EDD eligibility with drastically cut hours but still employed at retail store?

Yes, you absolutely CAN apply for unemployment with reduced hours! This is a common misconception. California's partial UI benefits exist specifically for situations like yours where your hours have been severely cut. The fact that you're still technically employed doesn't matter - what matters is the reduction in earnings. Your employer is wrong (and possibly trying to avoid higher UI tax rates). Go ahead and apply through UI Online today, report your current earnings accurately each certification period, and the EDD will calculate what partial benefits you qualify for. Make sure to explain in your application that your hours were cut by your employer, not by your choice.

im in the EXACT same boat at my job at a clothing store!! went from 25hrs to litterly just 8hrs a week and manager keeps sayin we cant get ui becuz were still technically employed smh. but my friend got partial benefits in this same situation so dont listen to ur manager

Apply immediately. You're eligible for partial unemployment benefits when your hours are reduced through no fault of your own. Remember these key points: 1. You must meet the earnings requirement during your base period (usually the 12 months before filing) 2. Report ALL work and earnings accurately when certifying 3. You must be able and available for work 4. Document the date your hours were cut in case they ask Also, if your reduced earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount, you'll qualify for at least some UI benefits. Don't delay filing - benefits aren't retroactive beyond the week you apply.

My company did the SAME EXACT THING to me last year!!! They cut me to like 10 hours a week and said I couldn't get UI because I was "still employed." TOTAL BS!! I applied anyway and got approved for partial benefits. The trick is you have to report your weekly earnings exactly right when you certify. If you earn too much in a week you won't get benefits for that week, but you'll still get them for weeks when your earnings are low. My store manager was PISSED when he found out I was getting UI but there was nothing they could do about it!! Apply ASAP don't wait!!

have you tried asking for more hours? maybe theres other locations that need workers? unemployment takes forever to process these days

I've been trying to reach EDD for a similar situation and FINALLY got through using Claimyr. I was skeptical at first but it actually works - it basically calls EDD repeatedly for you until it gets through, then connects you. Saved me days of frustration. There's a video that shows how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. The EDD rep I spoke with confirmed I was eligible with reduced hours, so don't listen to your manager!

Just to clarify regarding eligibility: the EDD considers you "unemployed" in any week where you work less than full-time AND earn less than your weekly benefit amount + $25 (or 25% of your weekly benefit amount, whichever is greater). So even working one shift can still qualify you for partial benefits if your earnings are low enough. Remember to always certify accurately - report all work and earnings, even if it's just a few hours.

This is why I hate retail jobs. They do this on purpose to keep from laying people off officially. My daughter went through something similar at her grocery store job. They cut her to 8 hours a week but technically kept her "employed" so they wouldn't have to pay unemployment. She applied for UI anyway and got it, but her manager gave her attitude about it. Don't let them intimidate you!

One more thing to be aware of: when you certify each week, you'll need to say "yes" to the question asking if you looked for work. Make sure you're actually applying to at least a few jobs each week and keep records of your job search activities (company name, date, position, how you applied). EDD can request this information at any time, especially if your employer tries to challenge your claim.