California part-time unemployment question (collect, apply, qualify, EDD)

[boflex]

Hi everyone, I've researched this specific question for hours & could not find an exact answer, so I'm hoping someone can help!

I've been working as a personal trainer for a large health club for a year & a half. Hours are based off of the number of clients you train (ie- 1 client=1 hr). Getting consistent clients back to back for 8 hours straight is rare, and as a result the vast majority of trainers are part-time.

I have consistently been working a little over 80 hours a month. Recently, I fear for my job due to new managerial staff. Assuming that I don't get fired for misconduct Can I collect unemployment??

I'm not sure this is relevant but I am also a fill-time student.

[Chyvan]

Monetary eligibility is based on earnings, not hours. Working 80 hours per month is irrelevant. It's how much you earn per quarter that counts, and you didn't provide that information.

That full-time student thing could be problematic. Your defense would be that you'd quit school if you obtained full-time work, your school schedule does not impact your ability to accept full-time work because the work you do is traditionally performed during the hours you're not attending school, or you have worked and gone to school full-time for an extended period of time (like over a year) (this loophole does not apply to you since you're not working full-time hours). Since it's probably close to a change in semesters, you could just chose not to enroll for next semester, and then there is no issue at all.

[boflex]

Thank you for the response. I make around 2 grand a month (24/year) while attending school full-time.

If I want to stay in school it seems the most logical defense is:
"your school schedule does not impact your ability to accept full-time work because the work you do is traditionally performed during the hours you're not attending school." ???

[LRSS]

boflex,

Refer to the links below. One addresses availability for work and school, and the other has information regarding part-time employment and collecting UI, and may also answer some other questions you may have. You can also search the CA EDD website for more information.

Able and Available AA 40 - Attendance At School Or Training
http://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/pdf/UI_FAQ_Tips.pdf

I say go ahead and apply for unemployment benefits, since you work part-time (assuming that you had a previous full-time job that ended, and your benefits will be based on those earnings). The worst that can happen is that you don't qualify for benefits, at least at this time. If you end up getting let go from the part-time job you currently have, apply at that time.

With respect to school, make sure that you explain to them that you are willing to quit school for a full-time job, or that you can work full-time at night, or that you are willing to drop down to part-time school, or take classes at night, or whatever you are willing to do to make sure you can not only look for full-time work, but can accept full-time work. Your availability for full-time work is the key thing they are looking for.

Good luck!