hang in there OP, we're all in the same sinking boat. Just keep swimming! 🏊‍♂️

Same thing happened to me last year! The key is being persistent and organized. I made copies of EVERYTHING and sent it multiple ways - mail, fax, AND uploaded through their portal if possible. Also keep a log of every call you make with date/time/who you spoke to. It took about 6 weeks but they eventually corrected mine. Don't give up! 💪

I want to add something that might help with your interview preparation. Make sure you have your medical records organized and easily accessible during the call. The interviewer might ask specific questions about your diagnosis, treatment timeline, and how your condition specifically impacts your ability to drive safely. Also, if you had any incidents at work where your panic attacks occurred (even if unreported), be prepared to describe them in detail. The more specific you can be about how your condition created unsafe driving situations, the stronger your case will be. One last thing - consider getting a letter from your doctor that specifically states driving would be unsafe given your current condition. This reinforces that quitting wasn't just a personal choice but a necessary safety measure. Good luck with your interview on Tuesday!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share some encouragement - you absolutely made the right decision prioritizing safety over your job. Having panic attacks while transporting patients could have had serious consequences, and any reasonable person would understand that. For your interview, I'd suggest also preparing to explain what type of work you ARE able to do now. Since EDD requires you to be "able and available" for work, be ready to discuss other positions you could handle while managing your condition - maybe office work, remote positions, or jobs that don't involve driving. This shows you're not just collecting benefits but genuinely looking for suitable employment. Also, document everything from your interview afterward in case you need to reference it later during an appeal. Write down the interviewer's name, questions asked, and your responses. Really rooting for you - mental health is just as important as physical health, and you deserve support during this difficult time.

Just to update with the most current information for 2025: When your daughter files, she'll need to use her ID.me account to verify her identity. This is now required for all new claims. If she doesn't already have an ID.me account, she should set one up before starting her application - it will save time in the long run. Also, EDD now primarily issues benefits through the Money Network debit card or direct deposit. She can choose her preference during the application process. One last thing - if she does get approved for partial benefits, make sure she understands that these benefits are taxable income. She can choose to have 10% withheld for federal taxes (recommended) or pay them later when she files her tax return.

Just wanted to add one more important tip that helped me when I was dealing with partial unemployment - your daughter should keep a detailed log of her work schedule changes. I created a simple spreadsheet tracking my hours before the reduction vs. after, along with dates and any communication from my manager about the cuts. This documentation was super helpful when EDD asked for more information about my situation. I included: - Screenshots of my work schedule from before the cuts - Text messages or emails from my manager mentioning the hour reductions - Pay stubs showing the difference in earnings - Notes about conversations regarding the business slowdown Having all this organized made the process much smoother and showed EDD that the hour reduction was legitimate and not my fault. It also helped when I had to recertify and answer questions about my employment status. Good luck to your daughter - partial unemployment really can help bridge the gap during tough times like this!

I'm new here but wanted to chime in after reading your story - what you experienced is absolutely terrible and you 100% made the right decision to leave that toxic environment. Your safety and wellbeing are more important than any job. I haven't been through the EDD appeals process myself, but I work in employment law and can tell you that your case sounds very strong. The key factors working in your favor are: 1) You have documented evidence of the harassment, 2) You properly reported it to HR, 3) HR essentially admitted they couldn't help because the harasser was the owner, and 4) You had no reasonable alternatives left. California law specifically recognizes that employees shouldn't have to endure illegal harassment to keep their jobs. The initial denial is frustrating but unfortunately common - EDD often denies first and hopes people don't appeal. Stay strong and definitely file that appeal! With your documentation and witness statements, you should have a good chance of success.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - what a horrible situation to be put in! As someone new to this community, I've been reading through all the advice and wanted to add my support. You absolutely did the right thing by leaving that toxic environment, and you deserve those benefits while you search for a safer workplace. One thing I noticed that might help strengthen your appeal: make sure to emphasize the timeline of events clearly. Document exactly when the harassment started escalating, when you reported to HR, and when they essentially told you there was no recourse. This timeline will help show the judge that you didn't just quit impulsively - you tried to resolve it through proper channels first and only left when it became clear there was no other option. Also, if you haven't already, try to get that HR response in writing if it was verbal. Even a follow-up email saying something like "Per our conversation yesterday about my concerns regarding [owner's name], I understand that internal resolution isn't possible given the reporting structure" could be helpful documentation. You've got a strong case and great advice from everyone here. Don't let EDD discourage you - file that appeal and fight for what you deserve!

I went through something similar about 6 months ago - second interview out of nowhere with that same vague "potentially disqualifying" language. It's so stressful when they don't give you any specifics! In my case, it turned out my employer had disputed my claim saying I was fired for misconduct, when I had actually been laid off due to budget cuts. The interview was basically EDD giving me a chance to tell my side of the story. Based on what you've shared about your situation with the manager pushing extra responsibilities and the ultimatum, it sounds like your employer might be claiming you quit voluntarily. The good news is that if you can show you were essentially forced out (which it sounds like you were), that's considered "good cause" for leaving. One thing that really helped me was writing down specific examples beforehand - dates, what was said, who was present, etc. The interviewer asked very detailed questions and I was glad I had everything organized. Also, don't be afraid to take your time answering - it's better to think through your response than to rush and potentially say something that doesn't help your case. You've got this! The fact that they're giving you the interview means they want to hear your side before making any decisions.

I'm going through something very similar right now - got the same vague "potentially disqualifying" notice for a second interview with zero explanation. It's so frustrating when they leave you completely in the dark! Reading through all these responses has been really helpful though. I had no idea that employers could contest claims or that there were so many different reasons they might call you back. My situation is a bit different (got laid off but now wondering if my employer reported it differently), but the advice about documenting everything and being prepared for specific questions is spot on. I'm definitely going to spend time this weekend organizing all my paperwork and writing down a timeline like others suggested. @Camila Jordan - the fact that you mentioned age-related comments from your manager makes your case even stronger. That plus being forced to choose between taking on duties outside your job description or facing a PIP sounds like textbook constructive dismissal. You should definitely mention both of those things in your interview. Wishing you the best of luck - it sounds like you're preparing really thoroughly!