EDD says I'm ineligible after workplace injury and reduced hours - only working 16hrs/week now

There could be a few reasons why you're being found ineligible. The most common issue in your situation is the "able and available" requirement. When you have work restrictions from an injury, EDD often initially denies claims because they question if you're able to work. You need to appeal this decision and clearly explain that while you have medical restrictions, you ARE able to work in a limited capacity (as evidenced by your continued 16-hour schedule). Make sure you have documentation from your doctor that specifically states what work you CAN do, not just what you can't do. Also, check your base period. Since you've only been at this job 10 months, it's possible you don't have enough earnings in your base period to qualify. Did you work elsewhere before this job?

Most likely it's either what helpful_guidance said about the able and available requirement OR you might have made an error on your application. When you applied, did you specifically indicate that you were still working but with reduced hours? Sometimes people mistakenly apply as if they're completely unemployed, which would make you ineligible since you're still working those 16 hours. I'd recommend calling EDD directly to find out the specific reason for the ineligibility determination before filing an appeal. If you can get the exact reason, you can address it properly. The determination notice should have had some reason code or explanation - do you have that letter handy?

I had LITERALY the same exact problem last year!! Hurt my shoulder at work, got put on light duty with only 20 hrs a week, and EDD denied me too! Said I didn't have "good cause" for reducing my hours which is RIDICULOUS because it wasn't my choice!!! They made me APPEAL and go through this whole process, and I had to get my doctors notes, employer statement, workers comp case number, EVERYTHING. Took almost 8 WEEKS to get it resolved and finally get backpay. The system is BROKEN and they make it so hard on purpose to discourage people!!!

If you're having trouble getting through to EDD on the phone, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation with a partial unemployment issue and spent days trying to reach a rep. Claimyr got me connected with an EDD agent in about 20 minutes. I was really skeptical at first but you can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Once I actually spoke with a rep, they explained exactly what was wrong with my application and helped me fix the issue right there on the phone. For partial unemployment claims, it's especially important to get personalized help because these cases are more complex than regular unemployment.

To address your specific situation more clearly - partial unemployment absolutely exists for cases like yours. When filing for partial benefits with reduced hours due to injury, here's what you need to focus on: 1. Make sure EDD understands this is a Workers' Comp related reduction in hours (not voluntary) 2. Clearly document that the reduction is employer-imposed due to medical restrictions 3. Show you are still able and available for your current reduced schedule 4. Provide a doctor's statement specifying what work you CAN perform The reason many of these claims get denied initially is because the automated system sees a Workers' Comp claim and assumes you're unable to work at all. It requires human intervention to properly code it as a partial unemployment situation with a medical component.

when i had cut hours i just put on my bi-weekly certification that i was still working but fewer hours than normal. are you certifying every 2 weeks? some people forget they still need to certify even with partial unemployment. also make sure your reporting your hours exactly right each week.

Hey just wanted to say dont give up! My brother-in-law had similar situation, factory work, back injury, reduced hours. The key for him was proving that the reduction was NOT his choice. Your employer should be able to provide a statement saying they reduced your hours because they couldn't accommodate full-time with your restrictions. Without that, EDD sometimes thinks your choosing to work less hours which would make you ineligible.

I managed to get through to EDD after using Claimyr and they explained that when you have a workplace injury with reduced hours, you actually need to provide additional documentation that isn't mentioned in the standard application process. You need: 1. Doctor's work status report showing restrictions 2. Employer statement confirming they reduced hours due to inability to accommodate 3. Most recent pay stubs showing reduced hours The EDD rep told me that you can either wait for the appeal process OR you can call and request a "reconsideration" where they'll review your case with the additional documentation without going through the formal appeal hearing. Reconsideration is usually faster!

UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning! The agent explained that because my claim involves both workers' comp AND unemployment, they need special documentation. Apparently, my application was flagged because I checked "Yes" for "Are you receiving or expecting to receive workers' compensation?" The agent helped me submit the additional documentation they need (doctor's work status report, employer letter confirming reduced hours, etc.) They're sending my claim for "special review" by a different department that handles these hybrid cases. The agent said it could take 10-14 days but should be resolved. She also said I shouldn't need a formal appeal if I provide all the documentation they requested. Thanks everyone for your advice and support! Will update when I hear back.

Just be careful because even after my claim was "approved" through special review, my first payment got stuck in pending for almost 3 weeks!! Had to call AGAIN to get them to release it. They're sooooo disorganized it's insane. Make sure you're checking your UI Online account daily!