Can I get ESD benefits if I refuse a lower-paying position after my job was eliminated?

Yes, you might qualify for unemployment in this situation, but it's not automatic. ESD typically considers if the new position is "suitable work" based on several factors including how much less it pays compared to your prior wages. Since this is about a 22% pay cut, you have a reasonable case. If you decline the lower-paying job, make sure to document everything about both positions (pay, hours, duties) because ESD will investigate if your employer contests your claim. They'll look at whether the reduction is substantial enough to justify turning down the work.

when i got laid off last year they tried to move me to a job that paid $5 less an hour and i said no way. got ui no problem but my boss didnt fight it. if ur boss tells esd they offered u work they might make it harder. good luck!!!!

I went through almost the exact same situation in 2025. My position as an operations manager was eliminated, and they offered me a lower-level supervisor role with a 25% pay cut. I refused and applied for unemployment. Here's what happened: ESD initially denied my claim because my employer reported that I "refused suitable work." I had to appeal and provide documentation showing: 1. My previous salary and job description 2. The new offered position's salary and duties 3. My fixed monthly expenses that I couldn't meet with the reduced income 4. Comparable job listings showing market rates for my skills The appeal took about 5 weeks, but I eventually won and received benefits retroactively. Document EVERYTHING and be prepared to explain why the offered position wasn't suitable specifically because of the substantial pay reduction.

This happens all the time, companies trying to force people to quit by offering crappy alternatives! My cousin's boyfriend's sister went through this and ESD sided with the employer because she didn't "try" the new position first. So unfair! The system is always rigged against workers.

I've been through this exact scenario and it was a nightmare getting through to ESD to explain my situation. I spent 4 days calling non-stop trying to reach an agent who could advise me specifically on my case. I finally discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an ESD agent in less than 2 hours. The agent explained that refusing work with "substantially less favorable wages" is considered good cause, and I was approved for benefits. You can see how their system works in this video: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Seriously worth it when you need specific guidance on your unique situation.

WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T QUIT!!!! If you quit, you're automatically disqualified. Let them lay you off officially by declining the lower position. Get it in writing if possible that they're eliminating your current position. I know someone who accepted a lower paying position just because they were scared, and they regretted it so much. You can't get partial unemployment for reduced wages if you voluntarily accept the lower position.

This happened to me but with a smaller pay cut (about 10%). I took the new position because I was worried about unemployment not coming through, and I ended up having to take a second part-time job to make ends meet. I sometimes wish I had just refused and taken my chances with ESD. Whatever you decide, good luck!

To answer your question about specific percentages - ESD doesn't publish an exact percentage that automatically qualifies as "substantial," but based on previous cases, a 20%+ reduction is generally considered significant enough to justify refusing work, especially if you can demonstrate that it would create financial hardship. When you file your claim, you'll need to explain the situation during the application process. There's a section asking if you've refused any work, and you'll need to provide details about why the work wasn't suitable specifically because of the wage reduction. Be factual and specific - don't just say it was "unfair" but instead focus on the concrete financial impact.

hey just wondering did u decide what ur gonna do yet? im in a similar spot rn and trying to figure out my options too