EDD denied benefits after interview despite reduced hours at school - appeal form confusion

You're likely eligible for what's called "partial UI" benefits due to the significant reduction in hours, even with reasonable assurance of school employment. The EDD representative probably mentioned this during your interview. Based on my experience with school employees, you should absolutely file that appeal ASAP! You only have 30 days from the date on the disqualification notice. In your appeal, clearly explain the drastic reduction in hours and income (70% is definitely significant). Include any documentation showing your previous full-time schedule compared to your new limited hours. While waiting for your appeal hearing, you should continue certifying for benefits every two weeks through UI Online. This ensures that if your appeal is successful, you'll receive all back payments you're entitled to. Also, make sure you're meeting the work search requirements by applying for other jobs or keeping detailed records of your job search activities.

I know EXACTLY what you're going through! School employees get treated differently by EDD because of the "reasonable assurance" rule, but they often don't properly consider significant hour reductions. Last year, I was in a similar situation with a community college position. Here's what worked for me: I filed the appeal AND kept calling EDD until I finally got through using Claimyr.com (they connect you with an EDD rep without the endless redial nightmare - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km that shows how it works). Once I explained my situation to an actual person at EDD, they were able to fix my claim without even needing the appeal hearing. The key was showing that my hours/wages were reduced by more than 20% - which your 70% reduction clearly qualifies for. Don't give up!

Just wondering...why are you bothering with all this stress? If you already have job assurance for next year, just collect your full time pay now and enjoy your summer break. Teachers get paid during summer anyways right?? Then you'll be back working in September and this whole thing is pointless. EDD is IMPOSSIBLE to deal with!

hey i had a similar thing happen to me last year! my hours got cut from 35 to like 12 per week at the middle school where i was a cafeteria worker. the key thing is that appeal form!! fill it out ASAP and be super clear about the hour reduction. i won my appeal and got backdated benefits to when i first applied. good luck!!

THEY DO THIS ON PURPOSE!! EDD automatically denies school employees because of some "reasonable assurance" rule without even LOOKING at your specific situation. It's a scam to save money and FORCE people to appeal!!! I've been through this nightmare 3 times and every time I had to fight them!!

Important legal context here: While school employees with "reasonable assurance" typically don't qualify for benefits between academic terms, California law DOES provide an exception when your new assignment offers "substantially less" wages. The legal threshold is typically a reduction of 20% or more in either wages or hours. Your 70% reduction absolutely qualifies you for partial UI benefits. EDD often incorrectly processes these claims because the reasonable assurance provisions are complicated. In your appeal, specifically cite California UI Code Section 1253.3 and note the substantial reduction in hours/wages despite having reasonable assurance. This specific citation will help the Administrative Law Judge reviewing your case. Also request a "backdating" of your claim to when you first applied so you don't lose any eligible weeks during this appeal process.

ya this happns alot with school workers. my neighbor works as a janitor at highschool and got hours cut last year and had to appeal twice b4 getting benefits. keep trying to call them cuz sometimes they can fix it without appeal if u get a good person

One more important tip: When you file your appeal, request a telephone hearing rather than in-person if that's an option. Telephone hearings are typically scheduled faster, sometimes 2-3 weeks sooner than in-person hearings. This can make a big difference when you're waiting for benefits to start. Also, don't stop looking for additional work while this process plays out. If you find other employment to supplement your reduced school hours, you may still qualify for partial benefits depending on how much you earn each week. Make sure to report all work and earnings accurately when certifying.