What does 'disqualified week' mean on EDD claim after wrongful termination?

'Disqualified week' means EDD has determined you're not eligible for benefits for that specific week. This usually happens after your employer contests your claim by reporting you were fired for misconduct. You'll need to appeal this decision within 30 days of the disqualification notice date. During the appeal, you should gather any evidence showing you were following company policy or that the alleged violation wasn't serious misconduct. Continue certifying for benefits while your appeal is pending!

same thing happned to me last year! my boss said i was on my phone too much but i was actually using it for WORK stuff! EDD sided with them at first but i fought it and won. dont give up!!

EDD ALWAYS sides with employers at first! It's part of their ridiculous system. They make these automatic disqualifications and expect people to just give up because the appeal process is so frustrating. I've been through THREE appeals with them over the years - won every single time but had to fight like hell. Document EVERYTHING from your old job. Get statements from coworkers if possible. The burden is on YOU to prove you didn't commit misconduct. And whatever you do, KEEP CERTIFYING every two weeks even while disqualified or you'll lose those weeks permanently!

did u get a letter in the mail explaining why? sometimes the online status just says disqualified but the letter has the actual reason. might help for ur appeal

I've helped several friends through this exact situation. Here's what you need to do: 1. File your appeal immediately using the DE 1000M form. Don't wait for the letter if you already see the disqualification online. 2. When explaining your case, be specific about the company policy you allegedly violated. Detail exactly what procedure you followed and why it was correct. 3. Continue certifying for benefits every two weeks while waiting for your appeal. 4. Prepare for your appeal hearing by gathering documentation: employee handbook sections about the policy, any emails/texts showing you followed procedure, witness statements from coworkers, performance reviews showing your good work history. 5. At your hearing, stick to the facts about this specific incident. Don't get sidetracked complaining about your manager or other workplace issues. The appeal process typically takes 6-12 weeks currently. You'll eventually get back pay for all weeks if you win. In the meantime, have you been able to reach an EDD representative to get more details? That could be helpful.

If you need to actually talk to an EDD rep (which I definitely recommend before your appeal hearing), try using Claimyr. It's a service that calls EDD for you and connects you when they get through. I was skeptical but it saved me hours of frustration when I had a similar issue. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Getting direct info from EDD about why exactly they disqualified you will be super helpful for preparing your appeal. Sometimes they can even resolve it without going through the whole hearing process if there was a simple misunderstanding.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but misunderstanding company policy isn't usually considered good cause for termination under EDD rules. What matters is whether your actions constituted 'misconduct' - which has a specific legal definition for unemployment purposes. Misconduct means a deliberate disregard for the employer's interests. If you genuinely believed you were following procedure correctly, that's generally NOT misconduct even if you made a mistake. Be very clear about this distinction in your appeal. Don't argue about whether you followed policy perfectly - argue that any mistake was not deliberate misconduct. This is a critical legal distinction that often determines these cases. Also, if the policy was unclear, inconsistently enforced, or if you received inadequate training, definitely mention that in your appeal. These are all factors that can help your case.

i would also recommend applying for calfresh while ur waiting if ur low on funds. doesnt take long to get approved and helps with food at least

One more thing - after you file your appeal, you'll get a notice with your hearing date. California uses the Office of Appeals to handle these cases. The hearing will likely be over the phone with an Administrative Law Judge. You'll have the chance to present your side, and your former employer may participate as well. The judge will make a decision based on whether your actions met the legal definition of misconduct under unemployment insurance law. They'll mail you their decision within 2-3 weeks after the hearing. If you win, all disqualified weeks will be paid retroactively. If you lose the first appeal, you can file a second-level appeal to the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board. Hang in there! The system is complicated but navigable.

Update us after you speak with EDD or file your appeal. Many of us have been through similar situations and can offer more specific advice as you move through the process.