Work Sharing Program

Employers can apply for the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Work Sharing Program if reduced production, services, or other conditions cause them to seek an alternative to layoffs. This resource may be able to help you if your business has been affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The Work Sharing Program helps employees whose hours and wages have been reduced:

• Receive UI benefits.
• Keep their current job.
• Avoid financial hardships.

The Work Sharing Program helps employers:

• Minimize or eliminate the need for layoffs.
• Keep trained employees and quickly prepare when business conditions improve.
• Avoid the cost of recruiting, hiring, and training new employees.

Plan Application

Apply for a Work Sharing plan by completing and mailing the Work Sharing (WS) Unemployment Insurance Plan Application (DE 8686) (PDF) .

The earliest date for a new Work Sharing plan to become effective is the Sunday before the first date you contact the EDD. All Work Sharing plans are approved for one year.

Employers can renew a Work Sharing plan by completing and mailing the Work Sharing (WS) Unemployment Insurance Plan Application (DE 8686) (PDF). A Work Sharing plan will be renewed the day after your previous plan expires.

Note: Your plan application will only renew if it is submitted no more than 10 days after your previous plan has expired. Otherwise, your plan will become effective the Sunday before the date we receive your application.

 

Contact Us

If you need additional information on the Work Sharing Program, contact the EDD Special Claims Office at 916-464-3343.