calling EVERY SINGLE DAY until you get through to a TIER 2 specialist. The first-level people often don't understand the military spouse exemptions.

One important thing to note - you need to be physically present in California when you file your initial claim. If you wait until after you've moved to North Carolina, you'll have to file with North Carolina's unemployment system instead, and their rules for military spouses might differ. I'd recommend filing your California claim as soon as possible after your last day of work, but before you physically leave the state. This ensures you're covered under California's rules, which are generally more favorable for military spouses. Also, make sure your mailing address is updated in the system once you move so you don't miss any important correspondence from EDD. You can continue to certify and receive benefits from California even after relocating.

Just realized I forgot to mention something important - when you're certifying for benefits every two weeks, you'll need to report any final pay you receive, including vacation payout, severance, etc. This might delay your first payment, but won't affect your overall eligibility. Also, I know this is stressful, but try not to worry too much. California is one of the better states for military spouse unemployment benefits. The system works, even if it can be slow and frustrating at times. You've got this!

Military spouse here who just went through this process in 2024! I wanted to add a few practical tips that helped me during my application: 1. When filling out the online application, there's a specific dropdown option for "spouse relocation due to military orders" - don't just select "quit for personal reasons" or it might get flagged incorrectly. 2. Make sure your PCS orders clearly show the reporting date. EDD wants to see that your resignation timing aligns with when you need to relocate. 3. If your employer offers any kind of remote work option, be prepared to explain why that's not feasible (security clearance issues, role requirements, etc.). They sometimes ask about this during the interview. 4. Keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit. I had to resubmit my marriage certificate twice because it somehow got "lost" in their system. The whole process took about 5 weeks from application to first payment for me, but that included the holidays. You're doing the right thing by getting informed ahead of time! The stress of PCSing is enough without worrying about finances too.

Another military spouse here! I just wanted to add that you should also keep a record of your job search activities even before you move. I started applying to remote positions and jobs in the Fort Liberty area about 2 weeks before my last day at work, and having that documentation ready really helped during my phone interview. Also, if you're planning to look for work in North Carolina after you move, you can still receive California benefits while job searching there. Just make sure to update your address in the system and continue certifying that you're available for work. One last tip - consider joining some military spouse employment groups on social media for the Fort Liberty area. They often share job opportunities and can give you a head start on networking before you arrive. The transition is always tough, but having that support network helps so much! Best of luck with your move and the unemployment process. You've got great advice from everyone here, and it sounds like you're well-prepared! 💪

Hey Yara! I'm a military spouse who went through this exact process last year when we PCS'd from California to Fort Campbell. You definitely qualify for benefits, and everyone here has given you great advice! I wanted to add one thing that really helped me - when you do your phone interview, have a timeline written out beforehand. They asked me specific dates like when I received notice of the PCS orders, when I gave my employer notice, my last day of work, and when we needed to report to the new duty station. Having all those dates organized made the call go much smoother. Also, don't stress too much about the work search requirements during your actual move week. I called EDD when I was literally driving cross-country and they were understanding about the logistics of relocating. Just make sure to resume your job search activities once you're settled. The whole process took about 4 weeks for me from application to first payment, but it was so worth it for the financial peace of mind during the transition. Fort Liberty has a great military spouse community too - you'll love it there! Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions about the process.

Military spouse here! I went through this exact same situation in 2023 when my husband got orders from San Diego to Fort Carson. You absolutely qualify for unemployment benefits under California's "good cause" provision for military spouse relocations. Here's what worked for me: I filed my claim immediately after my last day of work (don't wait until after you move!). During the application, make sure to select the option that specifically mentions spouse relocation due to military orders - it's in the dropdown menu when they ask why you left your job. For documentation, I provided: copy of PCS orders (with both our names), marriage certificate, and a brief written statement explaining that I had to resign due to the military relocation. The phone interview was straightforward - they just verified the timeline and confirmed I couldn't continue working remotely. One tip that saved me time: call EDD early in the morning (like 8:02 AM) if you need to speak with someone. The wait times are much shorter then. My whole process from application to first payment took about 3.5 weeks. You've got this! The move to Fort Liberty will be great, and having that unemployment cushion will definitely help with the transition stress. Best of luck!

