ESD disqualified me after taking severance - need appeal advice!

This happens ALL the time with ESD! The online system is terrible at capturing nuanced situations. I had almost the exact same issue last year when my employer offered a voluntary separation program. The key for your appeal is emphasizing that this was essentially a layoff - the company was reducing staff and offered packages as an alternative to involuntary terminations. In your appeal letter, make sure to include: 1. Documentation of the severance package terms showing it was part of a workforce reduction 2. Any communications indicating the company was downsizing 3. Whether others were also offered packages or laid off 4. Explain you had good cause to accept the package (implied threat of layoff without severance if you didn't take it) The good news is that ESD often overturns these initial disqualifications once they understand the full picture. Time is critical though - you only have 30 days from the disqualification notice to appeal!

i had this problem!!! omg the esd website is so confusing, like theres literally no option for "took a severance package" anywhere. when i called they told me to pick "laid off" not "quit" but by then it was to late for me. definitly appel before its to late!!!!

Your situation falls under what ESD considers a "quit with good cause" scenario if presented properly. As someone who's worked with many clients through similar appeals, I recommend highlighting that this was a constructive discharge situation - meaning the employer initiated the separation through the severance offer as an alternative to a direct layoff. In your appeal, clearly state: - The company initiated the separation process (not you) - The severance was part of a broader workforce reduction strategy - You would have continued working if not for the employer's action - Accepting the severance was reasonable given the circumstances Also, I'd recommend calling ESD directly to explain your situation. Getting to an actual claims specialist who can note your account can help tremendously during the appeal process.

I've been trying to reach ESD for TWO WEEKS to explain a similar situation! Their phone lines are ALWAYS busy and the callback option never seems to work. How is anyone supposed to resolve these issues when you can't even talk to a real person?! The system is BROKEN by design if you ask me. They make it impossible to explain nuanced situations and then auto-deny anything that doesn't fit their narrow categories. It's absolutely infuriating!

Just wondering - did your severance agreement include a clause about not applying for unemployment? Sometimes companies put that in there and it can make things tricky.

One more critical piece of advice: keep filing your weekly claims even while your appeal is pending! Many people stop filing during the appeal process, but if you win your appeal, ESD can only pay you for weeks you actually filed claims. Don't miss out on potential benefits by forgetting this step.

wait a minute, i just remembered! my friend had this happen and what fixed it wasnt even an appeal. she called esd and asked for a "redetermination" first which is faster than a appeal. might be worth trying that route?

Update: I was able to reach an ESD agent today! They said my situation is actually pretty common, and they see it often with severance packages. They suggested I submit a detailed letter explaining that the company initiated the separation through a formal workforce reduction program, along with the severance documentation. She also mentioned requesting a redetermination first before going through the whole appeal process. Feeling much more hopeful now. Thanks everyone for your help!