Reduced from 40 to 24 hours weekly - Do I qualify for EDD partial unemployment?

Yes, you should qualify for partial unemployment benefits! This is a classic example of what partial UI was designed for - your hours were reduced significantly through no fault of your own. EDD considers a 20% or greater reduction in wages as substantial. Since your hours were cut from 40 to 24 (a 40% reduction), you're well within the qualifying range. When you certify, make sure you report your actual hours worked and earnings accurately each week. EDD will calculate your partial benefit amount after applying the earnings disregard formula. You may not get the full weekly benefit amount, but you should receive something to help offset the loss of income. Don't worry about the reason for hour reduction being flagged - having a medical restriction that prevents night shifts is considered a good cause reason. Just be prepared to explain your situation if they schedule an eligibility interview.

I had similar situation at my restrant job. They cut me from 38 hrs to like 22 and i got partial unemplyment. You just report what u earn each week when u certify. good luck!!

I WENT THROUGH THIS EXACT NIGHTMARE LAST YEAR!!! My retail job cut me from 40 to 20 hours because I couldn't work weekends anymore (childcare issues). EDD initially DENIED my claim saying I had "restricted my availability" - complete BS!!! I had to appeal and go through this whole stressful process. Make sure when you file you emphasize that you're available for MORE hours during daytime shifts but your employer refuses to schedule you. DON'T just say you can't work nights or they'll say you're restricting availability. The system is designed to screw workers!!

same thing happened to my cousin last year! Good luck with EDD tho, they take forever to process claims these days...

I help people navigate EDD issues like this regularly. Here's what you need to know: 1. You absolutely qualify for partial unemployment. The key qualifier is having your hours/wages reduced by at least 20% through no fault of your own. 2. Medical restrictions that limit when you can work are protected. Your employer actually has a legal obligation to provide reasonable accommodation if possible. 3. When filing, clearly state: "Hours reduced from 40 to 24 by employer. Medical restriction prevents night work. Available all daytime hours but employer will not provide additional shifts." 4. Have documentation ready: previous work schedules showing 40 hours, current schedules showing reduction, medical documentation, and any emails/texts showing you requested additional daytime hours. 5. If you get an eligibility interview (very likely with hour reduction cases), be prepared to explain that you remain available for full-time work within your medically-necessary restrictions. One tip for actually reaching EDD when you need to speak with them - many people have success using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a system that helps you bypass the busy signals and connects you with an EDD rep, usually within 10-15 minutes instead of spending days trying to get through. They have a demo video here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. This can be especially helpful if your claim gets flagged for an interview or you need to check on its status.

wait im confused does this mean i can get unemployment too?? my hours got cut from 32 to 15 but i told my boss i cant work sundays anymore cuz of church

To add to what others have said, here's the technical side of how this works: When your hours are reduced, you file a regular UI claim. You'll receive a Notice of UI Award showing your weekly benefit amount (WBA) based on your highest quarter of earnings during your base period. Each week you certify, you'll report your work hours and earnings. EDD disregards the first $25 or 25% of your earnings (whichever is greater), then subtracts the remaining amount from your WBA. This formula determines your partial payment. Example: If your WBA is $450 and you earn $400 in a week: - 25% of $400 = $100 (disregarded) - $400 - $100 = $300 (subtracted from WBA) - $450 - $300 = $150 (partial payment) So even though you're working part-time, you'd receive $150 in benefits to help offset the reduction. In your specific case with medical restrictions, make sure to check the box for "No" when asked if you refused any work, since you have a valid medical reason for the restriction. If flagged for an interview, simply explain your medical situation and availability for other shifts.

whatever u do dont mention the medical condition when u apply!!! just say ur hours were cut and thats it. if u mention availability restrictions they'll deny u trust me

Update: I filed my claim yesterday and explained everything exactly as suggested. They didn't immediately flag it for an interview, which I'm taking as a good sign! I made sure to emphasize that I'm available 7am-7pm Monday-Friday (60 hours of availability!) but my employer is only giving me 24 hours. I also uploaded my medical documentation and copies of emails requesting additional daytime hours. Fingers crossed it goes through smoothly. Thank you all SO much for the help and advice!