Military spouse here who just went through this process in December 2024! You absolutely qualify for UI benefits under California's military spouse relocation provision. I wanted to add a few things that really helped me: First, make sure you have your spouse's full name exactly as it appears on the PCS orders when you fill out the application - any discrepancies can cause delays. Second, if possible, get a letter from your employer confirming your resignation date and that it's due to military relocation. While not required, it can speed up the review process. During my phone interview, they were very professional and understanding. The representative even thanked me for my family's service! The key questions were: when did you receive the orders, did you explore remote work options, and what's your timeline for relocating. Just be honest and straightforward. One thing I wish I'd known - you can actually start gathering your documentation before you give notice at work. Having everything ready made the application process much smoother once I was eligible to file. The financial stress of PCSing is real, but California's system does work for military families. You're taking all the right steps by researching this ahead of time. Hang in there - you'll get through this transition! 🙏

Military spouse here who went through this exact situation when we PCS'd from Vandenberg to Fort Hood in 2024! You definitely qualify for California UI benefits - military spouse relocation is specifically covered under their "good cause" provisions. A few things that really helped me during the process: 1. **Timing is crucial** - File your claim immediately after your last day of work but BEFORE you leave California. Once you're out of state, it gets more complicated. 2. **Documentation checklist**: PCS orders (with both names), marriage certificate, final pay stub, and I'd recommend getting a brief letter from your employer acknowledging your resignation is due to military orders. 3. **Phone interview prep**: They'll ask about your timeline, whether remote work was possible, and verify the military connection. Having dates written down beforehand really helped me stay organized during the call. 4. **Work search requirements**: You can apply to remote positions and jobs in your new location. I started networking in military spouse groups for Fort Liberty area about 2 weeks before my move, which gave me great leads. The whole process took about 4 weeks from application to first payment for me. California is actually one of the better states for military spouse unemployment benefits, so try not to stress too much about it. Fort Liberty has an amazing military spouse community too - you're going to love it there! Feel free to reach out if you need any other PCS tips. We military spouses have to stick together! 💪

Military spouse here! I went through this exact process in early 2024 when we PCS'd from Camp Pendleton to Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty). You absolutely qualify for California UI benefits under the military spouse relocation provision! Here are some key things that helped me: **Application timing**: File your claim on your first day of unemployment, but make sure you're still physically in California when you submit it. I filed mine the day after my last day of work. **Required documents**: You'll need your spouse's PCS orders (showing both names), marriage certificate, and your final pay stub. I also included a brief resignation letter that mentioned the military relocation - not required but seemed to help. **Phone interview**: They scheduled mine about 2 weeks after I applied. The questions were straightforward - when we got the orders, my last day of work, whether I explored remote options, and our reporting date. The whole call took maybe 10 minutes. **Work search**: You can apply to remote jobs and positions near Fort Liberty while still receiving CA benefits. I actually found my current job through a Fort Liberty military spouse Facebook group! The whole process from application to first payment took about 3.5 weeks for me. It's definitely worth applying - that financial cushion made our PCS so much less stressful. You've got this! 💪

