Quit job due to mental health as a driver - EDD interview coming up - any chance for benefits?

your probably not gonna get it tbh... EDD is super strict about quitting jobs. they always side with the employer. i tried getting benefits after walking out of my toxic warehouse job and they denied me even tho i had proof of unsafe conditions.

You actually DO have a chance of qualifying if you have proper medical documentation. This falls under "good cause" for voluntary quit. The key things you need for your interview: 1. Doctor's note specifically stating your condition made it unsafe to continue working as a driver 2. Evidence you informed your employer about your condition before quitting (emails, texts) 3. Proof you explored alternatives before quitting (reduced hours, different position, medical leave) During the interview, emphasize that you had no reasonable alternative BUT to quit for safety reasons. The EDD interviewer will be looking to confirm you exhausted all options before quitting.

OMG I went thru almost the EXACT same thing!!!! I was a school bus driver and had to quit bc of panic attacks while driving. My hands would get all sweaty and I'd get dizzy... so scary with kids on board!! I got denied at first but then I appealed and finally got approved. Don't give up!!!

My therapist wrote a detailed letter saying I was a danger to myself and others if I kept driving. Also got my doctor to fill out the medical certification form. The big thing was proving I told my boss first and tried to get transferred to a non-driving position before quitting.

Mental health conditions can qualify as "good cause" for voluntary quit under California unemployment regulations, but documentation and how you present your case are critical. For your phone interview, make sure you clearly explain: 1. The specific safety risk your condition posed (panic attacks while driving passengers) 2. That continuing work would have worsened your condition 3. That you attempted to preserve your employment before quitting One important distinction: Did you request accommodations or a leave of absence before quitting? If not, they may determine you left work prematurely without exhausting alternatives. Also, be prepared to answer if you're currently able and available for other types of work that wouldn't trigger your condition. This is a requirement for UI benefits.

has anyone here tried calling EDD to prepare for their interview?? I'm in a similar situation and have been trying to reach them for THREE DAYS with no luck. Just constant busy signals or getting disconnected! So frustrating!!!

why didnt u just take medical leave instead of quitting? sounds like u shot yourself in the foot there buddy

To address your follow-up question: Verbal notification to your supervisor isn't ideal, but it doesn't automatically disqualify you. During your interview: 1. Be specific about these conversations - dates, what was said, supervisor's response 2. Explain why you felt formal accommodation requests wouldn't have resolved the safety issue 3. Highlight the urgency of the situation (potential danger to passengers) The EDD will also contact your employer to verify your account, so be truthful. If your supervisor confirms you discussed your condition, it helps your case. Even without formal accommodation requests, emphasize that your medical condition created an immediate safety risk that necessitated quitting rather than going through lengthy accommodation processes.

Everyone keeps talking about "good cause" but when I quit my job due to stress they still denied me benefits. The whole system is rigged against workers. They make these exceptions sound easy but then deny 90% of people who apply. Don't get your hopes up.

btw even if u get denied make sure u appeal!!! my cousin got denied first time then appealed and won. theyre counting on people not appealing

One more important tip for your upcoming interview: prepare a clear, chronological timeline of events. Start with when your condition began, when you first sought treatment, when you notified your employer, and the specific safety incidents that led to your resignation. Be ready to provide specific dates. Also, if you're currently receiving treatment, mention that you're actively working to improve your condition so you can return to the workforce in a different capacity that doesn't pose safety risks. This demonstrates that you're addressing the "able and available for work" requirement for UI benefits.

I want to add something that might help with your interview preparation. Make sure you have your medical records organized and easily accessible during the call. The interviewer might ask specific questions about your diagnosis, treatment timeline, and how your condition specifically impacts your ability to drive safely. Also, if you had any incidents at work where your panic attacks occurred (even if unreported), be prepared to describe them in detail. The more specific you can be about how your condition created unsafe driving situations, the stronger your case will be. One last thing - consider getting a letter from your doctor that specifically states driving would be unsafe given your current condition. This reinforces that quitting wasn't just a personal choice but a necessary safety measure. Good luck with your interview on Tuesday!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share some encouragement - you absolutely made the right decision prioritizing safety over your job. Having panic attacks while transporting patients could have had serious consequences, and any reasonable person would understand that. For your interview, I'd suggest also preparing to explain what type of work you ARE able to do now. Since EDD requires you to be "able and available" for work, be ready to discuss other positions you could handle while managing your condition - maybe office work, remote positions, or jobs that don't involve driving. This shows you're not just collecting benefits but genuinely looking for suitable employment. Also, document everything from your interview afterward in case you need to reference it later during an appeal. Write down the interviewer's name, questions asked, and your responses. Really rooting for you - mental health is just as important as physical health, and you deserve support during this difficult time.