I'm new to this community but wanted to share my experience since this thread has been incredibly helpful! I went through a similar situation about 3 months ago when my hours at a grocery chain got cut from 37 to 22 hours per week. Like many others here, I had no idea partial unemployment was even an option until a coworker mentioned it. The application process was much smoother than I expected, especially after reading everyone's advice here. A few things that really helped me: - I took photos of my work schedule before and after the cut (great advice from earlier comments!) - When they asked about availability, I made sure to indicate I was available for full-time work - I kept detailed records of every shift I worked and any times I was offered extra hours The partial benefits have been a lifesaver - they don't replace all the lost income, but they definitely help bridge the gap. What surprised me most was how quickly the stress decreased once I had that extra support coming in. @Zara Ahmed I hope your claim processed smoothly! And thank you for starting this conversation - it's clear from all these responses that so many people are dealing with hour cuts right now and needed this information. This community is amazing for supporting each other through these challenges!

I'm new to this community but wanted to add my experience since this thread has been so incredibly helpful! I just went through a similar situation at my retail job where my hours got reduced from 35 to 20 hours per week about 2 months ago. Reading through everyone's detailed advice and real experiences here gave me the confidence to file for partial unemployment, and I'm so glad I did! A couple of additional tips that helped me: - Screenshot your old schedule AND your new reduced schedule as proof of the change - When you call in sick or can't work a scheduled shift, make sure to note that on your weekly certification - you want to show EDD you're not voluntarily reducing hours further - I created a simple note in my phone to track which weeks I worked extra hours (like holiday coverage) so I could report earnings accurately The partial benefits have been such a relief while I look for a second job to make up the difference. What really struck me reading this thread is how many people are dealing with hour cuts right now - it makes me feel less alone in this situation. @Zara Ahmed I hope your claim went through smoothly! Thank you for asking this question and starting such a helpful conversation. This community support has been amazing to see!

This whole thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I just got my EDD Money Network card about 3 weeks ago and have been pulling my hair out trying to figure out why every single online purchase gets declined. I can withdraw cash at ATMs just fine and use it at grocery stores, but online it's like the card is completely worthless. @Arjun Patel you're a absolute legend for sharing that specific phone number and menu sequence! I had NO idea that CNP transactions were even a thing or that online purchases were basically turned off by default. It's completely insane that Money Network doesn't explain any of this when they send you the card. Like seriously, how are we supposed to know about all these hidden features and restrictions?? I've been calling the regular customer service number for weeks and just getting trapped in that horrible automated system that goes nowhere. It's so frustrating when you're already dealing with unemployment stress and then you can't even use your benefits to pay bills online! I'm definitely calling 1-866-323-2322 first thing Monday morning and asking them to enable CNP transactions on my account. Reading all these success stories gives me so much hope that this nightmare will finally be over soon. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions here - this community has been way more helpful than Money Network's actual customer service!

I'm having this EXACT same problem! Just got my EDD Money Network card 3 days ago and I'm already hitting this wall with online purchases. Every single transaction gets declined even though I can see my full balance when I check online. Works fine when I use it at the grocery store or gas station, but online it's like the card is completely useless. @Arjun Patel thank you SO much for sharing that specific phone number and those menu steps! I had absolutely no clue about CNP transactions or that online purchasing was disabled by default. It's honestly crazy that they don't include ANY information about this when they mail you the card. Like why wouldn't they mention "hey, if you want to use this online, you need to call and enable a feature"?? I tried calling the number on the back of my card yesterday and got stuck in that automated hell for over an hour before giving up. So frustrating when you're trying to pay your phone bill and it just won't work! I'm definitely calling 1-866-323-2322 tomorrow morning with those exact menu options. Really hoping this fixes everything because I need to pay several bills online this week and set up some recurring payments. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences here - this thread is literally more helpful than Money Network's actual customer service!

I've been dealing with CalJOBS for about 3 weeks now and this entire thread has been such a game-changer for my understanding! I was honestly starting to panic thinking I was completely failing at job searching since I've gotten zero responses from 22+ applications through their system. Reading everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring - especially the mindset shift to treating CalJOBS as a "compliance checkbox" rather than expecting it to actually function as a real job search platform. I had no idea that was even an option! I'm definitely going to start implementing the strategies mentioned: the daily morning check with "Last 3 Days" filter, focusing on state/government positions for documentation purposes, and using that work search log feature to record all my external activities. The fact that you can log LinkedIn and Indeed applications directly in CalJOBS for audit protection is brilliant - I wish someone had told me that weeks ago! It's honestly wild that we're all having to figure out these workarounds ourselves just to navigate what should be a straightforward system. But I'm so grateful for this community sharing real experiences and practical solutions. Now I can stop wasting hours on that clunky interface and put my energy where it actually matters - LinkedIn, Indeed, and direct company outreach. Thanks for starting this conversation and to everyone for being so open about their struggles and strategies. Sometimes the best guidance comes from people actually living through the same bureaucratic nightmare! 🙌

