Do I need a layoff letter from employer for EDD claim after hours reduction?

You actually don't need a formal layoff letter to apply for unemployment. EDD contacts employers directly to verify separation details after you file. Just make sure you know your exact last day of work (if fully laid off) or can document your reduced hours. If your hours are cut significantly, you might qualify for partial unemployment benefits right now - don't wait for a full layoff. Your boss doesn't need to fill anything out when you initially file, but they'll get paperwork from EDD later to confirm your employment details and reason for separation.

That's a huge relief! So I could potentially file now with just the reduced hours? Do I need any kind of documentation about my previous vs. current schedule?

Yes, you can file now based on reduced hours! Keep your pay stubs showing the reduction or take screenshots of your schedule if it's online. When you certify every two weeks, you'll report any hours/wages earned, and EDD calculates partial benefits. Just be 100% honest about your current hours - underreporting hours worked can cause serious overpayment issues later.

Thats good advice but the EDD webiste is IMPOSSIBLE to navigate!!! I tried filing with reduced hours last month and the system kept crashing when I entered my work info. Took me 9 days to finally get through the application. Make sure u save ur progress frequently!!!

I went through this same scenario in January when my retail hours got cut from 38 to 12 per week. Here's what I learned:\n\n1) You DO qualify for partial unemployment with reduced hours\n2) You don't need any letter from your employer to apply\n3) Your employer will receive a notice from EDD about your claim\n4) You'll need to know your exact earnings for each week when certifying\n5) If your hours vary week to week, keep detailed records of all hours worked\n\nThe most important thing is being totally accurate when you certify every two weeks. Report ALL hours worked and ALL income earned, even small shifts. I made the mistake of guessing on one certification and got a notice of potential overpayment that took weeks to resolve.

Thank you for all this detail! How long did it take from when you applied until you actually received your first payment? I'm trying to figure out my budget for the next few weeks.

For me, it took exactly 10 days from application to first payment hitting my account. However, that was because I didn't have any issues with my claim. If there are any verification problems or your employer contests anything, it could take longer. Make sure you set up the direct deposit option immediately after being approved - it's much faster than waiting for the EDD debit card to arrive in the mail.

Mine took 3 weeks bcuz my boss said I was fired when I was actually laid off! Had to have a phone interview to clear it up. So annoying

everyone is telling u different things but let me explain what ACTUALLY happens when u apply with reduced hours:\n\n- u dont need ANY letter\n- boss will get a form to fill out but thats THEIR problem not urs\n- u can apply WHILE still working reduced hours\n- u gotta report exactly what u earn each week when certifying\n- if u earn too much in a week u get $0 for that week but ur claim stays open\n\nthe biggest hassle is getting thru to edd if they have questions about ur application. i waited 4 HOURS on hold last month!!

If anyone needs to reach EDD quickly, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that gets you through to an EDD rep without the insane hold times. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Totally worth it when I needed to sort out confusion about my reduced hours claim. The rep I spoke with confirmed everything mentioned here - you can absolutely file with just reduced hours, and you don't need any special letter from your employer.

does that really work??? ive never heard of it but ill try ANYTHING to avoid those hold times

Yes, it actually worked for me. I was skeptical too, but when I had that issue with my reduced hours claim and couldn't get through after trying for 3 days, I gave it a try. Was connected with an EDD rep in about 25 minutes. Just make sure you're ready with all your claim info when you call.

Important thing no one has mentioned yet: if your hours were reduced, make sure you select \

That's really helpful information. How do I find out what my weekly benefit amount would be before I apply? Is there some kind of calculator?

Yes, there's an EDD benefit calculator here: https://edd.ca.gov/en/uibdg/Total_and_Partial_Unemployment_TPU_5606/. It's based on your highest-earning quarter in the base period (usually the 4 completed calendar quarters before your claim). As a rough estimate, your weekly benefit will be about 60-70% of your average weekly wage, up to the maximum of $650. Just remember that you'll report your current part-time earnings each certification period, and those earnings reduce your weekly payment.

Thank you! I'll check out that calculator and make sure I understand how the earnings will affect benefits. Really appreciate all the information!

My hours got cut at my job too and i applied online last week it was super easy but then my boss texted me asking why i filed for unemployment!!!!! Apparently EDD sends them a notice right away. So just be prepared for that awkward convo lol. But ur totally allowed to file with reduced hours

Oh that's good to know. I'll definitely mention to my manager that I might apply for partial unemployment when we talk tomorrow. Better to be upfront about it!

When u certify make SURE u answer the questions exactly right or they'll put a hold on ur payments!!!! The wording is super confusing. Like they ask if ur \

This is crucial advice. The certification questions can be confusing, especially when you're working reduced hours. Another important note: if you're asked \

I didn't realize I'd still need to be job searching if I'm partially employed. That makes sense though - I'm definitely already looking since the reduced hours aren't enough. Thanks for clarifying!

btw i forgot to mention when u first apply online make sure u have ur last 18 months of employment history ready with exact start/end dates and employer contact info. and have ur ssn card and id ready too. the application takes like 45 mins if ur prepared

Thank you! Do you remember if there are any tricky questions in the application that I should prepare for specifically?

ya theres a part where they ask about ur availability to work and if u have transportation. always say ur available all days/hours and that u have reliable transportation or they might deny u! oh and they ask about pension/retirement $ so have that info if it applies

Just to clarify - you should answer these questions truthfully, not just say what you think EDD wants to hear. If you truly can't work certain days (like if you have caregiver responsibilities on weekends), you should indicate that. However, having significant restrictions can affect your eligibility, so be prepared to explain your limitations if asked during an eligibility interview.

ok ya thats fair... i just meant dont put unnecessary restrictions that could hurt ur claim. like dont say u can only work 9-5 monday-friday if ur actually more flexible