Can I claim partial unemployment for reduced hours (40 to 32)? Supervisor says it's temporary

Yes, this absolutely qualifies as a "temporary reduction in hours" scenario and you can apply for partial unemployment benefits. When your hours are reduced from full-time to part-time through no fault of your own, you're eligible. Here's what you need to know: 1. Apply for regular unemployment as soon as the reduction starts 2. When filing your weekly claims, accurately report the hours you do work and the income earned 3. The ESD system will automatically calculate your partial benefit amount 4. There's a formula they use - you can earn up to 1/3 of your weekly benefit amount without reduction, then anything above that reduces your benefit dollar-for-dollar Make sure you're completely honest about your work hours each week. Also, you'll still need to meet the job search requirements (3 documented job search activities weekly) unless you get approved for standby status, which might be possible since your reduction is temporary and you have a return-to-full-time date.

Don't get your hopes up too much. I went through the same thing last year when my retail job cut me from 38 to 25 hours. The whole process was a NIGHTMARE!! First they put my claim in adjudication for like 6 weeks because my employer disputed it (even though they were the ones who cut my hours). Then when I finally got approved, the partial benefits were WAY less than I expected. With the earnings deduction formula they use, I only got like $87 a week which barely helped. And you STILL have to do all the job search requirements every single week even though you already have a job!!

you need to apply right away cuz theres a waiting week where u dont get paid anything. i had hours cut last yr from 40 to 30 and got partial benefits. make sure ur boss doesnt say u asked for reduced hours or youll be denied. standby status is what u want so u dont gotta do job search

I've helped several colleagues navigate partial unemployment during temporary hour reductions. Here's some practical advice: 1. File your initial application immediately - don't wait for the official letter, but keep it when it arrives 2. For standby status (which exempts you from job search requirements): - Your employer needs to provide a definite return-to-full-time date - The reduction must be temporary (your 2-3 month timeline qualifies) - You'll need to request standby status during your application - If not automatically approved, you can have your employer contact ESD to confirm 3. Be prepared for your first payment to take 3-4 weeks to process One thing many people don't realize is that partial benefits are calculated weekly, so if your hours fluctuate, your benefit will adjust accordingly. Make sure you report your hours accurately each week.

I spent TWO MONTHS trying to get through to ESD when I had a similar situation last year. Their phone lines are always busy and no one ever responded to my messages in eServices. I finally found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Once I actually talked to someone, they were able to fix my standby status and explain exactly how the partial benefits would work with my reduced schedule. Definitely worth it because trying to figure out partial benefits from just the website is super confusing.

I'm going through this right now with a 10-hour reduction (from 45 to 35). One thing to remember is that you need to report your GROSS earnings when filing weekly claims, not your take-home pay. I made that mistake and had to repay some benefits. Also, in my experience, standby status has been harder to get approved recently - I was denied even though my employer confirmed the reduction was temporary for 8 weeks. I'm having to do the job search activities even though I have no intention of leaving my current job. It's annoying but at least the partial benefits help offset some of the lost income.

Anyone else notice how they make the partial unemployment calculation intentionally complicated so people can't figure out what they'll actually get? It's almost like they don't want people to use a benefit they're entitled to... 🙄 My sister just went through this and it took TWELVE WEEKS to get her first payment because her employer didn't respond to ESD's inquiries on time. By then her hours had already gone back to normal so the whole thing was almost pointless!

Just to clarify something important about standby status that hasn't been mentioned yet: For temporary hour reductions, you can be approved for standby status for up to 8 weeks (sometimes 12 with an extension). Your employer should indicate on their response to ESD that your reduction is temporary with a specific return date. If you're denied standby, remember that job search activities can include: - Applying for positions - Creating/updating your resume - Attending job fairs (virtual counts) - Taking work-related training courses - Networking events Just make sure to document each activity fully. And don't forget that partial benefits are still subject to the weekly minimum threshold - if you earn too much in a given week, you won't receive benefits for that specific week.