DE 8686 Form – Fill Out the California Work Sharing Application PDF

De 8686 Form PDF Details

The DE 8686 form is the official California Employment Development Department (EDD) Work Sharing Plan application. California employers use this application to enroll in the Work Sharing unemployment insurance program, a proven alternative to workforce layoffs during temporary business slowdowns. Under the Work Sharing program, participating employers reduce employee work hours and wages by 10 to 60 percent, and affected employees receive partial unemployment insurance benefits to replace the lost income.

The Work Sharing program supports both employers and employees during temporary economic challenges. Employers retain their trained workforce without conducting permanent layoffs. Employees keep their jobs, maintain health and retirement benefits, and receive a proportionate share of unemployment insurance payments based on their reduced hours. California's EDD administers and oversees the program.

Who qualifies to submit the Work Sharing application: Any California employer with at least two employees in an affected work unit may apply. The application covers new plan submissions, plan renewals, and expansions of existing plans to additional work units. Non-profit organizations, government agencies, school districts, and private sector businesses may all participate in the program.

Key requirements for the Work Sharing plan:

• Reduce normal weekly hours by at least 10 percent and no more than 60 percent
• Include at least two employees in the affected work unit
• Maintain employee health and retirement benefits throughout the plan period
• Obtain union authorization if any affected employees work under a collective bargaining agreement
• Submit the application before reducing employee hours

What the application covers: The form requires employer information, organization type, the percentage reduction in hours, pay period details (weekly, biweekly, or monthly), and a complete list of employees included in the Work Sharing plan. Employers must certify compliance with EDD program requirements and sign the attestation section before submitting the form to the California EDD office.

After EDD approval, the Work Sharing plan is valid for one year. Employers can submit a renewal application to continue the program beyond the initial approval period. Employees in approved work units file weekly certifications to receive unemployment insurance benefits for each week they work reduced hours. The program is funded through California's unemployment insurance system, so employers do not pay additional costs to participate.

For related California EDD forms, visit the EDD DE-2501 claim form for unemployment insurance claims, or the DE-1 employer registration form for businesses registering with the California EDD for the first time.