Part-time workers qualifying for EDD benefits - need current contact number

Yes, you can definitely apply for partial unemployment if your hours were reduced! It's called UI (Unemployment Insurance) and you may qualify if you're earning less than your weekly benefit amount would be. The current EDD customer service number is 1-800-300-5616. They're open 8am-8pm weekdays and 8am-5pm on weekends. When you certify each week, you'll report your part-time earnings and they'll calculate a partial payment. Just be 100% accurate reporting your hours worked and wages earned.

i got partial unemplyment last yr when my factory cut everyones hrs. they pay the difference basicly. but that phone # never works lol good luck getting thru

I was in your exact situation back in January. The key thing with partial unemployment is making sure you report your exact earnings during certification, not just your hours. EDD calculates your partial benefit using a formula where they deduct 75% of your earnings from your weekly benefit amount. For example, if your weekly benefit amount would be $450, and you earn $300 in a week, they'll deduct $225 (75% of $300) and pay you $225 for that week. Also important: when certifying, always answer "yes" to "were you available for work" even though you're already working part-time.

OK but let me tell you something about that EDD phone number - it's COMPLETELY USELESS!!! I tried calling FOR WEEKS last year and never got through once. They just disconnect you after saying "we're experiencing high call volume" which is EDD-speak for "we don't want to help you." The system is BROKEN and NOBODY CARES about people who actually need help!!

If you're having trouble getting through on the EDD phone lines, try using Claimyr. It's a service that connects you with an EDD representative usually within 5-10 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. Saved me so much stress when I had issues with my claim last month. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km that shows how it works. The website is claimyr.com - definitely worth checking out if you're getting nowhere with the regular number.

Yes! I actually used Claimyr last week after 3 days of trying to get through on my own. It worked exactly as advertised and got me connected to an EDD rep in about 7 minutes. The rep was able to fix an issue with my certification that had been pending for weeks. Totally worth it when you consider the alternative is spending days trying to get through.

To answer your question about tips - yes, you absolutely must report ALL earnings including tips when certifying for UI benefits. EDD considers tips as income and failing to report them can result in an overpayment determination later, which you'd have to pay back. Regarding your employer, yes, EDD will verify your employment and reduction in hours with them. They'll send what's called a "Notice of Unemployment Insurance Claim Filed" to your employer. If your employer incorrectly states you requested reduced hours, you should appeal immediately and provide any evidence you have (emails, schedule changes, etc.) showing the reduction wasn't voluntary.

One more important thing: when you first apply, you'll need to complete work search activities each week to remain eligible. For part-time workers, you still need to be looking for additional work. You can satisfy this by: 1. Applying for additional jobs or more hours at your current job 2. Registering with CalJOBS 3. Attending job fairs Make sure to keep a record of all your work search activities in case EDD requests proof later. When certifying, there will be questions specifically about your work search efforts.