Quitting due to health issues—can I qualify for EDD benefits?

Yes, you CAN qualify for unemployment after quitting if it's for "good cause" - health issues that are caused or worsened by your job absolutely count. But documentation is ESSENTIAL. Here's what you need: 1. Medical documentation from your doctor AND therapist detailing your condition and specifically stating that leaving your job is medically necessary 2. Evidence that you tried to resolve the situation with your employer before quitting (emails requesting accommodations and their responses) 3. When you file, make it very clear that you're quitting for health reasons that couldn't be resolved with your employer I was approved after leaving a job that was causing severe migraines and anxiety. The key was having my neurologist write a letter specifically saying continued employment was detrimental to my health. I also had documentation showing I'd requested reduced hours as an accommodation and was denied. Expect that EDD will schedule a phone interview to determine eligibility. Be honest but clear about the health impacts and your attempts to resolve the situation.

dont get ur hopes up. EDD denied me even with docotrs note. they said i could have looked for different job in same field instead of quitting. whole system is rigged

I successfully received UI benefits after leaving a job due to health reasons in 2023, but there are some important things to understand about the process: 1. You MUST show that you tried to preserve your employment. This means requesting accommodations, asking for transfers to different positions, or even requesting leave before resigning. Document every conversation. 2. The medical documentation needs to specifically indicate that: - Your health condition is serious - It's being caused or worsened by your specific job duties - You cannot perform your current job without detriment to your health - You attempted to resolve the issue with your employer 3. During your eligibility interview (which you will definitely have), focus on the facts. Explain how your health condition prevents you from doing your SPECIFIC job, not just any job. EDD needs to see that you're available for other suitable work that wouldn't affect your health. 4. Be prepared for initial denial. Many legitimate claims are denied at first and approved on appeal. In my case, I had to appeal the initial decision, but I won because I had thorough documentation showing I had tried everything possible to keep my job while addressing my health needs.

For your question about timing - I submitted my initial claim without the medical documentation. During my phone interview (which happened about 3 weeks after filing), the EDD interviewer told me to submit the medical documentation within 7 days. I faxed it in (yes, they still use fax) and also uploaded it to my online portal. But honestly, if I were doing it again, I'd submit everything upfront. The interviewer seemed annoyed that I didn't already have it ready, even though nobody told me I needed it before then.

Have you tried calling EDD to ask about your specific situation? The problem is that reaching them is almost impossible these days. I spent TWO WEEKS calling multiple times daily and couldn't get through. Then I found a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an EDD rep in less than 30 minutes. Totally worth it because the rep explained exactly what documentation I'd need for my specific case. Check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km or their website claimyr.com Getting specific guidance from an actual EDD rep before you submit could save you months of back-and-forth.

am i the only one who thinks its crazy that we need doctors permission to quit a job thats destroying our mental health??????

I'm in the process of appealing my denial for a similar situation. My biggest mistake was not getting specific enough documentation from my doctor before quitting. My doctor's note just said I was being treated for anxiety and depression, but didn't specifically say my job was causing it or that I needed to quit for medical reasons. Now I'm working with my doctor to get more detailed documentation for my appeal hearing. It's been a NIGHTMARE and I'm 4 months without income fighting this. Please learn from my mistake - get VERY specific medical documentation BEFORE you quit.

One more important thing: If your doctor confirms your health issues make you unable to work at your CURRENT job but you could work at a less stressful job, make sure to indicate on your EDD application that you are "able and available" for work. This is critical! If you say you're completely unable to work due to health, they'll direct you to State Disability Insurance (SDI) instead. But if you're able to work just not at your specific job due to its negative health impacts, that's when unemployment can apply. This distinction trips up a lot of people. Remember, EDD wants to know you're able and looking for suitable work - just not the specific work that was harming your health.

I went through something similar last year! I quit my job because it was making my anxiety disorder completely unmanageable. Here's how it went for me: - I applied for UI benefits right after quitting - Got scheduled for a phone interview about 3 weeks later - EDD rep asked detailed questions about my health reasons and why I couldn't resolve the issue without quitting - About 2 weeks after the interview, I got denied - I appealed with more detailed doctor's documentation - Had an appeal hearing by phone with a judge (super stressful but not as bad as I feared) - Won my appeal and got backpay for all the weeks The whole process took almost 4 months from application to getting approved on appeal. Make sure you have enough savings to last through a potentially long process!

Just to add one more thing that helped me: when you're writing your explanation on the EDD application about why you quit, be FACTUAL and SPECIFIC, not emotional. For example, instead of saying "My boss was terrible and caused me stress," say something like "My documented anxiety disorder (diagnosed on [date]) was significantly worsened by required 60+ hour workweeks. I requested accommodation for a 40-hour workweek on [dates] but was denied. My physician determined continuing in this position would cause further health deterioration as documented in the attached medical certification." Also, continue certifying for benefits every two weeks even if your initial application is denied. If you win on appeal, you'll only get paid for weeks you certified for.

