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Jacob Lee

Can I qualify for EDD after being let go as part-time orthodontic assistant?

I've been working as a certified orthodontic assistant since October, but only 3 days per month (so very part-time). Yesterday I received a letter from the office manager basically saying I was fired because they don't have enough patients, and because my pay rate is higher than other employees (since I'm the only certified assistant). I'm pretty shocked and wasn't expecting this at all. Does anyone know if I can qualify for unemployment benefits with such limited hours? Would it even be worth applying? I've never filed for unemployment before and have no idea how the whole process works for someone in my situation. Any advice would be really appreciated!

You should definitely apply! EDD looks at your total earnings across your base period (usually the 12-month period before the last completed calendar quarter), not just from this job. Even with part-time work, you might qualify if you meet the minimum earnings requirement. The key eligibility factors will be: 1) you lost work through no fault of your own (sounds like you did), 2) you're able and available for work, and 3) you meet the minimum earnings threshold. Apply online through UI Online and be honest about your work history and reason for separation.

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Jacob Lee

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Thank you for the encouragement! Do you know what the minimum earnings threshold is? I'm worried that since I only worked 3 days a month, I might not have earned enough to qualify.

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im in dental field too and we are always gettin hours cut when its slow season... ur definitely eligible since they let u go, not u quitting. just make sure u say exactly what happened - that they reduced staff cuz not enough patients. dont overthink it just apply

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Jacob Lee

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That's reassuring to hear from someone else in dental! It really does seem to be feast or famine with scheduling. I'll definitely be honest about why they let me go.

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Daniela Rossi

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I had a similar situation but was working in a different industry (retail). When I got laid off, I was only working 10-12 hours a week. I applied for unemployment and qualified, but my weekly benefit amount was really small - like $78/week. It was still better than nothing though! One thing to keep in mind is that EDD will look at your highest earning quarter in your base period. So if you had another job before this one where you earned more, that could help your claim amount.

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Ryan Kim

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This is correct - EDD calculates your benefit amount based on your highest-earning quarter during the base period. The minimum weekly benefit amount is $40 (if you barely qualify) and the maximum is $450. With only 3 days per month of work, your benefit would likely be on the lower end, but as the previous commenter said, something is better than nothing.

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Zoe Walker

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APPLY TODAY! Don't wait!! Even if you think you don't qualify, let EDD make that determination. I can't tell you how many people I know who thought they wouldn't qualify and then did. The worst thing they can say is no. And make sure you certify every two weeks once you apply - that's super important. The UI Online system is actually pretty easy to use once you get set up.

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Elijah Brown

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when i tried to apply they made me wait foreeeeeever to get through on the phone. it was so frustrating i almost gave up!! i finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an EDD rep in like 15 minutes. they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km they call EDD for you and then call you back when they have an agent on the line. saved me so much stress! the rep i talked to was super helpful about my part-time work situation.

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did this actually work?? ive been trying to get thru to EDD for 3 days and keep getting the stupid message that they cant take calls

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I need to add something important here. Since you only worked 3 days a month, EDD will scrutinize your case more carefully. Make sure you report ANY hours and wages during certification, even if it's just a few hours somewhere else. They'll disqualify you in a heartbeat if they catch even small discrepancies. Also, with part-time orthodontic work, they might wonder why you can't find similar work elsewhere. Be prepared to show that you're actively looking for work during certification by keeping detailed records of job applications, interviews, etc. At least 3 job search activities per week.

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Jacob Lee

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That's helpful to know. I've been looking at other orthodontic offices but openings for certified assistants aren't that common in my area right now. I'll definitely keep detailed records of my job search though.

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Ryan Kim

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To give you more specific information about qualifying with limited hours: 1. For a valid claim, you need to have earned at least $1,300 in your highest quarter during the base period, OR $900 in your highest quarter plus 1.25 times that amount across your entire base period. 2. When you file, you'll need to provide information about all employers from the past 18 months, including contact details and dates of employment. 3. Since you mentioned being a certified orthodontic assistant, make sure you indicate your specialized certification when filing - this can be important for job matching purposes. 4. After applying, you may be scheduled for a phone interview since your situation involves reduced hours/layoff. Be prepared to explain exactly what happened.

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Jacob Lee

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Thank you for the specific requirements! I should have earned at least $1,300 in my highest quarter, so that gives me hope. I'll gather all my employment information before I start the application process.

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Natalie Chen

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i got fired from my job too but they said it was for performance but really it was bcuz the new manager didn't like me. i still got approved for unemployment bcuz they couldn't prove i did anything wrong. your situation sounds way more clearcut than mine was since they admitted they let you go bcuz of not enough work.

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Daniela Rossi

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Has anyone else noticed that EDD seems to be processing claims faster lately? When I applied last year it took forever, but my friend just applied last month and got approved in like 10 days. Maybe things are improving?

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Let's stay on topic here. The OP is asking about qualifying with limited hours, not processing times. But to quickly answer: no, processing times vary widely depending on whether there are any issues with your claim that require manual review. Clean claims can be processed quickly; complicated ones still take weeks or months.

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Jacob Lee

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Thank you all SO much for the helpful information! I feel much better about applying now. I'm going to gather all my employment info and submit my application today. Fingers crossed that it goes through without any issues. I'll update once I hear something back from EDD.

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Good luck! Remember that even if you get a lower weekly benefit amount due to your part-time hours, it's still worth applying. And don't get discouraged if you're required to do a phone interview - that's standard procedure in many cases, especially with unique work situations like yours.

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