File ASAP once your hours get cut. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start getting benefits. And don't be intimidated by the application - it's actually not that complicated once you get started.

I went through something very similar when my retail job cut my hours from 32 to 15 per week last year. Definitely file for partial unemployment benefits - you absolutely qualify since your hours were reduced through no fault of your own. The process was easier than I expected, and even though the benefits weren't huge, they really helped bridge the gap between my old income and the reduced hours. Just make sure to report your earnings accurately each week and keep up with the job search requirements. Don't wait to apply - I wish I had filed sooner because you can't get benefits for weeks before you actually submit your claim.

So what ended up happening? Were you able to get any backdated benefits or did they deny you?

Sorry to hear they denied your request, but honestly that's what I expected based on my own experience. The silver lining is that you're getting benefits now and you've learned how strict they are about following the rules. Make sure you're documenting everything carefully - I keep a spreadsheet with all my job applications, contact info, dates, etc. It's saved me a couple times when they've asked for proof of my job search activities. Also don't forget to report any part-time work or odd jobs you might pick up while collecting - they're really picky about that stuff too. Good luck with your job search!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! Sounds like Sunday morning filing is the way to go. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain everything.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I had the same confusion when I first started filing. Just to add one more tip - if you're ever unsure about how to answer one of the weekly certification questions, there's usually a "help" or "?" button next to each question that explains what they're looking for. I found that really useful my first few times filing. The key is just being honest and consistent with your answers each week.

BTW I forgot to mention - if you're looking for a decent employment attorney, I used Rebecca Johnson at Workers Rights Law Group for a consultation. She explained everything clearly even tho I didn't end up needing to sue (since my unemployment got approved). But she didn't charge for the initial meeting which was really helpful when I was broke waiting for ESD!

I'm going through something similar right now - got fired two weeks after filing an HR complaint about my supervisor's inappropriate behavior. My ESD claim has been in adjudication for about 10 days now and I'm already getting anxious about how long this might take. Reading through all these responses is really helpful - I had no idea about requesting my personnel file or that I need to keep doing job searches during adjudication. Quick question for anyone who's been through this - when you were documenting everything for your case, did you include text messages from coworkers who witnessed the behavior? I have a few people who saw what was happening but I'm not sure if that kind of evidence is useful for the unemployment claim or just for a potential wrongful termination case.

One more tip - keep all your documentation organized. If there are any questions about your claim later, having everything ready will make resolving issues much faster.

Just wanted to add that while there's no waiting week, make sure you understand the difference between when you file your claim and when you actually start receiving payments. The elimination of the waiting week means you're eligible for benefits from your first week of unemployment, but there's still the normal processing time before you see any money. I'd recommend having at least 3-4 weeks of expenses saved if possible to bridge that gap. Also, keep track of all your job search activities from day one - the requirement starts immediately even while your claim is being processed.