Quit my retail job without notice - can I still qualify for EDD benefits?

generally if u quit voluntarily ur NOT gonna qualify for UI. EDD usually only approves benefits when ur laid off or fired for reasons that aren't misconduct. when u quit they see it as ur choice and ur problem!!! the only exception is if u can prove u had "good cause" to quit - like unsafe working conditions, harassment, etc. but its SUPER hard to prove and EDD puts the burden on YOU to show u had no choice but to leave. did u try to resolve the scheduling issues w/ HR or upper management b4 quitting? thats what theyll ask.

You might qualify under what's called "good cause" quit, but you'll need to be prepared to make your case. EDD defines good cause as a real, substantial, and compelling reason that would cause a reasonable person who genuinely wants to stay employed to leave their job. Here's what you should do: 1. File your claim anyway - let EDD make the determination rather than assuming you won't qualify 2. When you file, clearly explain the hostile work environment and scheduling issues 3. Gather evidence of your HR complaints and any responses 4. Be prepared for an eligibility interview where you'll need to explain why the situation was so intolerable that quitting without notice was your only reasonable option The fact that you documented complaints to HR previously will help your case, as it shows you tried to resolve the issues before quitting.

they gonna deny u 100% bro. my gf quit her toxic restaurant job last yr after her boss kept changing her shifts last minute & she got denied even with proof of the schedule changes. EDD is super strict on the voluntary quit thing. she appealed and still got denied. just warning u so u dont get ur hopes up

I had a somewhat similar situation in 2025 when I quit my warehouse job after they changed our shift times with only 24 hours notice (impossible with my childcare situation). Initially EDD denied my claim, but I appealed and won because I could show that: 1. The schedule change created an impossible situation (I had documentation of my childcare hours) 2. I had asked for accommodation before quitting (emails to supervisor) 3. I had suggested alternatives (like staying on my original schedule) The key was showing I tried to resolve it before quitting. EDD put me through an intense phone interview where they asked a ton of detailed questions about what steps I took before leaving. Don't be discouraged by automatic denials - the appeals process exists for a reason. But get ready to really make your case and have your evidence organized.

For anyone struggling to reach EDD for their interviews or appeals, I highly recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). After weeks of hitting the "maximum callers" message when trying to discuss my voluntary quit case, I used their service and got through to a representative in under an hour. They have a good video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD rep I spoke with was able to reschedule my eligibility interview that I had missed and provided guidance on what specific documentation would strengthen my case. Made a huge difference in getting my claim resolved.

you should totally apply!! my friend quit her job cuz her boss was like super verbally abusive & she actually got approved! but she had like recorded some of the stuff he said to her & had witnesses. the key is to emphasize HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT not the scheduling stuff. scheduling probs alone probably wont cut it but if u can show the manager was creating a hostile environment thats different. when u certify dont just say "i quit" - be specific about why u were forced to leave!

Something important that nobody has mentioned yet: when you file your claim, DO NOT just write "I quit" in your application. I made this mistake and was automatically denied. You need to clearly state that you had "good cause" to quit due to a hostile work environment and provide specific examples. Also, be aware that EDD will 100% contact your employer for their side of the story. Your former manager will likely claim you quit for no good reason or due to simple scheduling conflicts. That's why your documentation is so critical. And yes, your claim will PROBABLY be denied initially. Almost all voluntary quit claims are. But don't give up! The appeals process is where you'll actually get to present your evidence and make your case in detail.

im confused why nobody mentioned that if ur hours were cut thats actually a different thing!!! if u were hired full time (40hrs) and they reduced u to part time (less than 32hrs) that can be considered a "constructive discharge" which is diff from quitting. did they cut ur pay too or just hours??

BTW get ready for a LOOOONG wait if ur claiming good cause. my buddy was in appeals for like 4 months last year for a similar situation. make sure u got savings or another job lined up cuz even if u win eventually it takes forever

To address your follow-up question - yes, definitely mention the reduction in hours during your interview. A significant reduction in hours (typically 20% or more) from what you were originally hired to work can strengthen your case. This is sometimes called a "constructive discharge" - essentially, the employer materially changed your working conditions. Document exactly what hours you were promised when hired versus what you were actually scheduled. If you have any written evidence of being hired as full-time (offer letter, employee handbook defining full-time hours, etc.), have that ready for your interview. Also, when you have your eligibility interview, make sure to emphasize that you tried to resolve the issues before quitting. The EDD interviewer will be specifically looking to determine whether: 1. The conditions were truly intolerable 2. You took reasonable steps to preserve your employment before quitting 3. You had no reasonable alternative but to quit Be prepared with specific examples and dates.