I'm going through a very similar situation right now - chronic migraines triggered by my high-stress work environment. I've been documenting everything for months and just got my doctor to write a detailed letter specifically stating that my current job duties are medically incompatible with my condition. One thing I learned from my research is that you should also document any safety concerns if your health condition could create workplace hazards. In my case, severe migraines with visual disturbances make it unsafe for me to drive for work or operate certain equipment. This adds another layer to the "good cause" argument. Also, if you have any text messages or emails from your manager dismissing your accommodation requests, screenshot those ASAP. That evidence of your employer's unwillingness to accommodate could be crucial. I'm planning to submit my resignation in about 2 weeks once I have all my documentation lined up. It's terrifying but reading everyone's experiences here gives me hope that it's possible to get approved if you do everything right. Wishing you the best of luck with your situation!

I'm so glad you're prioritizing your health and seeking help! Based on what you've shared, you definitely have a strong case for qualifying for EDD benefits after quitting for health reasons. Here are some key points that jumped out from your situation: 1. You have diagnosed conditions (anxiety and depression) that are directly triggered by your work environment 2. You've made TWO attempts to request accommodations and were denied both times 3. You have professional medical advice (from your therapist) recommending resignation 4. You've documented the specific work conditions causing the health issues (60+ hour weeks, impossible deadlines) This checks many of the boxes for "good cause" resignation. Make sure your doctor and therapist both provide detailed letters stating: - Your specific diagnoses and treatment dates - How your work environment is causing/worsening your conditions - That continuing in this position would be detrimental to your health - That resignation is medically necessary Also keep all evidence of your accommodation requests and your manager's responses - that "that's the job" response actually works in your favor as it shows your employer's unwillingness to accommodate. The process can be lengthy (potentially 3-4 months if you need to appeal), but many people in similar situations do eventually get approved. Stay strong and don't give up if you get an initial denial - appeals are common and often successful with proper documentation.

I've been through this exact process and want to emphasize something that hasn't been mentioned yet - timing matters for your documentation. Don't wait until after you quit to get your medical letters. I made the mistake of getting my doctor's documentation a week after I resigned, and EDD questioned whether my health issues were really work-related or if they developed after I left. Get your medical documentation BEFORE you submit your resignation, ideally while you're still experiencing the work-related symptoms. This creates a clear timeline showing your health issues existed while employed and directly influenced your decision to quit. Also, when you do resign, consider mentioning health reasons in your resignation letter (you don't need to be super detailed, just something like "due to health concerns that cannot be accommodated in my current role"). This creates another piece of documentation showing your resignation was health-related from day one. The 60+ hour weeks and constant emergencies you mentioned are exactly the type of specific work conditions EDD looks for when evaluating good cause resignations. Combined with your diagnosed conditions and documented accommodation attempts, you have a solid foundation for approval. Just make sure all your paperwork is dated appropriately to support your timeline.

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago and successfully received unemployment benefits after quitting for health reasons. Your case sounds very similar to mine - I also had severe anxiety that was being triggered by an unsustainable work environment, and my employer refused to provide accommodations. Here's what made the difference for me: I kept a detailed health journal for 6 weeks before quitting, documenting specific work incidents and how they affected my symptoms. This became crucial evidence during my EDD interview. I also made sure to get very specific language from my psychiatrist - not just that I had anxiety, but that my "current work environment poses a significant risk to mental health stability and continued employment would likely result in severe psychological deterioration." The process took about 5 months total (initial denial, then successful appeal), but I eventually received full benefits including back pay. The key was having rock-solid documentation that clearly connected my health issues to my specific job conditions. One practical tip: when you file your claim, you'll need to be actively looking for work and able to accept "suitable" employment. Make sure your medical documentation specifies that you're able to work in environments that don't have the specific stressors that triggered your health issues (like the 60+ hour weeks and constant emergencies you mentioned). You're making the right choice prioritizing your health. With proper documentation, you have a real chance of getting approved. Feel free to ask if you have questions about any part of the process!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the combination of health struggles and financial worry is incredibly stressful. Based on what you've described, you actually have several strong factors working in your favor for EDD approval: 1. **Clear medical causation**: Your doctor has diagnosed conditions directly triggered by your work environment 2. **Documented accommodation attempts**: You tried twice to get help and were dismissed 3. **Professional medical advice**: Your therapist is recommending resignation for your health 4. **Specific work stressors**: 60+ hour weeks and impossible deadlines are concrete, documentable conditions The key is getting ironclad documentation BEFORE you quit. Make sure your doctor's letter specifically states that continuing in your current position would be detrimental to your health and that resignation is medically necessary. Your therapist should provide similar documentation. Also save any emails/messages where you requested accommodations and your manager's responses - especially that "that's the job" comment. This shows your employer's unwillingness to work with you. Be prepared for the process to potentially take 3-6 months if you need to appeal (which many people do), but don't let that discourage you. Many folks with similar situations eventually get approved with proper documentation. Your health comes first, and you're making the right choice seeking help now rather than waiting until things get worse. Stay strong and document everything!

