by CW
(California)
I have a temporary job here in California (NOT with a temp agency). I do not have a regular work schedule. I am considered “on-call”. I could be temp status until I can get on permanently, or the job could end at the end of the fiscal year; all depends on how well the company is doing, and what the company’s needs are.
I am thinking about filing for unemployment benefits, because I am never guaranteed to get any work from week to week, and I never know IF I will get work from week to week. I’ve had this job for 3 months now, and last worked a week ago. Up until then, I was getting 32-40 hours a week.
Also complicating things is the fact that I am limited in the number of hours I can work in a fiscal year. If I only work 3 days a week (not enough), I can make those hours last. If I work 40 hours a week (what I need), I am not allowed to work after I reach the limit. Either way, I’m thinking I end up on unemployment at some point for some amount of time.
Not sure if I should apply for unemployment to insure having some money during times when there is no work for me, or wait and see how this job works out in terms of how often I don’t get ay work at all. Can’t find an answer for my type of situation on the EDD website.
Hi CW,
Let’s see if I can raise some questions about a very vague description.
Do you have an existing unemployment claim for which a disqualification might have been imposed?
Unemployment benefits are for those that BECOME unemployed .. or for those that have BECOME “partially unemployed” when the employer chooses to reduce hours from full-time and full-time work was one of the “conditions” of hire.
I’m a little confused because you say it is an on call job .. and I assume those were the conditions you accepted when you took the job .. so I don’t see how the employer can be found to have reduced your hours.
Yet, you tell me ..
Also complicating things is the fact that I am limited in the number of hours I can work in a fiscal year. If I only work 3 days a week (not enough), I can make those hours last. If I work 40 hours a week (what I need), I am not allowed to work after I reach the limit.
Do you have control as to when you work or are you making reference to the fact that you aren’t receiving 32 – 40 hours anymore.
On call work usually doesn’t provide a guarantee of hours as a condition of hire ..
If I were you .. I’d be hoping to run out of hours to work .. because I think that is the only way for you to become unemployed to the point where you might be able to file a claim .. and look for another job.
Who the heck do you work for .. the government?
Otherwise .. I’d say it sounds like a brilliant plan hatched up be some employer to avoid partial unemployment claims .. if timed right.