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?