I'm a newcomer here but wanted to share what I learned from helping my sister through a similar situation last year. She also quit due to severe anxiety triggered by her work environment and eventually got approved after appeal. One thing that really helped her case was getting a detailed letter from her primary care physician in addition to her therapist's documentation. The PCP letter described the physical manifestations of her anxiety (insomnia, panic attacks, digestive issues) and how these symptoms spiked specifically on work days or when thinking about work. This helped EDD see that it wasn't just "job dissatisfaction" but actual health impacts. Also, when you meet with your doctor and therapist, ask them to include language about how your symptoms would likely improve in a different, less stressful work environment. This helps establish that you're able and available for suitable work (which EDD requires) while making it clear that your current job is the specific problem. My sister's timeline was: applied immediately after quitting → phone interview 3 weeks later → denied → appealed with additional medical documentation → appeal hearing 2 months later → approved with back pay. Total process was about 4 months. One last tip: during any EDD interviews, stick to the medical facts and avoid emotional language. Focus on your diagnosed conditions, specific symptoms, failed accommodation attempts, and medical recommendations. The more clinical and factual you sound, the better. You're absolutely making the right choice prioritizing your health. With all the documentation you're gathering, you have a strong case. Best of luck!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share some additional resources that might help with your situation. I went through something very similar about a year ago - severe anxiety and depression triggered by an impossible workload and toxic management. A few things that weren't mentioned yet but really helped my case: 1. **Document your accommodation requests in writing**: Even if you made verbal requests, send follow-up emails summarizing what you asked for and their responses. This creates a paper trail showing you tried to resolve the situation. 2. **Look into FMLA documentation**: If you qualify for FMLA, having medical certification that you need time off for your condition (even if your employer denies it) can strengthen your case that the job was incompatible with your health. 3. **Consider getting a second medical opinion**: Having two healthcare providers independently conclude that your work environment is detrimental to your health makes your case much stronger. The process is definitely stressful and can take months, but I eventually got approved on appeal. The key is having overwhelming documentation that leaves no doubt about the connection between your job and your health issues. Also, start applying for other jobs before you quit if possible. Being able to show EDD that you're actively seeking suitable work (just not in toxic environments) helps demonstrate you're ready and able to work in appropriate conditions. Your health is the most important thing - you're making the right choice. Feel free to reach out if you need any clarification about the process!

I'm new to this community but wanted to add something that really helped me when I was in a similar situation last year. In addition to all the excellent medical documentation advice everyone has shared, I'd strongly recommend keeping a detailed work diary for at least 2-3 weeks before you quit. Document specific incidents with dates, times, and how they affected your health symptoms. For example: "March 15, 3pm - Manager assigned urgent project with 24-hour deadline on top of existing workload. Experienced panic attack at 4pm, had to leave desk for 20 minutes to calm down in bathroom." This creates a clear pattern showing how specific work demands directly trigger your health issues. Also, if you have any sick days or mental health days you've taken recently, gather those records too. They help establish a timeline showing your health was deteriorating due to work stress. One thing I wish someone had told me: after you quit and file for UI, continue documenting your recovery progress. If your symptoms improve after leaving the job, that actually strengthens your case that the work environment was the cause. My anxiety decreased dramatically within 2 weeks of leaving my toxic job, and my therapist documented this improvement in a follow-up letter that really helped during my appeal. The whole process is scary, but with proper documentation and persistence, it's definitely possible to get approved. Your mental health is worth fighting for - you're making the right choice prioritizing it now before things get worse. Best of luck with everything!

I'm new here but wanted to share my experience since I'm currently going through this exact process. I quit my job 6 weeks ago due to severe panic disorder that was being triggered by my workplace (similar 65+ hour weeks, constant crisis mode, zero work-life balance). Here's what I've learned so far: **The documentation is absolutely critical** - I had my psychiatrist write a detailed letter stating that my panic disorder was "significantly exacerbated by workplace stressors including excessive hours and high-pressure environment" and that "continued employment in this capacity poses substantial risk to patient's mental health stability." The specific medical language seems to matter a lot. **Timeline of events matters** - I kept screenshots of all my accommodation requests (asking for reduced hours, work-from-home days) and my supervisor's rejections. Having that paper trail showing I tried to make it work was crucial during my phone interview. **The waiting game is real** - I'm still in the process (just had my appeal hearing last week after initial denial) but my case worker seemed much more receptive during the appeal with all my documentation organized properly. **Financial planning is essential** - Make sure you have more savings than you think you'll need. I thought 2 months would be enough but I'm now at 6 weeks with potentially 2+ more months to go. Your situation sounds very similar to mine and honestly, reading your post brought back all those feelings of desperation and fear I had. You're absolutely making the right choice putting your health first. With proper documentation and persistence, there's definitely hope for approval. Feel free to reach out if you want to compare notes on the process!