Can I file for EDD unemployment when hours cut from full-time to 24 hours weekly?

Yes, you absolutely can file for partial unemployment in California if your hours have been reduced significantly. This is called \

Thank you so much! That's a huge relief. So I just go to the regular UI Online website to file? Do I need any kind of special documentation from my employer about the hour reduction?

im in the exact same boat right now!! my hours got cut from 38 to 22 last month and i filed for partial. its been a little confusing but its def helping make up some of the difference. make sure u report ur earnings accurately each week when u certify

That's really good to know someone else is going through this too! How long did it take for you to start getting benefits after you applied? I'm worried about the gap between now and when benefits might start.

I tried filing when my company cut my hours and it was a NIGHTMARE!!! EDD kept saying I was earning too much still even though I lost like half my income. Then they said I didn't provide enough information. Then they wanted me to do a phone interview but NEVER CALLED ME at the scheduled time!!! The whole system is designed to make you give up. Good luck even reaching anyone there - I tried calling for THREE WEEKS STRAIGHT and couldn't get through once. The whole thing is a scam if you ask me.

I understand your frustration, but I've found that success with EDD often depends on timing and persistence. For the phone issues, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me get through to an EDD representative in under 10 minutes after weeks of failed attempts. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. For partial claims specifically, the key is accurately reporting your weekly earnings during certification and being available for any scheduled eligibility interviews. The system isn't perfect, but it does work for many people in reduced-hours situations.

Maybe I'll check that out... still think the whole system is broken though. Would've been nice to know about that service before I gave up entirely.

yes u can file! my cousin did this when his factory cut everyone to 25hrs

This is a common scenario in retail and hospitality industries. Here's what you need to know about partial unemployment:\n\n1. You qualify if your hours were cut involuntarily\n2. You must be willing to accept additional work hours if offered\n3. When certifying, you'll report your actual weekly earnings\n4. EDD uses a formula: If you earn less than your weekly benefit amount, you'll receive the difference plus $25 (this incentivizes working part-time)\n5. You still need to meet work search requirements - usually looking for full-time work\n\nDon't worry about your employer getting in trouble - this is considered a \

This is super helpful information! I didn't know about that formula or the work search requirements. Should I tell my employer I'm filing for partial UI or just go ahead and do it? I'm a little nervous about making them upset since I still need this job.

To answer your follow-up question - you don't need to inform your employer before filing. When you file a UI claim, EDD will automatically notify your employer, who will then verify your employment details and reason for reduced hours. This is a standard process and employers cannot legally retaliate against you for filing a legitimate UI claim. It's your right to seek these benefits when your hours are cut.

Thank you! That makes me feel better about moving forward with this. Going to start my application today.

Wait I'm confused... isn't unemployment only for when you get fired or laid off completely? I thought you had to be like fully unemployed to qualify? Can someone explain how this works if you're still working some hours? Also how much does it actually help - like if they cut 16 hours does EDD give you money for all 16 hours or just some percentage?

It's a common misunderstanding! California unemployment insurance actually covers both total and partial unemployment. If your hours are reduced involuntarily, you can receive partial benefits to help offset some of the lost income. \n\nRegarding the amount: EDD calculates your weekly benefit amount (WBA) based on your highest-earning quarter in the base period (usually the 12 months before filing). Then they use a formula where they deduct a portion of your current earnings from your potential benefit. You don't get compensated for every hour lost, but the system is designed to ensure you end up with more total income than if you just had the reduced hours alone.\n\nFor example, if your WBA would be $400 if fully unemployed, and you earn $250 from your part-time work, you might receive around $175 in UI benefits (the exact formula is a bit complex). So your total would be $425 - better than just the $250 from working alone.

Oh that makes so much more sense now! I had no idea this was a thing. Thanks for explaining!

just fyi when i filed it took like 3 weeks to get my first payment so dont expect it to be super fast. and they ask u all these questions when u certify like if u turned down any work and stuff so make sure u answer everything honestly

UPDATE: I went ahead and filed my claim yesterday through UI Online. The process was actually a lot easier than I expected! I had to provide info about my employment history, my previous wages, and explain that my hours were cut. Now I just need to wait for them to process it. Thanks everyone for your help and advice! I'll update again once I hear back from EDD about my claim status.

Great job taking action! While you're waiting for the claim to process, I recommend creating an account on CalJOBS (if you haven't already) and documenting any work search activities. Even with partial claims, you'll need to demonstrate that you're looking for full-time work during each certification period. Keep track of any applications, interviews, or networking you do, as you'll need to report these when you certify every two weeks.

Oh that's good to know about CalJOBS! I'll set that up today. I've been casually looking at other retail jobs but wasn't sure if I needed to document everything. Thanks for the heads up!

my friend got in trouble for not reporting some side gig income when on partial ui so make sure u tell them EVERYTHING u earn!!!

