Will EDD cut me off for subbing a 3-hour shift while on UI benefits?
Hi everyone, I'm in a bit of a situation and could use some advice! I've been receiving unemployment after getting laid off from my main part-time job at a retail store. Before the layoff, I occasionally worked as a substitute recreational aide at local elementary schools (like maybe once or twice a month). The school district just called asking if I could sub for a day this week (it's only a 3-hour shift). I really need the extra money, but I'm worried about my unemployment benefits. Will EDD completely disqualify me if I take this one shift? Or will they just deduct the 3 hours of wages from my weekly benefit amount? I don't want to mess up my claim by accepting this small job. Has anyone dealt with something similar? Thanks in advance!
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Beatrice Marshall
You can absolutely work part-time while collecting unemployment! EDD won't cut you off completely. When you certify, you'll report those earnings for the week you worked. They'll deduct a portion of what you earned from your weekly benefit. The formula is something like: for every dollar you earn, they deduct about 75 cents from your benefit. So you'll still get something from EDD plus your wages from the school. I was in a similar situation last year - working random shifts at a catering company while on UI. Just make sure you report EXACTLY what you earned (before taxes). I've been using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to reach EDD agents whenever I have questions about my specific situation. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Seriously saved me hours of frustration trying to get through on my own.
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Mae Bennett
•Thank you so much for the reassurance! That's a huge relief. So basically I'll still get most of my UI benefits plus the extra money from subbing. Do I need to report the hours I worked or just the total amount I earned? And do I need to do anything special when certifying besides just entering the earnings amount?
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Melina Haruko
DONT LISTEN TO THE OTHER COMMENT!!!! EDD will absolutely penalize you for working!!! They WILL cut off your benefits entirely if they think you're hiding income. My cousin worked ONE DAY and they cancelled her whole claim and made her pay back THOUSANDS!!!! The system is designed to trap people!!!! Better to just decline the work and keep your benefits intact instead of risking EVERYTHING for 3 hours of work!!!
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Dallas Villalobos
•This is completely wrong and dangerous misinformation. The EDD system is specifically designed to allow people to work part-time while receiving reduced benefits. The only way you'd get in trouble is by not reporting your earnings. OP, please report your earnings accurately when you certify and you'll be fine. The first comment has it right - they'll just reduce your weekly benefit by a percentage of what you earn that week.
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Reina Salazar
ur good just make sure u report it when u certify each week. i pick up random shifts all the time and just tell edd about it. they take a bit from ur benefits but u still come out ahead cuz ur making more overall. just be honest about it
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Mae Bennett
•Thanks! That's what I'll do then. I think the extra money will help, especially since it's only one day this week. Just wanted to make sure I wouldn't lose everything over a 3-hour shift!
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Saanvi Krishnaswami
I work in HR and help employees navigate unemployment frequently. Here's exactly how it works: 1. When you certify, you'll report the hours worked and gross earnings (before taxes) 2. EDD uses a formula where they deduct about 75% of your earnings from your weekly benefit amount 3. As long as your calculated benefit amount doesn't go to $0, you'll receive a partial payment 4. You must be available for full-time work the rest of the week Taking this 3-hour shift is perfectly fine. In fact, EDD encourages partial employment. Just be 100% accurate when reporting your earnings. Keep documentation of your hours/pay in case there are any questions later.
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Demi Lagos
•This actually just happened to me! I worked 5 hours last week at $18/hr, so I reported $90 gross income when I certified. My weekly benefit is $350, and they reduced it to about $283 for that week. So I ended up with $90 + $283 instead of just $350. Definitely worth it!
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Mason Lopez
ok but what if the school starts offering you more hours? my brother took one shift and then they kept asking him for more and more until edd said he wasnt eligible anymore because he was basically working part time regular. just something to think about
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Dallas Villalobos
•That's a fair point. If the work becomes regular and substantial enough, it could eventually affect eligibility. But for an occasional 3-hour shift, there's no issue as long as you remain available for full-time work and continue looking for permanent employment. The key is to maintain your job search and availability requirements while reporting any income earned.
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Mae Bennett
Thanks everyone for your help! I've decided to accept the subbing position and will carefully report my earnings when I certify. It seems like I'll actually come out ahead financially by doing this. I'll make sure to keep detailed records of my hours and pay just in case. Really appreciate all the advice!
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Beatrice Marshall
•Glad you got the answers you needed! Just a quick tip - take a screenshot of your certification page after you submit it showing you reported the income. I've had EDD make mistakes before, and having proof that you reported everything correctly can save a lot of headaches down the road.
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