Can I qualify for partial DEO benefits with drastically reduced hours during pregnancy?

Yes! You can absolutely file for partial unemployment benefits in Florida when your hours are reduced that dramatically. It's called 'underemployment' and the DEO has specific provisions for it. Since your hours were cut from 40+ to just 12 hours through no fault of your own, you should qualify. You'll need to report any income you do earn each week when claiming, and they'll adjust your benefit amount accordingly. DEO won't specifically consider your pregnancy situation, but they will look at the fact your hours were involuntarily reduced. Make sure when filing that you clearly document the date your hours were reduced and your previous working schedule. Your employer will be notified of your claim, so be prepared for that, but if everything you've said is accurate, you have every right to file.

When I got my hours cut last yr I tried to file & it was a NIGHTMARE. website kept crashing & I couldn't get thru on phone for days!!!! Then they denied me saying I didn't provide enough proof of reduction but nobody told me what docs I needed!! So frustrating!! Florida DEO hates giving ppl benefits. Just warning u it's not easy

omg I'm in literally THE SAME SITUATION!!!!! I'm 28 weeks and my hours got cut from full-time to like 15hrs/week at my restaurant job!!! Such bs right?? I applied for unemployment 2 weeks ago and I'm still in 'pending' status. Have you started your application yet? Did you check the 'still employed' box? I'm so confused if I'm doing it right.

I can confirm that Florida does offer partial unemployment benefits for reduced hours. Here's what you need to know: 1. You must report your gross wages (before deductions) for any week you work while claiming benefits 2. You can earn up to 8x the federal minimum wage ($58) without reduction to your weekly benefit amount 3. After that, DEO will deduct dollar-for-dollar from your weekly benefit amount 4. If you earn more than your weekly benefit amount, you won't receive benefits that week 5. You still must complete 5 work searches each week unless your employer provides a date when normal hours will resume (within 8 weeks) Your pregnancy itself isn't relevant to DEO for qualification, but the reduction in hours absolutely is. Make sure to create a CONNECT account if you don't have one already. Document everything, including any communications about your hours being cut.

LISTEN UP- whatever you do, DO NOT mention your pregnanacy in your DEO application!!! They will use ANY excuse to deny benefits and if they think you might not be 'able and available' to work full-time they'll deny you!!! I made this mistake and had to appeal for MONTHS!! Just focus on the reduced hours part, that's all that matters for your claim. Make sure you check 'YES' for 'able and available to work full time' no matter what. Also, DEO's definition of 'available for work' means available for ANY work, not just your current job. So if you say you can only work certain jobs because of your pregnancy, they will 100% DENY YOU!!

my sister had this happen to her and got partial unemployment but they make you look for jobs even tho ur pregnant which makes no sense. The whole system is rigged against women if u ask me. Why make a pregnant lady hunt for jobs when nobody will hire her? Stupid bureaucrats

Quick update on the work search requirements since I see some confusion: If you're receiving partial benefits due to reduced hours at your current job, you MAY be exempt from work search requirements IF your employer provides a return-to-normal-hours date within 8 weeks. This is called "job attached" status. You would need to get your employer to complete the DEO form stating this. If they won't do that or if the return date is beyond 8 weeks, then yes, you'll need to complete 5 work search activities per week and report them. Also, everyone - don't overthink the "able and available" question. It's asking if you're physically able to work and available to accept work - pregnancy itself doesn't make you unable to work in DEO's eyes.

I think its crazy how they make u do 5 work searches even when ur employer just cut ur hours temporarily! Like they KNOW ur going back to normal schedule but they still make you apply to other jobs?!? Make it make sense! Florida DEO is seriously the worst system in the country.

Important tip if you decide to apply: Create a detailed log of your hours worked before and after the reduction. Include dates, scheduled hours, actual hours worked, and any communications from management about the reduction. Take screenshots of work schedules if available. This documentation will be extremely valuable if your claim gets flagged for review or if there's any dispute with your employer about the circumstances. Also, when you file, you'll need to know your employment history for the past 18 months including all employers, addresses, phone numbers, and employment dates. Having this information organized before you start the application will make the process much smoother.

One more thing about partial unemployment - DONT get tripped up on the question about WHY you're not working full hours. Make sure you select "Hours reduced by employer" and NOT "Not enough work available" or "Business slow." Those other options can trigger different review processes!! The exact wording matters SO MUCH with DEO applications.