EDD partial benefits for drastic hour reduction - employer seems to be pushing me to quit?

Yes! This is exactly what partial unemployment benefits are for. Your employer is doing what's called a "constructive dismissal" - basically forcing you to quit by making conditions unbearable (in this case by eliminating your hours). You should absolutely apply for UI right away. Make sure to accurately report the hours/wages from your other part-time job during certification. As long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount, you'll receive partial benefits to help bridge the gap. Document everything - save those texts where they're telling you they don't need you this week!

Defintely apply for UI!! My boss did the same crap to me last year, cut me from 38 hrs to like 6-10 hrs a week. I applied and got partial benefits. When you certify every 2 weeks you'll report whatever hours you DO work at both jobs, and EDD adjusts your payment. Just make sure you're available for full-time work and actively looking for a new job or they can deny you. Good luck!!!

They're 100% trying to make u quit so they don't have 2 pay unemployment!! My cousin's workplace pulled this exact stunt. Apply 4 UI right now + when they ask why u left put "hours reduced by employer" not "quit". ur still technically employed even w/ zero hours

Reading your post gave me flashbacks to my retail job in 2023. My manager did the EXACT same thing - went from 32 hours to 5 hours with no explanation. I waited two weeks hoping things would improve before applying for UI and I regret waiting! Start your claim immediately. The EDD system has a specific option for "still employed but hours reduced" when filing. Best of luck!

I want to clarify something important here: In California, you must be either unemployed OR working less than full-time to qualify for UI benefits. Since your hours have been drastically reduced from your regular schedule, you meet this requirement. When you apply, you'll need to provide: 1. Your normal/regular work schedule before reduction 2. Current reduced schedule 3. Reason given for reduction (if any) 4. Information about your other part-time job During the application, select "Still employed but hours reduced by employer" as your reason. This is crucial for proper processing. If your weekly earnings from your remaining part-time job are less than your weekly benefit amount, you'll receive partial benefits to help offset the loss.

THE EDD SYSTEM IS SUCH A JOKE!!!! I went through this EXACT situation last year and it took 7 WEEKS to get my first payment because my employer lied and said I was still "on call" even though they hadn't scheduled me for a month! They'll do anything to avoid paying UI. Document EVERYTHING and be prepared for a fight.

I recently had major issues getting through to EDD when my hours were cut. After 30+ calls hitting that "we're experiencing high call volume" message, I finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Worth checking out their website (claimyr.com) if you're having trouble reaching someone. The agent I finally spoke with was able to push my claim through and explain exactly how the partial benefits work. If you're eligible, they backdate to when your hours were first reduced, not just when you applied.

One more important thing to note: While receiving UI benefits (even partial), you MUST be: 1. Available for work 2. Actively seeking full-time employment 3. Willing to accept suitable work Make sure you're documenting your job search efforts each week. When you certify, you'll need to provide information about your job search activities. This is non-negotiable for continuing to receive benefits. Your employer's reduction of hours qualifies you initially, but your ongoing eligibility depends on these factors.

Just want to add - if your employer contests your claim (which often happens with these hour reduction situations), don't panic! You'll get a notice for a phone interview. Be prepared with all your documentation showing the pattern of reduction. Speak clearly about how many hours you originally worked vs. now. Don't say anything negative about the employer - stick strictly to the facts about hours. The determination usually favors the employee if you can show a clear pattern of reduction without misconduct on your part.

hey just checking in - did u apply yet? hoping things work out for u!