One more tip based on your situation: If your employer increases your hours temporarily during some weeks (like during holidays or sales periods), make sure to accurately report those earnings during certification. Your benefits will adjust week by week based on what you report. Many people make the mistake of not reporting increased earnings, which can lead to overpayment issues that you'll have to pay back later.

That's really good advice - our store does sometimes increase hours during sale events, so I'll definitely keep track of everything carefully. I definitely don't want to deal with overpayments later!

Just wait until you have to CALL them for something. I spent 5 HOURS on hold last week trying to fix an issue with my certification and then got disconnected!!! The whole system is broken and they don't care about helping people at all.

this happened to my roommate too lol she was crying after getting disconnected for the 3rd time

EXACTLY!! And they wonder why people get so frustrated with the system!

If anyone is struggling to reach EDD by phone (which is very common), I highly recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that helps connect you with an EDD representative much faster than trying on your own. I was skeptical at first, but after weeks of failed attempts, they got me through in about 15 minutes. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Especially for complicated situations like partial unemployment where you might have specific questions, getting to speak with an actual representative can make a huge difference.

Thank you for this recommendation! I'm saving this info in case I run into phone issues. So far my claim seems straightforward, but it's good to know there's a solution if I need to actually talk to someone.

Hey Zara! Just wanted to add that you should also keep copies of any documentation showing your hour reduction - like schedules, emails from your manager, or pay stubs showing the difference in hours. While EDD will contact your employer directly to verify, having your own records can be helpful if there are any discrepancies or questions later. Also, don't be discouraged if your first few certifications feel confusing - it gets easier once you get into the routine of reporting your weekly earnings accurately. Good luck with everything!

This is such great advice from everyone! I'm in a similar situation where my restaurant cut my hours from 35 to 18 per week about a month ago. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful. Just wanted to add that when you file, make sure you have your Social Security card and ID ready - they ask for verification documents right away. Also, I noticed that the UI Online system sometimes has maintenance windows on Sunday nights, so try to avoid filing or certifying during those times if possible. The whole process has been less scary than I thought it would be thanks to threads like this. Thanks for asking the question, Zara - you definitely helped more people than just yourself!

I'm so glad you posted this question! I went through something really similar about 6 months ago when my hours got cut from 32 to 20 at my coffee shop job. The whole partial unemployment process was honestly way less intimidating than I expected. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier is to take screenshots of your weekly schedules before and after the cut - it helped me a lot when I had to explain the situation during my phone interview. Also, don't stress too much about the work search requirements! For partial claims, they're pretty reasonable - just keep track of a few job applications each week and you'll be fine. The extra income from partial UI benefits really made a difference in helping me stay afloat until I found a second part-time job to supplement my hours. You're doing the right thing by filing - this is exactly what the system is designed for!

I've been following this thread and wanted to share my recent experience with partial unemployment that might help others. I had my hours cut from 40 to 28 about two months ago at my warehouse job, and I've been receiving partial benefits since then. A few things I learned that weren't mentioned yet: 1) Keep your work availability open - EDD will ask if you're available for full-time work, and saying no can affect your benefits, 2) If your employer refuses to give you a written notice about the hour reduction, document it yourself with dates and details - I emailed my supervisor asking for "confirmation about my new schedule starting [date]" and kept their response, and 3) The waiting week still applies even for partial claims, so your benefits don't start immediately. The good news is that partial UI really does help bridge the gap. In my case, I went from earning about $1,600/month to $1,120 with reduced hours, but with partial benefits I'm getting about $1,350 total. It's not perfect but it's definitely keeping me stable while I look for additional work. Hang in there everyone - the system actually does work once you get through the initial paperwork!

Reading through all these responses has been incredibly eye-opening! I had no idea that partial unemployment was even a thing until I saw this thread. My hours at the grocery store where I work just got cut from 35 to 22 hours last week, and I was honestly panicking about how I was going to pay my bills. Seeing everyone's experiences and advice here - especially the detailed breakdown from Paolo about the actual dollar amounts - has given me the confidence to file my own claim. I'm definitely going to take screenshots of my schedules like ShadowHunter suggested and make sure I have all my documentation ready like Tyler mentioned. It's amazing how supportive this community is! Zara, thank you so much for asking this question - you've helped way more people than you probably realize. I'm heading to UI Online right now to start my application!

This whole conversation has been such a lifesaver! I'm a newcomer here but I've been dealing with a similar situation at my retail job where they cut my hours from 36 to 20 per week about three weeks ago. I was completely lost about what to do until I found this thread. The detailed explanations from everyone - especially about the benefit calculation formula and the importance of documenting everything - have been incredibly helpful. I had no idea that partial unemployment was even an option! I've been struggling to make rent and was considering taking on debt, but now I'm going to file a claim this week. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and advice. It's amazing how this community comes together to help each other navigate these difficult situations. Zara, your question has probably helped dozens of people who are lurking and going through the same thing but were too nervous to ask!

