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Quit new job after only a week - can I restart my EDD benefits?

I'm in a tough spot right now. Was on unemployment for about 3 months, then finally got hired at this retail job last week. Only problem is, the position is WAY different than what was described in the interview. They've got me working split shifts (10am-2pm then 6pm-10pm) with no transportation allowance, the manager is extremely rude, and I'm making $18/hr when similar positions are paying $22-25 in my area. I literally can't afford my bills on this pay AND I'm miserable. If I quit after only working there for a week, can I restart my previous EDD claim? Or am I just completely out of luck? My benefit year hasn't ended yet and I had about $4,800 left on my claim balance when I found this job. Anyone been in a similar situation?

NeonNova

u cant just quit and get benefits. EDD considers that a voluntary quit. u have to be terminated to qualify for benefits, not just decide u dont like it. Believe me, I learned this the hard way!

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Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. So basically I'm stuck with this horrible job unless they fire me? This doesn't seem fair when they completely misrepresented the position!

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Actually, that's not entirely correct. While generally quitting disqualifies you from benefits, there are exceptions for "good cause" reasons. If the job conditions are substantially different than what was promised during hiring (like the split shifts you mention), or if the pay is significantly below industry standards, you might have grounds for a good cause quit. You'd need to document everything - the original job description, any conversations about hours and pay, etc. When you certify, you'll likely be scheduled for an eligibility interview where you'll need to explain your reasons for leaving. Be prepared to demonstrate how the job differed from what was promised and how it created a hardship.

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Thank you so much! This gives me some hope. I still have the indeed posting saved showing a straight 8-hour shift and "competitive pay." Do you think that's enough documentation or should I try to get something more concrete?

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hey! hope ur ok! i had somethng similar happen last year. interview promised one thing, job was COMPLETELY different!! i quit after 2 weeks and did get approved for benefits but had to wait like 6 weeks for interview. they asked lots of questions!!

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This is a somewhat complex situation, but here's what you need to know: 1. When you quit a job, EDD automatically flags your claim for an eligibility interview 2. During the interview, you must demonstrate "good cause" for leaving 3. Material misrepresentation of job conditions can qualify as good cause 4. The split shift issue is particularly strong if it wasn't disclosed 5. The wage discrepancy needs to be documented against local comparable positions Start gathering evidence now: save the job posting, any email communications, and research comparable wages in your area (use sites like Glassdoor or Indeed). When you certify, answer truthfully that you quit and why. You'll receive a notice for an eligibility interview. If approved, benefits would resume from your existing claim balance since you're still in your benefit year. Just be prepared for a potential gap while the determination is made.

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But dont they have a waiting week again? I had to wait another week when I went back on my cliam after a temp job ended.

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The EDD system is so frustrating!! I went through something similar when I quit my toxic warehouse job. Had to wait almost 8 WEEKS for my eligibility interview and couldn't get through to anyone on the phone to check status. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through - they connected me to an EDD rep in like 15 minutes when I had been trying for days! There's a video demo here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD rep was actually really helpful and told me my interview was scheduled for the following week. I was able to explain my situation and got approved. Just make sure you have SPECIFIC reasons why the job wasn't as described - vague complaints won't work.

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Thanks for sharing this! I might need this service because getting through to EDD is impossible. Did you have to prepare anything special for your eligibility interview?

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Just make sure you have specific examples ready. Like literally write down: 1. Job posting said X, but reality was Y 2. Manager promised A during interview, but did B 3. Industry standard pay is $XX but they paid $YY The more specific you are, the better. My interviewer was actually pretty understanding once I explained everything clearly.

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ur all forgetting the MOST IMPORTNT thing!! u have to keep certifying EVERY 2 WEEKS even while waiting for interview!! if u dont, ull lose those weeks forever!!!!! i found out the hard way lol

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This is excellent advice. Continue certifying for benefits every two weeks, even while your eligibility is being determined. Answer all questions honestly, including reporting that you quit and why. Your payments will show as "pending" until after the interview determination, but at least you'll be in the system for those weeks.

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The whole systems RIGGED to make us accept ANY job no matter how TERRIBLE it is!!! My cousin quit a job because her boss was literally screaming at her everyday and EDD still denied her!! APPEALED and won but took 4 MONTHS to get a penny!! We're supposed to just accept abuse to survive???

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While I understand your frustration, I should point out that verbal abuse can actually qualify as good cause for quitting. Your cousin did the right thing by appealing. The system isn't perfect, but there are protections built in - they just often require persistence through the appeals process.

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I'd like to summarize what's been shared here for the OP since there's been a lot of information: 1. Quitting for "good cause" can qualify you for benefits - misrepresentation of job conditions can meet this standard 2. Document everything about how the job differs from what was promised 3. Keep certifying every two weeks even while waiting for your eligibility interview 4. Be prepared for a 4-8 week wait for the interview (consider Claimyr if you need to reach EDD) 5. During the interview, be specific about the discrepancies between what was promised and reality 6. If denied, you have the right to appeal One last thing - if you haven't quit yet, you might consider discussing your concerns with the employer first. This demonstrates good faith effort to resolve the issues, which strengthens your case with EDD if you do end up quitting.

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Thank you so much for summarizing everything! I'm going to talk to my manager tomorrow and document that conversation. If nothing changes, at least I'll have proof I tried to resolve things before quitting. Really appreciate all the help from everyone!

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