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EDD work search requirements with temporary reduction - returning to full-time in 2 months?

Hey all, I'm in a weird situation with my UI claim. My employer reduced my hours temporarily (from 40 to 15 hours weekly) due to a major facility renovation. They've confirmed in writing I'll be back to full-time in about 8 weeks when construction finishes. I qualified for partial unemployment and got approved last week, but I'm confused about the work search requirements. The certification page still asks if I've looked for work each week. I've been applying to a few jobs just to be safe, but do I actually need to since I have a definite return date? I don't want to risk getting disqualified for not searching, but also don't want to waste employers' time when I know I'm going back to my normal schedule in 2 months. Anyone dealt with this partial UI + planned return situation before?

ur fine. I had smthing similar happen last yr. as long as u tell EDD u have a return date when u certify ur good. just make sure u still click YES to looking for work even if u didnt actually apply anywhere. they never asked me for proof

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Thanks for the quick reply! Just to clarify - when I certify and they ask if I looked for work, I can say YES even though my situation is temporary? I've been documenting my searches just in case, but wasn't sure if there's a special way to handle the return-to-work scenario.

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The previous response isn't entirely accurate. According to EDD requirements, even with a specific return date, you are generally still required to make reasonable efforts to find work unless you've been specifically exempted. You should continue your job search activities and document them. When certifying, you should answer truthfully about your work search activities. If you have a definite return-to-work date that's documented by your employer, you can mention this in the additional information section when certifying. You may be able to request a work search exemption by contacting EDD directly, but until granted, continue searching and documenting your efforts.

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This ⬆️ Is correct! My husband went through this exact thing in 2025 with his construction job. Even with return date letter they still made him search.

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You're doing it right by continuing to search while waiting for your hours to increase. The safest approach is to document at least 3 work search activities each week. These don't all have to be job applications - they can include updating your resume, attending job fairs, or even networking. I was in a similar situation in January where I was temporarily reduced to part-time. What worked for me was calling EDD directly to explain my situation and ask them to note my account. After trying for days to get through their phone lines, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD agent within 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. The agent confirmed I still needed to search but could note my return date in my file which helps if there's ever a question about my claim.

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Thanks so much for the detailed info! I'd feel much better having my situation documented in my file. I'll check out that service - spending days trying to call EDD sounds like a nightmare, especially while I'm still working part-time hours.

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ALWAYS KEEP SEARCHING!!! I had a "definite" return date too that got pushed back TWICE and then my position was eliminated completely!!! EDD flagged my account because I stopped looking for work for 3 weeks thinking I was going back. Had to appeal and wait 7 WEEKS for payments while they investigated. The system is designed to trap people, don't trust what your employer says about return dates!!!

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omg that sounds awful... my company did the same thing, kept saying "just 2 more weeks" for like 3 months 🙄

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To provide complete and accurate information: When you have a definite return-to-work date, you still need to meet work search requirements unless you receive a specific exemption. Here's what you should do: 1) Continue your work search activities and document them thoroughly 2) When certifying, include your return-to-work date in the additional information section 3) Contact EDD directly to explain your situation and request guidance specific to your claim 4) Consider requesting a formal work search exemption, though these are granted on a case-by-case basis 5) If your employer provided written documentation of your return date, keep this available in case of eligibility interviews EDD's primary concern is that claimants remain actively engaged in returning to full employment. As long as you're fulfilling the requirements and documenting your efforts, your partial benefits should continue without issues until you return to full-time status.

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This is incredibly helpful - thank you! I'll keep documenting everything and will try to get in touch with EDD to have my return date noted in my file. My employer did give me an official letter with the projected return date, so I'll keep that handy in case I need it for verification.

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everyone making this so complicated lol. just say YES to work search and move on. half the ppl on UI dont actually look for jobs anyway

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Please don't spread misinformation. Falsely certifying that you looked for work when you didn't is fraud and can result in penalties, overpayment assessments, and potentially disqualification from future benefits. EDD conduct random eligibility interviews where they may request proof of work search activities.

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Hey this happened to me to my manger said id be back in full but it never happened! been working 22hr/week for 4 month now and EDD pays me the difrence. i got confused about work search too but i just apply to like 2 jobs a week that im not really qualifed for lol. keeps edd happy and i keep my partial bennefits. good luck!

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Hope your situation improves soon! This happened to my sister and she ended up finding a better job during her "temporary" reduction. Sometimes a blessing in disguise!

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As an update to my earlier response, I want to clarify something important: When certifying for UI benefits with reduced hours, you need to accurately report your work and earnings each week. This is separate from the work search requirement we discussed earlier. Make sure you're reporting all hours worked and gross earnings (before taxes) for each week. Failure to report work and earnings accurately is the most common cause of overpayment notices.

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Definitely! I've been very careful about reporting my hours and earnings accurately. I track everything in a spreadsheet to make sure I don't make any mistakes during certification. My concern was mainly about the work search requirements, but I appreciate the reminder about accurate reporting!

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