I'm new to this community but had to jump in because this thread has been so incredibly helpful! I work at a department store and just found out yesterday that my hours are being cut from 38 to 24 starting next week due to "slower sales." I was honestly freaking out about how I'd cover my car payment and rent, but reading through everyone's experiences here has given me so much hope and practical guidance. The fact that partial unemployment exists and can help bridge that income gap is news to me! I'm especially grateful for all the specific tips - like taking screenshots of schedules, keeping documentation, and Paolo's breakdown of actual dollar amounts. It really helps to see real numbers and know this isn't just theoretical. I'm definitely going to file my claim this week and follow all the advice shared here. Thank you Zara for asking this question and thank you to everyone who shared their stories and tips. This community is amazing for supporting each other through these tough situations!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share my recent experience since so many people are dealing with similar hour cuts right now. I went through this exact situation about 4 months ago when my hours at a clothing store got reduced from 40 to 26 per week. Filing for partial unemployment was honestly one of the best decisions I made during that stressful time. A few things I learned that might help others: - The online application is pretty straightforward, but make sure you have your last few pay stubs handy when you file - They'll ask about your reason for reduced hours - "lack of work" or "reduction in hours" are the typical options that apply here - Don't forget to register for work search activities on CalJOBS like others mentioned - even though you're still employed, you need to show you're available for full-time work - The first certification can feel overwhelming, but after that it becomes routine The partial benefits really helped me stay afloat until I was able to find a second part-time job to make up the difference. What surprised me most was how much less stressful everything became once I had that extra support - it gave me breathing room to make good decisions rather than panic decisions. Zara, I think you're going to find this process much more manageable than it seems right now. And to everyone else sharing their stories - it's so helpful to see how common this situation is and that there are real solutions available!

I'm new to this community and just wanted to say thank you to everyone who's shared their experiences here! I'm currently dealing with a similar situation where my hours at a fast-casual restaurant got cut from 32 to 18 hours per week last month. Reading through all these detailed responses - especially the real-world examples with actual dollar amounts and the step-by-step advice - has been incredibly helpful and reassuring. I had no idea that partial unemployment was even an option before finding this thread. I was honestly considering picking up a cash job or something risky just to make ends meet, but now I'm going to file my UI claim properly instead. The tips about documenting everything, keeping screenshots of schedules, and being available for additional hours are exactly what I needed to know. @Zara Ahmed I hope your claim is processing smoothly! And to everyone who took the time to share their stories and advice - you've probably helped way more people than you realize. This kind of community support is amazing, especially when dealing with stressful situations like unexpected hour cuts. I'm heading to UI Online tonight to start my application!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share some additional resources that might help people in similar situations! I went through a partial unemployment claim last year when my hours at a bookstore got cut from 35 to 20 hours. One thing that really helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet to track my weekly hours and earnings - it made certification so much easier and helped me catch a payroll error that could have caused issues with EDD. Also, for anyone worried about the work search requirements, I found that attending virtual job fairs and networking events counted toward the requirements and were actually more helpful than just submitting online applications. Many local workforce development centers offer free virtual workshops that count as work search activities too. The partial benefits really made a difference during those months while I was looking for additional work. What I appreciated most was that unlike some other states, California's system actually incentivizes working part-time by letting you keep more of your benefits when you're earning something versus nothing. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences in this thread - reading real stories from people who've been through this process successfully is so much more helpful than just reading the official EDD website. @Zara Ahmed I hope everything is going smoothly with your claim!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share my recent experience since this thread has been so helpful! I work at a pharmacy and had my hours reduced from 40 to 25 per week about 6 weeks ago. Filing for partial unemployment was honestly the best decision I made during that stressful period. A few additional tips that might help others: - Make sure to file your claim as soon as possible after the hour reduction happens - I waited a week thinking it might be temporary and regretted the delay - Keep a simple log of your actual hours worked each week (not just what's scheduled) since scheduling can sometimes vary - If you get called in for extra shifts, always say yes if possible - EDD wants to see that you're willing to work more hours when available - The EDD website has maintenance on Sunday evenings, so avoid certifying during those times The partial benefits really helped bridge the gap while I looked for a second part-time position. What surprised me most was how the extra financial cushion reduced my stress enough that I could make better long-term decisions instead of just panicking about immediate bills. @Zara Ahmed I hope your claim has been approved and you're getting the support you need! This thread shows how common hour reductions are right now, and it's great that everyone is sharing practical advice to help each other navigate the system successfully.

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!