Thank you all for the helpful advice! I submitted my application yesterday and am waiting for it to process. One question I'm still confused about - for the work search requirement, does applying for additional hours at my current job count as one of my job search activities? Or do all job searches need to be with entirely different employers?

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago when my retail hours got slashed from 32 to 20 per week. Definitely apply for partial UI - you qualify! A few tips from my experience: 1) Apply ASAP since there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start, 2) When they ask for documentation of the hours reduction, screenshots of your work schedule or a simple email from your manager confirming the cut works fine, 3) The work search requirement is totally manageable - I counted things like updating my resume, applying on company websites, even asking my current manager about picking up shifts at other store locations. The partial benefits really helped bridge the gap while I found a second part-time job. Hang in there - it's stressful but the system does work once you get through the initial paperwork!

You've got it exactly right! One last tip - when you complete your application, there's a section for additional comments at the end. I recommend briefly explaining your employment situation there (film industry, multiple short-term W2 jobs, mixed with 1099 work). This can help flag to EDD that your employment pattern is normal for your industry. Best of luck with your claim!

Just wanted to add something that might help other film industry folks - when you're gathering all those W2s to check the EINs, also make sure to save copies of your paystubs if you still have them. During my eligibility interview, they asked for specific details about my work periods that weren't clear from just the W2s. Having paystubs helped me prove exactly when I worked for each production company. Also, if you worked through a payroll company (like Cast & Crew or Entertainment Partners), that payroll company will be listed as your "employer" on the W2, not the actual production company. This can get confusing when trying to remember which jobs were which, so definitely keep good notes as you go through everything. The film industry employment situation is so complicated for unemployment claims - it really should be a separate section on their website with clearer instructions for us!

I'm in almost the exact same situation! Had my eligibility interview last Friday and it's now been 6 business days with everything still showing "pending." The anxiety is real - I keep checking UI Online multiple times a day hoping something will change, but nothing yet. This thread has been incredibly reassuring though! Seeing that 7-14 business days is the normal range makes me feel so much better. My interview went well and my layoff was due to budget cuts with all the proper paperwork, so I'm trying to stay optimistic. I love all the practical tips people have shared here - checking the UI inbox for messages, taking daily screenshots to track changes, and definitely keeping up with certifications. The fact that EDD doesn't give any timeline during the interview is so frustrating! A simple "expect to hear back in 1-2 weeks" would save everyone so much stress. Thanks OP for asking this question and to everyone who shared their experiences and timelines. It really helps to know we're all going through this same nerve-wracking waiting period together. Fingers crossed we all get good news soon!

I'm currently on day 12 after my eligibility interview and finally got some movement! Just wanted to share my timeline to help others who are waiting. Had my interview on a Wednesday, and this morning (Friday of the following week) I found a determination letter in my UI Online inbox - it was approved! My payment status is still showing "pending" but based on what others have said here, it should update within the next day or two. My case was pretty straightforward - laid off due to company restructuring with all the proper documentation. The interviewer was professional and the whole call took about 15 minutes. Like everyone else, I was given no timeline and spent almost two weeks obsessively checking my account multiple times a day. The waiting really is the worst part, but hang in there everyone! For those still waiting, I'd definitely recommend checking your UI inbox regularly since the determination letter showed up there first. Also, the daily screenshot idea someone mentioned actually helped me track small system changes I wouldn't have noticed otherwise. Thanks to this community for keeping me sane during the wait!

Good luck with your interview on Tuesday! You've gotten some great advice here. I went through a similar situation last summer when my daughter's summer camp was canceled unexpectedly and I had to quit my office job. One thing I'd add - if they ask about future employment, make sure to emphasize that you're actively seeking work that fits your available hours (evenings/nights/weekends). I brought a list of jobs I'd applied for in hospitality, security, and healthcare that had evening shifts. This showed I wasn't just collecting benefits without trying to work. Also, don't be surprised if they ask about your partner's work situation or other family members who could help with childcare - just be honest about your specific circumstances. The interviewer was actually pretty understanding once I explained everything clearly. You sound well-prepared and your situation is exactly the kind of thing EDD recognizes as good cause. Keep us posted on how it goes!

Just wanted to add another perspective - I had my EDD interview about 6 months ago after quitting my job due to eldercare responsibilities (similar family obligation situation). The interviewer was very thorough but fair. One thing that really helped me was being able to articulate exactly WHY a leave of absence wouldn't have worked in my situation - the care needs were ongoing, not temporary. In your case, you can explain that even if your employer had offered unpaid leave, it wouldn't have solved the fundamental problem since you needed ongoing daytime childcare once schools closed. They also asked me about my job search efforts, so definitely be ready to talk about what types of positions you're applying for that match your available hours. Having specific examples of evening/night shift jobs you've looked into will show you're serious about returning to work when possible. You've got this! The fact that you're being so thoughtful about preparing for the interview shows you understand the process. EDD deals with childcare-related resignations all the time, especially post-COVID when so many school and childcare disruptions happened.

I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I just wanted to add that when you call CUIAB, make sure to have your Social Security number and case/appeal number ready - they'll need both to pull up your file. Also, if the first person you talk to seems unhelpful or says they can't provide the documents, politely ask to speak with a supervisor. Sometimes the front desk staff aren't fully aware of your rights to access the appeal file. I had to escalate my request but eventually got everything I needed. The whole process is stressful enough without having to fight for basic information you're entitled to. Wishing you the best of luck with your hearing - it sounds like you have a solid case if you were truly laid off due to lack of work!

I just want to echo what everyone else is saying - definitely contact CUIAB directly, not EDD! I made the mistake of calling EDD first when I had my appeal and they just transferred me around for hours before telling me they couldn't help. The CUIAB staff were actually much more helpful once I called the right number. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - when you get your documents, pay special attention to the dates on everything your employer submitted. In my case, they tried to submit "performance reviews" that were supposedly from months before my termination, but the digital timestamps showed they were actually created the day after I filed for unemployment! The judge was NOT happy about that and it basically won my case for me. Also, bring multiple copies of any supporting documents you have to the hearing - one for the judge, one for your employer's representative (if they show up), and one for yourself. Being organized and prepared really makes a good impression. Good luck - it sounds like you have a strong case since you have documentation of the layoff!