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Yes, they approved it after the interview. They asked a lot of questions about the funeral (whose it was, where it was held, etc.) but didn't actually ask for documentation. The whole thing felt invasive and unnecessary for a single day. The EDD rep even seemed embarrassed about having to ask all those questions.
I work as an employment consultant, and I can tell you that while the system seems punitive, it's actually designed to prevent fraud. The problem is that it often catches honest people in its net. For a single day of unavailability due to car vandalism, you absolutely have good cause, and any reasonable EDD representative will approve your payment. My advice is to call tomorrow with your documentation ready, but also prepare for the possibility of waiting for an interview. If you can't get through or get your payment released tomorrow, consider filing for a hardship advance on your pending payment by explaining your rent situation. Not many people know about this option, but EDD can sometimes issue partial payments while waiting for eligibility interviews in hardship cases.
UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning after 23 calls! Spoke with a very helpful Tier 2 specialist who reviewed my situation. She said the car vandalism absolutely counts as good cause for being unavailable that one day, especially since I had the police report. She released my payment right then! It should hit my account within 24-48 hours. So relieved! Thanks everyone for your help and advice!
Sorry to hear about the termination, but you've done the right thing by applying right away. The 'pending' status and phone interview are normal parts of the process when there's a job separation that needs clarification. Make sure you continue to certify for benefits every two weeks even while waiting for the interview and decision. Good luck with everything, and definitely update us on how it goes!
The interview scheduling depends on their current backlog, but typically you'll receive a notice in the mail with the date and time about 7-10 days before the interview. Currently, interviews are being scheduled about 2-3 weeks out. Just make sure you're available at the phone number you provided on your application during the scheduled time window, and have all your documentation ready.
DOES ANYONE ELSE THINK IT'S COMPLETELY INSANE that the EDD can just hold our money hostage for WEEKS while they take their sweet time scheduling these interviews??? Some bureaucrat decided March 1st was a good day for them without any consideration that we have BILLS TO PAY and FAMILIES TO FEED! This happens to literally EVERYONE who reports ANY work income. The system is designed to punish people for trying to work part-time while looking for full-time employment. I've been through 3 of these interviews in the past year, and each time it's the same ridiculous process. They ask basic questions they ALREADY HAVE THE ANSWERS TO, then magically release your funds a few days later. The whole thing could be handled with an automated form instead of making people wait weeks without income.
Based on everything shared here, your best immediate steps are: 1. Call EDD first thing tomorrow (8:00am) and specifically request an expedited interview due to financial hardship. Have your documentation ready. 2. If that doesn't work, reach out to your state assembly member's office the same day. They can often work wonders with EDD cases. 3. In the meantime, check if you qualify for emergency assistance through local community organizations. Many counties have emergency rental assistance and utility payment programs. 4. Continue certifying on your regular schedule regardless of the pending payment. I hope you're able to get this resolved quickly. The waiting period is definitely one of the most challenging aspects of the unemployment system.
UPDATE: I just applied online and got my confirmation number! The application asked for details about why I quit, and I made sure to focus on the safety concerns and the robbery incidents. My eligibility phone interview is scheduled for May 18th (about 3 weeks from now). I've started gathering all my documentation - found the text messages to my manager, the police report numbers, and even a coworker who's willing to provide a statement if needed. Feeling a bit more hopeful now, but still nervous about the interview. Thank you all for the advice!
Great job! Sounds like you're doing everything right. For the interview, I recommend writing down all your key points and dates beforehand so you don't forget anything important when you're nervous. Also, make sure you're in a quiet place with good phone reception for the call - they'll only try once at the scheduled time. Good luck!
my friend quit her nursing job bcuz they kept making her work double shifts without breaks which is dangerous for patients and she got approved for benefits. so yeah safety stuff counts for sure. but she had like emails and stuff proving she complained about it before quitting.
Ava Thompson
My bf had this happen and he filed for unemployment in Nevada where his company also had offices and it worked! Do u work for a company that has locations in other states? Worth trying maybe
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Connor Murphy
•This advice could potentially lead to problems. UI claims should only be filed in states where you actually performed work. Filing in a state where you didn't work can be considered fraud and result in penalties, including having to repay benefits with added penalties. Multi-state claims have very specific rules about which state should receive the application based on where the work was performed.
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Yara Nassar
This is why I ALWAYS tell people to save part of their unemployment payments!!! You know the system is broken but nobody ever plans ahead. Sorry if that sounds harsh but this happens to literally everyone when their benefits run out.
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Dylan Hughes
•Thanks for the lecture, but my weekly benefit amount barely covered my rent, let alone utilities and food. Not everyone has the luxury of saving when they're on unemployment. I was hoping for actual helpful advice, not judgment.
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Connor Murphy
•Not everyone's financial situation allows for saving while on UI. The maximum weekly benefit in California ($450) is below the poverty line in many counties when you consider the cost of housing. Let's focus on providing constructive assistance rather than retroactive advice that can't help the current situation.
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