Can I file for EDD if hours cut by 50% but employer refuses to approve?

Yes, you absolutely CAN apply for partial unemployment benefits when your hours are reduced - your employer cannot prevent you from applying! This is exactly what partial UI benefits are designed for. Your employer doesn't "approve" your claim - that's not how the system works. The EDD makes the determination based on information from both you and your employer. When your hours are reduced through no fault of your own (like lack of work), you're likely eligible for benefits. Your employer might be concerned about their UI tax rate increasing, but that's not your problem - it's a normal business expense for them.

omg my boss tried the same thing last year!! they get scared about their unemployment insurance rates going up. its total BS. file anyway, its your RIGHT!!

To add some specifics to what others said: 1. You can apply at https://edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ 2. When you certify, you'll report your reduced hours and any wages earned 3. EDD will calculate a partial benefit based on your wages 4. You must be able and available for full-time work 5. You must conduct work search activities What your employer is doing is unfortunately common but potentially illegal. Employers cannot interfere with your right to file for benefits. Document everything - dates, times, who said what about "not approving" your claim. This could be considered retaliation if they take negative action against you for filing.

Regarding work search requirements: For reduced hours where you expect to return to full-time, you may qualify for the "Partial Claims" program where traditional work search requirements can sometimes be modified. When you file, make sure to clearly indicate this is a temporary hours reduction with an expected return date. However, be prepared that EDD might still require you to look for full-time work during this period. The system is designed to help people find full employment, not necessarily to supplement reduced income at a job you want to keep. You'll need to certify every two weeks and honestly report any work and wages. If your employer tries to block your claim, EDD will investigate during the determination process.

I went thru THE EXACT SAME THING but with a retail job! They cut my hours from 38 to 15 per week and my manager gave me a whole speech about how "unemployment isn't for people who still have jobs" which is COMPLETE NONSENSE!! I applied anyway and got approved for partial benefits. My boss was pissed but couldn't do anything about it. The first week I got $0 because I earned too much from my remaining hours, but the second week I got like $175 which helped a lot. Just be super accurate when reporting your hours worked each week!!!

My manager was definitely cold toward me for a while, but honestly there wasn't much she could do. It would be illegal for them to fire you JUST for filing unemployment. They might look for other reasons to write you up though, so just make sure you're doing everything by the book at work. Remember this is YOUR RIGHT and you pay into this system with every paycheck! Don't let guilt trips stop you from accessing benefits you're entitled to!

if they cut ur hours in half ur eligible periodt. i dunno why companies think they can scare people out of applying. like we not supposed to pay rent?? edd exists for exactly this situation

Has anyone here tried calling EDD to get clarification on a situation like this? I'm in a similar boat (hours cut by 40%) and I've been trying to get through on the phone for DAYS with no luck. Always get the "we're experiencing high call volume" message and then it hangs up on me. So frustrating when you just need to ask a simple question about eligibility!

One more important thing to be aware of: if your employer does try to contest your claim, EDD will schedule a phone interview with you to get your side of the story. Make sure you answer that call! Have documentation ready showing your previous work schedule and the reduction in hours. If you miss that interview, it could significantly delay your claim or even result in denial.

so my uncle works for the state and he says employers ALWAYS fight unemployment claims cuz it raises their insurance rates. but he also says that as long as ur being truthful about ur hours being cut, u should get approved no matter what. just my 2 cents

btw when you file make sure you have your last paystub handy showing your normal hours and then get one with the reduced hours too as proof!! screenshots of schedules are good too!!

Thanks everyone for all this great advice! I'm going to file my claim tonight. I'm still nervous about my boss's reaction, but I need to be able to pay my bills. I'll update here if I run into any issues with the application process or if I have trouble with my employer.

Your employer absolutely cannot block you from filing for unemployment benefits - that's not how the system works at all! When your hours are reduced by 50% through no fault of your own, you're likely eligible for partial unemployment benefits in California. Here's what you need to know: - Apply online at edd.ca.gov - your employer has no say in whether you can apply - You'll report your reduced hours and wages when you certify every two weeks - EDD will calculate partial benefits based on your earnings - Your employer may contest the claim, but EDD makes the final determination The fact that your boss said they "don't approve unemployment claims" shows they don't understand how the system works. They're probably worried about their unemployment insurance tax rate going up, but that's a normal cost of doing business - not your problem. Document everything your boss said about blocking your claim, just in case. And don't let them guilt you out of applying for benefits you've earned and are entitled to!