EDD claim denied for reduced hours - boss says we're ineligible?

Your manager is completely wrong. You absolutely CAN file for unemployment if your hours were significantly reduced. It's called partial unemployment benefits and it's designed exactly for situations like yours. The rule is that if you're working less than full-time and earning less than your weekly benefit amount would be, you qualify. Don't let your employer mislead you - they might be trying to avoid their unemployment insurance rates going up.

this happened to me 2 months ago. same story. boss cut hours then told us we couldnt file. i filed anyway and got approved so dont listen to them!!

I went thru the EXACT same thing last year when my nursing assistant hrs got cut from 40 to 12!!! My supervisor told all of us we couldn't file for EDD since we were "still employed" which is COMPLETE BS!! When you file, just be honest about your current hrs/wages each week when you certify. You'll get partial benefits to help cover the gap between your current low earnings and what you normally make. Don't let your employer intimidate you!!!

Your employer sounds sketchy af. They probably don't want their UI tax rates to go up. Just remember you pay into this system too and have every right to access benefits when your hours are cut. File online tonight.

I've been dealing with the EDD for 3 months due to a similar situation (construction work slowed down). The most important thing to know is that EDD defines "unemployed" as either fully laid off OR working less than full time and earning less than your weekly benefit amount would be. Just file online and when you certify each week, report your actual hours and wages accurately. The system automatically calculates if you qualify for partial benefits based on what you report. The real challenge is actually getting through to EDD if you have questions or problems with your claim. I spent WEEKS calling hundreds of times without getting through. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an actual EDD agent within 25 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Totally worth it when I was going crazy trying to get my claim sorted out.

wait so if ur still working some hours do u still have to do the work search requirement thing? i'm confused about how that works if ur technically still employed but just at reduced hours

My hours got cut last year and I tried to file for unemployment and honestly it was A TOTAL NIGHTMARE!!! I had to keep calling and calling and EDD kept saying different things each time. One person said I qualified then another said I didn't and I ended up having to PAY BACK money they accidentally gave me!!! Be really careful because the system is totally BROKEN and they might make you pay everything back later!!!! Just a warning!!!

To clarify some misinformation in this thread: You are absolutely eligible for partial unemployment benefits in California when your hours are significantly reduced. Here are the facts: 1) File your claim online at edd.ca.gov 2) When certifying, report ALL hours worked and earnings accurately 3) If your weekly earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount, you'll receive the difference (minus a small deduction) 4) There is no specific hour threshold - it's based on earnings 5) Your employer cannot legally prevent you from filing or retaliate if you do The current maximum weekly benefit amount in California is $550, so if you're earning less than that in your reduced schedule, you'll likely qualify for some assistance. Finally, keep detailed records of all communications with your employer about the hour reduction. This will help if there are any disputes about your claim.