Should I report being sick with COVID to EDD when certifying? Still working part-time

You should definitely report that you were too sick to work on those days - this is the correct answer. EDD might ask for documentation, but you'll be fine since your employer approved your time off. Better to be honest than have them flag your account for inconsistency later.

when i had covid last summer i just said i was sick those days and EDD sent me this questionnaire thing about my availability to work in general. wasnt a big deal, just filled it out saying it was temporary sickness and everything was fine, benefits continued like normal

You absolutely MUST report being sick! If you lie and say you were able to work when your employer reported you out sick with COVID, that's misrepresentation and could lead to an overpayment situation. The EDD cross-references with employer records and they WILL catch this type of discrepancy. Just answer the certification questions truthfully.

When you certify, mark 'yes' that you were too sick to work for those specific days, and in the explanation box simply write 'COVID-19 positive, temporary illness, expected return to work [date]'. Here's what happens: EDD may send you a DE 4365, which is just a form asking about your ability to work. You'll explain it was a temporary illness, you've recovered or will recover soon, and you remain able and available for your regular work. This is routine and won't stop your benefits as long as you respond promptly. I've helped dozens of people through this exact situation. Temporary illness doesn't disqualify you from benefits, but failing to report it accurately can.

Had the EXACT same situation back in January!! I certified honestly that I was sick, and yes they sent me some form (don't remember the number) asking if I was able to work. I just explained it was temporary COVID, provided my positive test date, and that I was cleared to return to work after my quarantine period. Got all my benefits with zero issues. Whatever you do, DON'T just say you were able to work when you weren't. That's where people get in trouble with EDD!

Just want to add - if you're having trouble reaching EDD to explain your situation or if they send you paperwork that you're not sure how to complete, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an EDD representative in about 20 minutes when I was dealing with a similar issue. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Saved me days of frustration trying to get through on my own. The rep was able to note my temporary illness on my account and walk me through exactly what I needed to do.

One more important point: If you're out sick for more than 8 consecutive days, you might actually qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI) instead of UI for that period. But since you mentioned it's just for this week, regular UI with temporary illness reported is the correct approach.

ugh i HATE dealing with edd. every time something small changes with my hours or situation it turns into this whole THING where they send a million forms and delay my payments. hope yours goes smoother than mine did!!!!!

Im on partial unemployment too and got covid back in december. i just said i was able to work on my certification cuz i didnt want the hassle. nothing happened but now i feel nervous they might find out somehow lol. probly should have just been honest.