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I need to caution about this suggestion. SDI (State Disability Insurance) requires medical certification of a condition that prevents you from performing your regular or customary work. It's not meant as a replacement when UI benefits run out, and applying for it without a legitimate qualifying condition could potentially be considered fraud. Additionally, there's a one-week waiting period before benefits begin, and the application process itself can take time for medical verification.
UPDATE: I took everyone's advice and 1) called the new company who agreed to start me May 13th instead of the 20th (one week earlier), and 2) finally got through to EDD after using the Claimyr service. The EDD rep confirmed there's no extension available for my situation BUT suggested I apply for CalFresh immediately which could help with groceries for the gap period. She also mentioned I should double-check with my county's General Assistance program which sometimes provides very short-term emergency help. \n\nStill going to be tight financially but cutting one week off the gap helps a lot! Thanks everyone for your suggestions - this community has been so helpful during this stressful unemployment journey!
my sister in law works for edd and she says discrimination cases are actually getting approved more often now especially for moms. She said document EVERYTHING and be super specific in your phone interview. Don't just say "they discriminated against me" but give exact examples with dates. Also did any coworkers see this happening? Witness statements help a lot.
That's reassuring to hear! Yes, I have two coworkers who witnessed the district manager's comments and behavior change. One of them even texted me after a staff meeting saying "I can't believe how differently he's treating you since you came back." I saved that text and a few others. I'll ask if they'd be willing to provide statements if needed.
Based on everything you've shared, you have a very strong case for UI benefits. The key elements are all there: 1. You requested legally protected accommodations 2. Negative treatment began immediately after 3. You have documentation and witness statements 4. You contacted HR to try resolving it 5. You had positive performance history before this issue During your phone interview, stay calm and stick to the facts. Avoid emotional language even though this was obviously upsetting. The interviewer needs to hear a clear cause-and-effect relationship between your accommodation request and their actions. Good luck, and please update us on how it goes!
One more thing - when your sister certifies for benefits, she needs to report any income she receives, including if the employer eventually pays those bounced checks. But she should definitely file now rather than waiting to see if they pay. The EDD will establish what's called a "last day worked" which will be important for determining eligibility. If the employer contests the claim, she'll have an opportunity to explain the situation during the phone interview.
Yes, that's exactly what she should explain. Just be very clear about the timeline: when paychecks bounced, last day actually worked, when the office was found locked, last communication from management, etc. The EDD interviewer will understand this situation - it happens more often than you'd think. They just need to establish that she didn't quit voluntarily and is available for full-time work.
After reviewing your situation, I think you have a good chance on appeal if you focus on the housing habitability issues. California recognizes uninhabitable living conditions as potential good cause for leaving employment. Document everything about your previous housing: maintenance requests, photos of issues, police reports about the neighbor, communication with landlord. For your current job situation, you might qualify for partial benefits due to reduced earnings, but that's contingent on the appeal for your separation being approved first. The certification email followed by disqualification happens because the system sends automatic certification notices regardless of claim status. Keep certifying though - if your appeal is successful, they'll pay those weeks. Good luck!
can someone please clarify what counts as 'good cause' for quiting?? i always thought u basically had to have proof ur employer was breaking the law or something. does housing really count?? im so confused about edd rules sometimes!!
Good cause is broader than just employer law violations. It includes any real, substantial, and compelling reason that would cause a reasonable person to leave their job. This can include: unsafe working conditions, significant changes to job duties/pay, relocation due to a spouse's job, caring for ill family members, and yes - sometimes housing issues if they're severe enough and related to the job location. Each case is evaluated individually based on circumstances and documentation.
Dmitry Ivanov
i wonder if they wer suposed to give u unepployment pamflet too when they fired u. my company always gives them out when people leave. might b another violation??
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Giovanni Mancini
•Yes, California employers are required to provide the "For Your Benefit" pamphlet (DE 2320) to all employees who are laid off, discharged, or placed on leave of absence. If OP didn't receive this, it's another violation, though a much less serious one than failing to provide the final paycheck immediately.
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GalacticGuru
One more thing to consider - while you're fighting for your final paycheck, make sure you're diligent about your EDD claim requirements. Remember to: 1. Complete your bi-weekly certifications on time 2. Register for CalJOBS if required 3. Keep records of your work search activities 4. Be available for the phone interview Missing any of these steps could delay your benefits. I've seen people get so focused on wage claims that they miss certification deadlines and create new problems for themselves.
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Liam Fitzgerald
•Thank you for the reminder! I did create my UI Online account yesterday and am waiting for my first certification date. I've already started applying for jobs so I'll make sure to keep track of those for my work search requirements. I definitely don't want to mess up my UI benefits while fighting this paycheck battle.
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