I've been struggling with CalJOBS for about 5 weeks now and honestly, reading through this entire thread has been such a relief! I was starting to think there was something seriously wrong with my approach since I've submitted 20+ applications through their system with absolutely zero responses, while getting callbacks from other platforms. The mindset shift everyone's talking about - treating CalJOBS as a "compliance tool" rather than a real job search platform - is exactly what I needed to hear. I've been burning myself out trying to make it work as my primary strategy when clearly it's just not designed for that purpose. I'm definitely going to implement the systematic approach mentioned here: quick daily check with the "Last 3 Days" filter, apply to 3-4 state positions weekly for documentation, and use that work search log feature to record all my external applications. The fact that you can log LinkedIn and Indeed activities directly in CalJOBS for audit protection is brilliant - wish I'd known that from the start! It's honestly frustrating that we have to figure out these workarounds ourselves just to navigate what should be a helpful system. But I'm so grateful for everyone sharing their real experiences and practical strategies. Now I can stop feeling guilty about "not trying hard enough" on CalJOBS and focus my energy on platforms that actually connect with employers. Thanks for this incredibly helpful discussion - sometimes peer knowledge beats official guidance every time! 🙏

I'm new to this community but wanted to share my recent second appeal success story since it sounds so similar to your situation! I just won my case about 2 months ago after being denied initially for work search documentation issues. Like you, I was working part-time while actively searching for full-time work, and my initial records weren't detailed enough for the ALJ. My overpayment was $5,600, so I definitely understand that financial panic you're feeling right now. What turned everything around for me was approaching the second appeal with laser focus on organization and specificity. I created a comprehensive work search log that included not just basic info, but also showed my genuine intent to find full-time work. For each application, I documented: - Exact company name and position - Date and method of application - Any networking or follow-up efforts - How the position aligned with my full-time employment goals I also included a detailed written statement explaining how my part-time schedule was flexible and how I had communicated to my part-time employer that I was actively seeking full-time work that would take priority. The CUIAB took about 10 weeks to review everything and completely reversed the ALJ's decision. They specifically mentioned that the original determination had "failed to properly consider the totality of claimant's job search efforts" and that my evidence clearly demonstrated availability for full-time work. With $7,800 at stake and the detailed records you mentioned having, I genuinely think you have an excellent chance on second appeal. The Board really does provide a thorough, fresh review of your case. Don't let the negative comments discourage you - this is absolutely worth pursuing!

I'm new to this community but wanted to add my voice to all the encouragement you're getting here! I just went through a successful second appeal about 6 weeks ago for almost the exact same issue - work search documentation while doing part-time work. What really helped me was realizing that the second appeal isn't just about having "better" documentation, but about telling a clearer story of your genuine job search efforts. I created what I called a "narrative timeline" that showed not just WHAT I did, but WHY each action demonstrated my commitment to finding full-time work. A few things that made a difference in my case: - I included screenshots of my LinkedIn activity showing I was actively engaging with job postings - Added evidence of any networking events or career fairs I attended - Documented times I had to decline part-time shifts specifically to attend interviews or job search activities - Showed how I gradually expanded my search criteria over time (geographic area, salary range, related fields) The Board took about 11 weeks but completely overturned my case. They specifically noted that the ALJ had "applied an unnecessarily rigid standard" to evaluate my work search efforts. My overpayment was $4,900, so I know that financial stress you're feeling. Based on everything you've described and all the success stories in this thread, you really should feel confident about filing that second appeal. The CUIAB genuinely does provide a fresh, more thorough review. Don't let the few negative experiences discourage you - every case is unique, and yours sounds very winnable with the right documentation approach!

I'm so sorry you're going through this Isabella! Your situation sounds incredibly frustrating but also very winnable on appeal. The advice from everyone here is excellent - definitely don't give up! One thing I wanted to add that I haven't seen mentioned yet: when you're preparing for your hearing, practice explaining your case out loud beforehand. I know it sounds silly, but when I had my EDD appeal hearing, I was so nervous that I started rambling and almost forgot to mention some key points. Also, regarding the security footage - even if your employer won't provide it, the fact that you can specifically reference what the cameras would show (you completing the audit on time, reporting the system issue immediately) can still be powerful evidence. The judge will note that you're being very specific about verifiable facts. Your case has all the elements of a successful appeal: - Technical failure beyond your control - You followed proper procedures by reporting the issue - The task wasn't in your official job description - You were performing supervisor duties without supervisor pay The initial EDD interviewer probably just checked boxes without really understanding the nuances of your situation. The appeals process is where you'll get a fair hearing from someone who actually reviews the details. Keep us updated on how it goes! This community is rooting for you, and your experience will definitely help others in similar situations. You've got this! 💪

I'm new to this community but currently going through my own EDD appeal process, so reading through everyone's advice here has been incredibly helpful! @Isabella Costa - your situation sounds almost identical to what happened to me. I was terminated for not completing a task that was actually outside my official job duties, and like you, I got denied initially. The frustration is real, but don't let it discourage you! Based on what I've learned from my own research and the excellent advice in this thread, you definitely have a strong case. The key points that stand out for your appeal: 1. **Job description mismatch** - This is HUGE. The fact that inventory audits were supervisor duties but you were required to do them as a regular associate shows they were holding you to standards outside your job classification. 2. **Technical failure beyond your control** - You completed the audit on time but couldn't upload due to a system freeze. That's not misconduct, that's a technical issue. 3. **Proper reporting** - You immediately told your shift lead about the problem, showing you followed appropriate procedures. I'd definitely recommend getting that job description in writing ASAP, along with any documentation showing the pay difference between your role and supervisors who were supposed to handle inventory audits. The appeals judges are much more fair than the initial EDD reviewers. From what I've learned, they actually take time to review the facts rather than just rubber-stamping denials. Keep fighting this - you've got solid grounds for an appeal and this community is here to support you! 💪