If your hours reduction is going to last for some time, you might also want to look into WorkSource's employment services. Sometimes they can help you find supplemental part-time work that fits around your reduced schedule at your main job. I took that route last year when my hours were cut, and ended up finding a 10hr/week side gig that actually paid better than my main job! It's worth exploring all your options.

I want to clarify something important: While you do need to complete job search activities for partial unemployment, there are alternatives to actually applying for new jobs: 1. Attending WorkSource workshops counts as job search activities 2. Updating your resume or LinkedIn profile counts 3. Networking activities count 4. Informational interviews count You also have the option to ask your employer about the Shared Work program as mentioned above, which waives the job search requirement entirely. The most important thing is to file your initial claim as soon as you know about the hours reduction. Your claim effective date determines when you can start receiving benefits, and ESD won't backdate it if you delay filing.

Just to clarify something important: 'Reversed' specifically means the judge disagreed with ESD's determination and ruled in your favor. This is different from 'Remanded,' which means the judge is sending it back to ESD for further review or reconsideration without making a final decision. So 'Reversed' is indeed good news. However, the implementation timing varies greatly depending on your specific case and current ESD workloads. After your decision is implemented: 1. You'll receive a Notice of Redetermination documenting the change 2. Your eServices account will update to show eligible weeks 3. Payment will process for any back benefits If it's been more than 15 business days, I would recommend contacting ESD to check on status.

UPDATE: I used Claimyr and finally got through to an ESD agent! They confirmed my appeal was approved and that my benefits are being processed. Should receive back pay for all 13 weeks by next Friday! Such a relief. For anyone else dealing with this, the agent said after an appeal reversal they have up to 30 days to process payment, but average is 2-3 weeks. Thanks everyone for your help!

Thank you all for the helpful advice! I'm going to apply right after my February 28th layoff date, report my bench pay correctly on my weekly claims, start my job search activities immediately, and keep good documentation. Really appreciate everyone's insights!

Good luck with everything! The initial setup can be confusing, but once you're in the system and understand the weekly claim process, it gets easier.

when i was on unemployment last year i did a mix of stuff each week. sometiems applying online, going to worksource workshops (they have zoom ones now too) and reaching out to previous employers to see if they had any hours available. as long as you do 3 different things each week your fine. ive heard they audit people randomly so just make sure u keep good records!

To answer your LinkedIn question - updating your LinkedIn profile counts as ONE activity for your ENTIRE claim period (not weekly). Same goes for creating/updating resumes or registering on job search websites. For your job search log, include: - Date of activity - Employer name/organization - Address or website - Person contacted (if applicable) - Method of contact - Type of work sought - Results/outcome Keep this log for at least 30 days after your benefit year ends - they can audit you even after you're no longer claiming benefits!

You actually do need to handle this correctly or it can cause problems. Technically, you should file your final weekly claim, reporting all hours worked, and then stop filing. But don't try to "close" anything - there is no formal closure process. Your claim will automatically go inactive after two weeks of not filing. Common errors people make: 1) Not filing for their final partial week of work 2) Filing for weeks after they're fully employed 3) Forgetting to report earnings on their final claim Any of these can trigger overpayment notices later.

My sister closed her claim and applied again 6 months later and they made her explain why she stopped filing the first time even tho she had a job... make sure u save your paystubs just in case!!

I had a very similar issue last month. After trying unsuccessfully to reach someone by phone for days, I went to my local WorkSource office in person. They couldn't directly fix my claim issues, but the staff member was able to submit an internal message to ESD on my behalf flagging my account for urgent review. Within 3 days, I received a call from an ESD adjudicator who explained the issue and helped resolve it. Might be worth trying if you live near a WorkSource office.

One last thing to try: check if there's a new "Questionnaire" or "Fact-finding" item in his eServices account. Sometimes these don't trigger notifications but have deadlines. If you find one, complete it ASAP and call to let them know it's done. Also, even if your benefits are currently disqualified, KEEP FILING the weekly claims without interruption. If the disqualification is reversed (which happens often when it's a system error or misunderstanding), you can only get back-payments for weeks you properly filed claims for.

One more critical tip: When you get your hearing notice, it will tell you how to submit evidence. Make sure you share all evidence with both the Office of Administrative Hearings AND your former employer by the deadline (usually 1 week before). If you miss this step, the judge might not consider your evidence. Also, prepare a clear, chronological statement about what happened. Practice explaining your situation concisely - judges appreciate when you can present your case in an organized way without rambling. Focus on facts rather than emotions, even though I know this is a stressful situation. Good luck with your appeal!

has anyone had their employer just not show up to the hearing? mine didn't bother coming to the call and the judge basically had to rule in my favor since they couldn't prove their case without being there lol

my claim took 9 weeks last year before getting approved. ESD is the worst. i heard they expedite things if you claim hardship like eviction notice or utility shutoff. maybe try that angle?

Update: I uploaded my contract end documentation and then tried calling ESD again today. Still couldn't get through after 14 attempts. This is so frustrating! I'm starting to wonder if I should just give up and try finding another job ASAP even though I've been applying everywhere for weeks with no luck. The stress is making me physically ill at this point.

Just wanted to add my experience - I had my overpayment waived last year and got back the money I'd paid, but completely forgot about two weeks that never got paid during the investigation. When I realized it months later and called about it, they told me it was too late to claim those weeks. Apparently there's some time limit (I think 30 days?) after your eligibility is confirmed to request those unpaid weeks. So definitely don't wait to contact them!

One more suggestion - when you do get through to ESD, ask for a claims specialist who is familiar with overpayment waivers and redeterminations. Not all agents are equally knowledgeable about this specific situation. If the first person you speak with seems unsure, politely ask to be transferred to someone who specializes in post-waiver claims processing. Also, if you run into resistance, mention RCW 50.20.190, which is the Washington state law governing unemployment overpayments and waivers. The fact that your waiver was approved establishes that you were eligible for benefits during that period, which should apply to all weeks during your eligible period.

i dont understand why ESD is doing this to so many people years later!!! its like they gave us the money when we needed it then changed the rules after the fact. my cousin had to set up a payment plan for $15,000 even though she did everything right. the system is broken!!!!!

One important detail to add about your waiver request: make sure you explain that you relied on the benefits in good faith and have already spent the money on necessary living expenses. The financial equity waiver is particularly strong when you can demonstrate that: 1. You had no reason to believe you were receiving benefits incorrectly 2. You used the money for basic needs, not luxury items 3. Repayment would cause significant financial hardship now 4. You've made efforts to resolve the situation Be very specific about your current financial situation - include your monthly income and expenses, any savings you have, and any debts or other financial obligations. The more concrete your hardship description, the stronger your case. Also, don't be discouraged if your initial waiver is denied. Many people succeed on appeal or reconsideration.