California Training Benefits Issue
My question involves unemployment benefits for the state of: California.
One year ago I was laid off. Prior to that I made the decision to take advantage of my jobs flexible work schedule and go back to school and get a second degree. The layoff happened after I registered for classes and before the semester started. I decided that I would go ahead and continue with my classes and look for a new job at the same time. I wasn't sure if EDD would support me in this or not but at that time I had enough money saved that I could support myself for a semester on my own if I had to.
When I had my phone interview I was completely honest and ready to accept whatever answer they gave. The EDD interviewer said I probably wouldn't be approved for CTB because my school schedule conflicted with my prior work schedule even though my schedule was flexible. I didn't really understand it. She said if I were approved for CTB I would receive a check and if I wasn't I would receive a letter stating why.
The next week I received a check which according to my interviewer meant I got the approval. I continued to apply to at least two jobs week and submitting that info on the form even though I wasn't required to.
I enrolled in the second semester thinking that I was already approved to do so. I went ahead and marked on the form that I was starting new training because I figured the EDD would like to know my new class schedule.
Of course they stopped my payments and scheduled a phone interview. I didn't have that interview until 2 and a half months into the semester and then was ultimately denied because of the conflict with my former work schedule. This put me in a bad place place because I went into the second semester believing that I was already approved.
I submitted an appeal form which I have yet to get a response from. My concern is that the EDD might have been in error in approving CTB for the first semester and that if I fight this I could be risking having to pay back the money from that time. Should I just leave this alone and cancel my appeal or is it worth fighting for?
Re: California Training Benefits Issue
You can appeal, but they can deny your benefits if you start any training before you get approval. Never take the word of the person you speak to on the phone. Remember they are low level, low paid, most likely recently hired and can be over ruled by anyone above them.
Always get names, and anything in writting.
If you do get approval ,never mark your claim form "yes" on the line about starting schooling. Your claim form will be flagged everytime, the system is automated.