Based on everything shared here, I'd suggest this approach: 1. Send a formal email to HR explaining: - The safety concerns with specific examples - The significant increase in commute time - Request for transfer to another location that doesn't create these hardships - Document that this change significantly alters your original employment agreement 2. If they refuse reasonable accommodation, resign in writing stating: - You're leaving due to "substantial and materially adverse changes to working conditions" - Reference your previous attempts to resolve the issue - Be specific about the safety and commute hardships 3. When filing with EDD, check "Yes" that you voluntarily quit but indicate it was with good cause Based on similar cases, you have maybe a 60/40 chance of approval, but your odds improve significantly with proper documentation and phrasing.

I went through something very similar last year when my company tried to transfer me from Irvine to Santa Ana - same county but the commute would have gone from 20 minutes to over an hour in traffic, plus the new location had significantly higher crime rates. Here's what worked for me: 1. I documented EVERYTHING - took screenshots of Google Maps showing traffic patterns at different times, printed crime statistics from both areas, and saved news articles about incidents near the new location. 2. I sent a detailed email to HR outlining the hardships (increased commute, safety concerns, impact on work-life balance) and requested alternatives like working at a different company location or modified hours. 3. When they denied my request, I resigned citing "constructive discharge due to substantial adverse changes in working conditions." EDD approved my claim on the first try! The key was showing that I made good faith efforts to work with my employer and that the changes created genuine hardship. The fact that you've been there 3 years with a perfect record actually helps your case - shows you're not just trying to get out of work. Make sure to use the exact phrase "substantial adverse change in working conditions" when you file. That's the magic language EDD looks for. Also start your job search immediately because you'll need to show you're actively looking for work.

dont listen to the pesemists on here EDD mess things up ALL THE TIME!!! my freind got 3 denials and then suddently got aproved with back pay. just keep fighting and tel your story about youre mom needing care. the system is designed to wear people down so they give up on gettin benefits they deserve

I went through something very similar last year - got denied, then got a second interview letter on the same day as my denial notice. It was confusing but turned out to be legitimate! In my case, the second interview was with a different adjudicator who was much more thorough and actually listened to my situation. The key things that helped me get approved were: 1. Having all my documentation organized (sounds like you already have the texts and schedule approvals - that's perfect) 2. Clearly explaining the timeline of events and emphasizing that the employer changed the terms AFTER approving your arrangement 3. Focusing on the fact that you had no reasonable alternative given your caregiving responsibilities Don't get discouraged by the initial denial - it seems like the system sometimes auto-denies voluntary quit cases and then flags them for human review. Your situation with the approved reduced schedule being suddenly revoked definitely sounds like it could qualify as good cause. Make sure you're prepared to explain exactly when your schedule was approved, who approved it, and how suddenly it was changed. The "no reasonable alternative" angle is crucial here. Good luck with your second interview!

For those following this thread with similar concerns, there are actually three possible outcomes of an overpayment appeal: 1. Full reversal - The overpayment determination is completely eliminated 2. Partial reversal - The overpayment amount is reduced 3. Affirmation - The original overpayment determination stands In addition, if you do receive an unfavorable decision, remember that EDD is required to offer reasonable payment plans for overpayment recovery. They can't demand the entire amount immediately if you can demonstrate financial hardship. Standard payment plans can be as low as $25 per month depending on your situation.

I'm going through a similar situation right now - had my overpayment appeal hearing 3 weeks ago and the waiting is absolutely killing me! They're claiming I owe $4,200 for unreported earnings from 2023. Reading through all these responses is actually really helpful because I had no idea about the timeline or what to expect. The judge at my hearing was pretty neutral and didn't give any hints about which way it might go. I brought all my documentation including screenshots of the EDD website being down when I was trying to report, but you never know if it's enough. Thanks for posting this question - it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with this stress and uncertainty!

btw make sure u activate ur money network card!!! my friend didnt realize she had to activate it and thought the payments werent coming thru but they were just sitting on the card lol. also u can set up direct deposit if u want on the edd website its way easier than using the card imo

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble understanding your payment schedule, you can also check the "Certification History" section in your UI Online account. It shows all your past and upcoming certification periods with dates, so you can see exactly when you need to certify next and what weeks each payment covers. Also, pro tip: set up text or email notifications in your UI Online account settings. EDD will send you reminders when it's time to certify, which helps avoid missing deadlines. I learned this the hard way when I forgot to certify one time and had to wait an extra week for my payment! The whole system is definitely confusing at first, but once you get into the rhythm it becomes much more manageable. Good luck with everything!

I went through this exact decision last year when my company downsized. Here's what I learned: if you're even slightly worried about your ability to save consistently, go with withholding. I chose to take the full amount thinking I'd be responsible about setting money aside, but between job hunting stress and unexpected expenses, I ended up spending some of my "tax fund." Had to scramble to pay a $1,800 tax bill in April. The peace of mind from automatic withholding is worth the smaller weekly payments. Plus, unemployment is stressful enough without adding tax anxiety to the mix!

I'm dealing with this same decision right now after being laid off from a startup. Reading through everyone's experiences, I'm leaning heavily toward having taxes withheld. The stories about owing thousands at tax time are genuinely scary! One thing I'm curious about though - for those who chose withholding, did you feel like the reduced payments made your unemployment period more stressful financially? I'm trying to figure out if I can manage on about $360/week instead of $400/week (rough math on the 10% federal withholding). My rent alone is $1,800/month so every dollar counts, but I also don't want to get blindsided next April.