Unemployment Benefits Denied Because of School

[PhishPhood]

I was recently laid off from a company I had been for 3y 3m due to my position being terminated (budget constraints). I was working full time and going to school part time--the issue being on Wednesdays I go from 1:30pm-8:00pm (I was working 5 hours from 7-12pm)--so a 37 hour work week for this past semester.

So when called by EDD I agreed with the fact that my availability on Wednesday may be compromised due to the fact that I had class from 1:30-8pm but was fully available the other 6 days. So I received a letter today saying I am not eligible to receive benefits because my school or training is placing limit on the hours I am available for work, and since I am not fully available for work, being denied.

So I am working on my appeal. I am in California. Any pointers? If I have to drop school for a job that is not an issue--I totally would. Any pointers on my appeal? This is what I have so far:

"My previous employer accomodating for my school schedule, which allowed me to leave early on Wednesday afternoons to attend class. However, since I have been laid off from that employer and am now seeking work, I understand that my availability needs to be completely open. Therefore, if necessary, I can and will remove myself from current coursework so that I can have an open schedule for any positions that I apply for. I understand that most employers are looking for employees that can work Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, and if an employer wants to hire me for those hours, I can and will drop my classes so that I may return to work. It is more important for me to have a job right now than to work on a future career goal."

What do you think? Is there something key here I should include to make sure I get an appeals court date? I really have no idea, and am quite frustrated at the moment. Any help would be great, thanks!!

[LawResearcherMissy]

It certainly can't hurt to submit that with your appeal, but change "My previous employer accomodating for my school schedule" to "My previous employer made accomodations for my school schedule"

It won't guarantee that you'll prevail - nothing really does - but the willingness to adapt to your new situation helps.