Losing your job can be stressful, especially when you’re counting on unemployment benefits to stay afloat. But what if your claim gets denied? You may be wondering, What disqualifies you from unemployment in California?
You can be disqualified from unemployment in California for quitting without good cause, being fired for misconduct, refusing suitable work, or not meeting work search requirements. Other disqualifiers include false statements on your application or failing to certify weekly eligibility with the Employment Development Department (EDD).
With decades of experience in California labor laws, I’ve helped countless individuals understand their unemployment rights and successfully claim benefits. In this guide, I’ll explain the key reasons for disqualification and how to avoid losing the financial support you need.
Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits
To qualify for unemployment benefits in California, you must:
- Have earned enough wages during your “base period” (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your claim is filed).
- Have lost your job through no fault of your own.
- Be willing, available, and able to work.
- Meet the California Employment Development Department (EDD) requirements.
Even if you meet these criteria, certain factors can disqualify you from receiving unemployment benefits.
10 Reasons You May Be Disqualified From Unemployment in California
1. Voluntary Resignation Without Good Cause
Can you get unemployment if you quit your job? Yes, but only if you quit for “good cause,” such as:
- Unsafe working conditions
- Significant reduction in pay or hours
- Discrimination or harassment
- Medical necessity (backed by a doctor’s note)
If you quit without a valid reason, the EDD may deny your claim.
2. Termination Due to Misconduct
What counts as misconduct for unemployment in California? Misconduct includes willful disregard for an employer’s interests, such as:
- Repeated tardiness or absenteeism
- Violating company policies (e.g., theft, drug use, harassment)
- Gross negligence leading to harm or financial loss
- Intentional disregard for work responsibilities
If your employer proves misconduct, your unemployment claim will likely be denied.
3. Insufficient Earnings or Work History
To qualify for unemployment, you must meet California’s earnings and work history requirements. The EDD reviews your base period wages to determine eligibility. If you do not meet the earnings threshold, you will be disqualified.
4. Refusing Suitable Job Offers
If you refuse a suitable job offer without a valid reason, you may lose your benefits. A job is considered suitable if:
- It matches your previous occupation and skills
- The pay is reasonable compared to your last job
- It does not require unsafe or unethical work conditions
5. Failing to Meet Work Search Requirements
California requires unemployment recipients to actively search for work and document their efforts. If you fail to:
- Apply for jobs regularly
- Attend mandatory EDD appointments
- Participate in reemployment programs (if assigned)
Your benefits may be suspended or terminated.
6. Receiving Other Benefits or Income
Unemployment benefits are designed for those without a primary income. You may be disqualified if you receive:
- Severance pay covering the same period as your claim
- Workers’ compensation for a work-related disability
- Pension or retirement benefits replacing lost wages
- Self-employment income that significantly supplements earnings
7. Incarceration or Legal Issues
If you are incarcerated, on probation with work restrictions, or unavailable for work due to legal reasons, you may lose your benefits. The EDD requires all recipients to be “able and available to work.”
8. Fraud or False Information on Your Application
Providing false information on an unemployment claim is considered fraud and can result in:
- Immediate disqualification from benefits
- Fines or repayment of improperly received benefits
- Criminal charges, including potential jail time
Always provide accurate work history, earnings, and job separation reasons when applying.
9. Failing to Certify for Benefits Weekly
Even if you are approved for unemployment, you must certify your eligibility every week or two weeks to continue receiving benefits. This means:
- Logging into the EDD portal and confirming unemployment status
- Reporting any earnings or income changes
- Confirming active job search efforts
Failing to certify on time or providing incorrect information may result in delayed or stopped benefits.
10. Working While Collecting Unemployment Without Reporting It
If you find part-time or temporary work while receiving unemployment, you must report your earnings. Failure to disclose income can result in:
- Repayment of benefits received improperly
- Disqualification from future unemployment benefits
- Fraud penalties
What Happens If You Are Disqualified From Unemployment in California?
