EDD partial unemployment after PFL - reduced hours at different position

Yes, you should qualify for partial unemployment! This is actually a pretty common situation. When your hours are reduced through no fault of your own, you can claim unemployment for the lost hours. Make sure when you file your claim you clearly explain that you returned from PFL to reduced hours in a different position. When certifying each week, you'll report your part-time earnings and EDD will calculate a partial payment. The formula is roughly: your weekly benefit amount minus 75% of what you earn that week. So if your weekly benefit would be $450, and you earn $400 at your part-time job, you'd get about $150 in unemployment ($450 - 75% of $400).

wait but isnt PFL different from UI? i thought u cant get both at the same time? my cousin tried somethng similar and got denied. might depend on ur specific situation tho

I went through this exact situation in February! I was on PFL with my twins for 8 weeks, and when I returned, my company cut my hours from 38 to 22 per week. I applied for partial unemployment right away and was approved within 10 days. When you file your claim, make sure to select "still working but with reduced hours" as your reason for unemployment. You'll need to explain the situation in detail during your phone interview. One important thing: when they ask if you're "able and available for work," the answer is YES - you're available for FULL-TIME work even though you're currently working part-time. I messed this up initially and had to fix it. Also, when you start certifying, be super careful about reporting your exact earnings for each week. One penny off and they might flag your account for review, which causes payment delays.

If you're having trouble getting through to EDD on the phone, I'd recommend using Claimyr. I was in a similar situation trying to sort out a reduced hours claim after maternity leave, and spent DAYS trying to reach someone. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They basically call EDD for you using their system that navigates the phone tree and waits on hold. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Saved me so much frustration, especially when dealing with a newborn at the same time!

It really does work! I was skeptical too but was desperate after being hung up on by the EDD system 8 times. The service connected me to an actual EDD representative who helped sort out my reduced hours claim after my leave ended.

THE EDD SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST MOTHERS!!!! This exact thing happened to my daughter last year and EDD DENIED her claim even though her hours were cut from 40 to 25!!! They said because she "voluntarily" took maternity leave, her reduced hours were somehow HER FAULT!!! She fought it for MONTHS and eventually won on appeal but had to hire a lawyer!! The system is BROKEN and DISCRIMINATES against women who take leave!!! DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and RECORD all phone calls with your employer (California is a two-party consent state so tell them you're recording)!!!!

just wanna say congrats on the baby! 👶 the edd stuff will work out, sending good vibes

i think ur employer is doing something shady tbh... dont they have to hold ur position when ur on maternity leave? maybe talk to an employment lawyer before accepting the new position? just a thought

im on pfl right now and now im worried about going back omg... did ur employer give u any warning this might happen?? this is so stressful

To answer your earlier question - you should file for UI as soon as you start the reduced-hour position. Don't wait. You can even apply a few days before if you know your exact schedule. On the application, you'll enter your current employer, indicate you're still working but at reduced hours, and explain the situation. When certifying each week, you'll report your exact earnings for that week. Be very precise with the amounts - if your gross pay (before taxes) for the week is $320.45, enter exactly $320.45, not rounded to $320. EDD cross-references with employer reporting, and discrepancies can cause delays. You may have a phone interview scheduled to verify details, which is normal for reduced-hours claims. Just explain exactly what happened: you returned from PFL and your full-time position was no longer available, so you were placed in a part-time position instead.

For partial unemployment with an existing employer, the work search requirements are different. On your certification, you'll answer "Yes" to being ready and available for work, but EDD typically waives active job search requirements when you have a part-time job and are collecting partial benefits. However, you should still select "Yes" for looking for work, and document that you've informed your current employer you're available for additional hours if they become available. That counts as a work search activity. The certification portal will explain this when you get there.