Military spouse here who just went through this process in 2023! You absolutely qualify for California UI benefits when leaving due to PCS orders - it's specifically covered under their "good cause" provisions. A few additional tips that helped me: **Before you apply**: Start documenting everything now! Keep records of when you received the orders, when you gave notice, and any communication with your employer about the situation. This will make the phone interview much smoother. **Application process**: When you get to the "reason for leaving" section, look for the specific military spouse relocation option in the dropdown menu. Don't just select "quit for personal reasons" - it needs to be categorized correctly from the start. **Documentation**: Along with PCS orders and marriage certificate, I'd recommend getting a brief statement from your employer acknowledging that your resignation is due to military orders. Not required, but it can help speed up processing. **Interview prep**: They'll verify timeline details and ask if you explored alternatives like remote work or transfer within your company. Just be honest about why those weren't viable options. The whole process took about 4 weeks for me from application to first payment. California is actually pretty good with military spouse situations compared to other states. The financial relief during PCS is such a huge help! Best of luck with your move to Fort Liberty - the military spouse community there is fantastic! 🎖️

Military spouse here who went through this exact process in 2024 when we PCS'd from California to Fort Carson! You absolutely qualify for UI benefits under California's military spouse relocation provisions - it's specifically covered under "good cause" for voluntary separation. Here's what made my process smooth: **Key documents to prepare NOW:** - PCS orders showing both your names - Marriage certificate (certified copy) - Final pay stub from your last day - Brief resignation letter mentioning military relocation **Application timing:** File immediately after your last day of work but BEFORE leaving California. This ensures you're covered under CA rules rather than having to deal with North Carolina's system. **Phone interview tips:** They'll ask about your timeline, whether remote work was explored, and verify the military connection. Having all dates written down beforehand really helped me stay organized during the 15-minute call. **Work search requirements:** You can apply to remote positions and jobs in the Fort Liberty area while receiving benefits. I actually started networking in military spouse employment groups about 2 weeks before our move, which gave me a head start. My entire process took about 3.5 weeks from application to first payment. California is honestly one of the better states for military spouse unemployment benefits, so don't stress too much about approval - just focus on having your documentation ready! The financial cushion during PCS made such a difference for our family. You've got this! 💪

Hey there! Another military spouse chiming in who went through this exact situation last year when we PCS'd from Travis AFB to Fort Johnson. You're absolutely going to be fine - military spouse relocations are well-established under California's UI system! One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is to make sure you save screenshots or print copies of your online application confirmation page and any confirmation emails EDD sends you. I had a weird glitch where my application seemed to disappear from their system for a few days, and having those screenshots helped the representative locate and restore my claim quickly. Also, when you're doing your biweekly certifications, there's a question about whether you turned down any job offers. If you happen to get any offers from California employers during your claim period (even remote ones), just be honest about why you couldn't accept them due to the military move. They understand the logistics of PCS and won't penalize you for it. The process really does work, even though EDD can be frustrating at times. Having that unemployment cushion during our PCS made such a huge difference financially. You're being so smart by researching all this ahead of time! Wishing you a smooth move to Fort Liberty! 🎖️

Military spouse here! I went through this exact process in late 2024 when we PCS'd from NAS Lemoore to Fort Cavazos. You absolutely qualify for California UI benefits under the military spouse relocation provision - it's considered "good cause" for voluntary separation. Here's what really helped me streamline the process: **Critical timing**: File your claim on your first day after employment ends, but make sure you're still physically in California when you submit it. Once you cross state lines, you'd have to deal with your new state's system instead. **Essential documents**: PCS orders (must show both names), certified marriage certificate, final pay stub, and I highly recommend getting a brief letter from your employer confirming your resignation is due to military orders. While not mandatory, it can really speed up the review process. **Phone interview prep**: They'll verify your timeline and ask if you explored remote work or internal transfers. The call was only about 12 minutes for me. Having all your dates written out beforehand makes it much smoother. **Work search strategy**: Start applying to remote jobs and positions in the Fort Liberty area before you even move. I joined several military spouse employment groups on Facebook for the area and it was incredibly helpful for networking. My timeline was about 4 weeks from application to first payment. California is honestly one of the more military-family-friendly states for unemployment benefits. That financial buffer made our PCS so much less stressful! You're being super proactive by researching this now. Fort Liberty has an amazing military spouse community - you're going to love it there! 💪✈️