Responding to EDD Denial Arguments

"I dispute that my conduct constituted 'misconduct' under California Unemployment Insurance Code § 1256. [Choose applicable]: My termination was based on performance issues, not willful wrongdoing. / I made an honest mistake in good faith. / I received no prior warnings that this conduct was unacceptable. / There was no written policy prohibiting this action. / This was an isolated incident, not a pattern of behavior. / Other employees engaged in the same conduct without termination. The employer has the burden of proving misconduct, and the evidence does not support this characterization."

"I had good cause to leave my employment because [choose applicable]: I was subjected to unsafe working conditions including [describe]. / I experienced harassment/discrimination based on [protected characteristic]. / My pay was reduced by [X]% without my consent. / My hours were cut substantially from [X] to [Y] hours per week. / My job duties were changed significantly from [original duties] to [new duties]. / I had a medical condition that prevented me from continuing, as documented by my physician. / I was experiencing domestic violence that made it necessary to leave. I attempted to resolve these issues by [describe efforts] before deciding I had no alternative but to quit."

"I request a waiver of the overpayment under UI Code § 1375. The overpayment was not my fault because [I reported all information honestly to EDD / EDD made an error in processing my claim / the employer provided incorrect information]. Additionally, repayment would be against equity and good conscience because: I relied on these benefits in good faith to pay for basic living expenses; I no longer have the funds and repayment would cause severe financial hardship; I would be deprived of necessary living expenses including rent, utilities, and food. I certify that my current monthly income is $[amount] and my monthly expenses are $[amount]."

"I was able and available for work during the weeks in question. I was physically capable of working and ready to accept suitable employment immediately. [If applicable]: Although I have some medical restrictions, there is a labor market for work within my restrictions. / Although I was seeking part-time work, this was for a legitimate reason and there is a labor market for part-time positions in my field. I was actively seeking work and would have accepted any suitable position offered to me."

"I conducted active work search during the weeks in question. My activities included: [List specific activities with dates, company names, and positions]. I made [number] job contacts per week. [If applicable]: I am a union member in good standing and was available through the hiring hall. / I had a definite recall date of [date]. I was making a genuine effort to find employment."

"The work I allegedly refused was not 'suitable' under California law because: [Choose applicable]: The wages offered ($[X]/hour) were substantially below my previous wages of $[Y]/hour. / The position was not reasonably related to my training and experience as a [occupation]. / The commute of [X] miles/hours was unreasonable. / The working conditions presented health/safety concerns. / The hours were incompatible with my childcare/family obligations. I was willing to accept suitable work but this particular offer did not meet the legal standard."

"I did not make any willful false statement to obtain benefits. [Choose applicable]: I reported all information honestly to the best of my knowledge. / If there was an error in my reporting, it was an honest mistake, not intentional fraud. / I was confused by the question on the certification form and did not understand what was being asked. / I experienced technical difficulties with the online system that may have caused reporting errors. / I did report [the information in question] on [date/method]. I had no intent to deceive EDD or obtain benefits I was not entitled to."