That's a really good point. Looking at my letter more carefully, it does specify

Hey Aiden! Congrats on your appeal win! 🎉 Just wanted to add that when I went through this last year, I actually called ESD about a week after getting my OAH decision just to confirm they had received it and were processing it. The rep told me it was in their "implementation queue" which gave me peace of mind that things were moving along. Also, when your eServices finally updates and shows the back payments, double-check that the amounts match what you calculated you're owed. I caught a small error in my case that would have cost me about $300 if I hadn't noticed. The whole process is exhausting but you're almost at the finish line!

Just to close the loop on this - your dad should absolutely file. Washington has some of the most inclusive unemployment policies in the country. Age is not a barrier.

I'm 62 and went through this exact situation two years ago when I got laid off from a manufacturing job. There's definitely no age limit in Washington - I collected benefits for about 4 months while job hunting. The only thing I'd add is that older workers sometimes need to be extra careful about documenting their job search activities since ESD can be pretty strict about that requirement. Keep detailed records of every application, networking event, and job fair you attend. Also, don't get discouraged if the job search takes longer - the benefits are there to support you while you find the right fit, not just any job.

One more important thing: if you do file for partial unemployment while still working reduced hours, you need to accurately report your earnings each week. Calculate your gross earnings (before taxes) for each week according to when you actually worked, not when you got paid. Also, be aware there's a formula ESD uses - they don't just pay the difference between your old and new wages. They deduct 75% of your earnings from your weekly benefit amount. So if your weekly benefit would be $400, and you earn $200 at your part-time job, they'd deduct $150 (75% of $200) from your benefit, leaving you with $250 in unemployment plus your $200 in wages.

I was in a very similar situation last year - went from 32 hours to 18 hours at a restaurant when they "restructured" the schedule. I filed for partial unemployment while still working and it was a lifesaver! The process was actually pretty straightforward once I got through to ESD. What really helped me was keeping detailed records of my old schedule vs. new schedule, and screenshots of my manager's text explaining the cuts were permanent due to budget issues. I also applied to at least 3 jobs every week to show I was actively seeking full-time work. The partial benefits bridged the gap until I found a better job about 6 weeks later. Looking back, I'm SO glad I didn't just quit outright - that would have been a huge financial mistake. Definitely file while you're still employed and let ESD work in your favor rather than against you!

This is a good point. In 2025, ESD is being especially strict about the able and available requirement. They want to see that you're not turning down potential full-time work in favor of keeping partial unemployment benefits combined with part-time 1099 work. They've been conducting more eligibility reviews this year focusing on this exact issue.

Thanks everyone for all this detailed info! I'm feeling much more confident about potentially taking this 1099 position now. Just to make sure I have everything straight: I need to report earnings for the week I do the work (not when paid), keep detailed weekly records, continue my 3 job search activities, stay available for full-time work, and understand that ESD deducts dollar-for-dollar after the first $5. If the math works out where I can still get some partial benefits while building experience with this contract work, it sounds like it could be a good bridge until I find full-time employment. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences - this community is so helpful!

Keep your chin up. Performance issues happen to good people all the time, especially when employers set unrealistic expectations. The unemployment system recognizes this difference.

I went through something very similar at my previous job in food service. They were constantly critiquing my speed and efficiency, saying I wasn't keeping up with their standards. When they finally let me go, I was terrified I wouldn't get unemployment benefits. But Washington ESD approved my claim without any issues because I could show I was following all their procedures and trying my best to improve. The key thing that helped me was keeping records of all the training sessions I attended and the feedback meetings where I was asking questions about how to do better. Even though I wasn't great at the job, I was clearly making good faith efforts to meet their expectations, which is what matters for unemployment eligibility. Don't let them pressure you into quitting - make them fire you if that's what they're planning to do.