CA – Is vacation time considered hours worked?

by Rob H.

(California)

Hello,

I’m currently receiving partial unemployment, where I’m required to report all hours worked within a two week period. Do the vacation hours I’ve built up over the last year, and use for a particular pay period count as “Hours Worked”?

Thanks!

Hi Rob,

That’s a good question .. but you might want to confirm what I think with the state.

If you were totally unemployed you would have to report any vacation pay as well when filing your weekly claims, if you received it for that week.

In my state they have the question of whether you received any other type of pay including vacation pay .. and it is a separate question from the one that asks how much you earned by actually working for it.

It’s still considered wages which is why you must report vacation pay.

So I don’t believe they count as “hours worked”, but as wages earned.

The difference and the reason I think you’ll find another question under which to report the vacation pay is because a state needs to separate due to the fact that when someone is totally unemployed .. you can still receive money that will reduce your WBA, but has no effect on your ability and availability to work .. which of course is another issue they look for to make sure you are entitled to the benefits they pay you each week.

Hope this answer makes sense to you .. if not let me know ..

Chris