Can substitute teachers claim EDD benefits during summer breaks when permanent teachers get priority?

Yes, substitute teachers CAN claim unemployment benefits during summer breaks in California. This falls under what EDD calls "reasonable assurance" rules. As a substitute, you typically don't have "reasonable assurance" of returning to work because sub positions aren't guaranteed, unlike contracted teachers. When you file, make sure to indicate that you're available for ANY suitable work, not just teaching positions. Also, be very clear that your work as a substitute is "on-call" and not a regular, guaranteed position.

idk my sister subs and she gets unemployment every summer. She says just apply and be honest. they might interview you by phone to verify stuff.

No offense to the previous responses, but this actually depends on YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION with the district. Not all substitute teachers automatically qualify. It depends on whether you have "reasonable assurance" of work in the fall. If the district has sent you ANY kind of letter stating that they expect to use your services again in the fall semester, EDD might consider that "reasonable assurance" and deny your claim. One of my friends got denied because she received an email from her district saying "we look forward to working with you in the upcoming school year" - EDD considered that reasonable assurance! You need to be prepared to explain why you DON'T have reasonable assurance (like if your contract specifically states you're hired on a day-by-day basis with no guarantee of future work).

I've been a substitute for 8 years and here's what I've learned about EDD: everything hinges on the "reasonable assurance" concept mentioned above. Here's the key - even if you received a letter saying they want you back in fall, if you can prove your work is SUBSTANTIALLY LESS in terms of pay or hours compared to your regular academic year employment, you might still qualify. When you apply, be prepared for an eligibility interview. EDD will likely schedule a phone interview to determine if you qualify. During this interview: 1. Explain that as a substitute, you're called on an as-needed basis 2. Clarify that you have no guaranteed hours or income 3. State that you're available for all suitable work, not just teaching 4. Emphasize that summer school assignments prioritize permanent teachers If they initially deny you, APPEAL! Many subs get approved on appeal when they can clearly explain their situation.

you should TOTALLY apply!!! i'm a sub too and i get unemployment every summer and winter break. the key is when they ask about "reasonable expectation" or whatever you say NO. because we DON'T have guaranteed work! they might ask if you got any letter from the district about coming back next year but those letters don't actually promise any specific work so it's not a guarantee!!!!

I've been through this exact situation and had to FIGHT with EDD for my benefits. The first time I applied, I got denied because of the "reasonable assurance" issue everyone's mentioned. I spent WEEKS trying to get through to EDD on the phone to appeal - it was virtually impossible to reach anyone. I finally discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an EDD rep within 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Once I got through and explained my situation clearly to the rep (that as a substitute I had no guaranteed hours or income), they helped push my claim through. The key was getting to speak to an actual person who understood the nuances of substitute teaching employment.

Here's something important no one has mentioned yet: when you certify for benefits each week, you MUST be available for and actively seeking work. This means you can't go on vacation or be unavailable for job opportunities. You'll need to list your job search activities for each week. You must be looking for ANY suitable work, not just substitute teaching positions.

i got denied last yr and my friend got approved makes NO SENSE the system is completely BROKEN

To help ensure your claim gets approved, I'd suggest taking these steps: 1. Apply online through UI Online as soon as your last day of work ends 2. When asked if you have reasonable assurance of returning to work, be truthful but make it clear your work is on-call with no guarantees 3. Request a letter from your school district that specifically states you are employed on an "as-needed" basis with no guaranteed hours 4. Start documenting your job search activities now (keep a spreadsheet of where you apply) 5. Be prepared for the phone interview by having documentation ready showing the variable/inconsistent nature of substitute assignments Also, make sure to file your claim against the school district, not individual schools. The specific employer should be LAUSD if that's who processes your paychecks.