If you are disqualified from unemployment in California, your benefits may be delayed, reduced, or denied entirely. You’ll receive a notice from the EDD explaining the reason and whether you have the right to appeal.
Possible Outcomes:
-
No benefits paid if the disqualification is upheld
-
Partial benefits if disqualification applies to only part of your claim
-
Retroactive payments if you win an appeal
Acting quickly after a disqualification is crucial to preserving your right to benefits.
How Does the EDD Determine Misconduct?
The EDD defines misconduct as willful or deliberate violations of workplace rules or behavior showing disregard for your employer’s interests.
Examples That May Count as Misconduct:
-
Failing to follow reasonable instructions
-
Repeated absences without good reason
-
Intoxication or substance use at work
-
Theft, harassment, or threats in the workplace
Poor performance due to lack of skill is not usually considered misconduct.
Can You Collect Unemployment if You Quit Due to Stress?
You may still qualify for unemployment if you quit due to extreme job-related stress, but you must prove it was a medically supported and unavoidable reason.
To qualify:
-
Obtain a doctor’s note recommending you leave the job
-
Show that you tried to resolve the issue with your employer
-
Prove that the stress made it impossible to continue working
General dissatisfaction with the job is not enough to qualify.
Do You Have to Pay Back Unemployment Benefits If You’re Disqualified?
Yes. If you’re disqualified after already receiving unemployment benefits, you may be required to repay them to the EDD.
Consequences Include:
-
A notice of overpayment
-
A repayment schedule or wage garnishment
-
Potential penalties if fraud is involved
Always report income and work status accurately to avoid repayment issues.
Can You Reapply After Being Disqualified for Unemployment in California?
Yes. You can reapply or reopen your claim after a disqualification period ends—especially if the reason for disqualification has been resolved.
Reapply if:
-
You now meet work search requirements
-
Your job separation circumstances have changed
-
You served your penalty period and are eligible again
Reapply through the EDD’s portal and check your benefit year eligibility.
Comparing Who Qualifies vs. Who Is Disqualified?
| Factor | Eligible for Benefits? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Fired due to layoffs | ✅ Yes | Job loss not your fault |
| Fired for misconduct | ❌ No | Violation of company policy |
| Quit due to unsafe conditions | ✅ Yes | “Good cause” exception applies |
| Refused a suitable job | ❌ No | Must accept reasonable offers |
| Receiving severance pay | ❌ No | Considered income replacement |
| Actively seeking work | ✅ Yes | Required to qualify |
| Working part-time (reported) | ✅ Yes | May receive partial benefits |
| Working part-time (unreported) | ❌ No | Considered fraud |
How to Avoid Disqualification
To ensure eligibility for unemployment benefits in California:
- Only quit with justifiable cause (unsafe conditions, medical issues, harassment)
- Avoid misconduct—follow company policies and work responsibly
- Meet earnings requirements—track your wages and work history
- Accept suitable job offers when available
- Maintain active job searches—document applications and interviews
- Report all sources of income to avoid overpayments and fraud allegations
- Certify for benefits on time—always meet deadlines
- Report part-time work immediately to the EDD
Appealing an Unemployment Disqualification
If the EDD denies your claim, you have 30 days to appeal the decision. The appeals process includes:
- Filing an appeal through the EDD’s official form
- Attending a hearing before an administrative law judge
- Providing supporting evidence, such as employer records or witness testimony
Many applicants successfully overturn disqualifications through appeals if they provide compelling evidence.
Secure Your Financial Future Today
Understanding what disqualifies you from unemployment in California can help you avoid costly mistakes and improve your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.
Denied unemployment benefits? You only have 30 days to appeal! Call Scher, Bassett & Hames now at (408) 739-5300 for a FREE consultation. Let’s fight for the benefits you deserve before it’s too late!
Resources:
For additional information and official guidance, visit these authoritative sources:
- California Employment Development Department (EDD) – Unemployment Benefits
- U.S. Department of Labor – Unemployment Insurance
- California Courts – Appeals Process
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Taxation of Unemployment Benefits
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Unemployment Data
