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Bottom line: if your employer reduced your hours due to business needs and it wasn't your choice or fault, that's textbook lack of work. File for partial unemployment benefits and you should be approved without issues.
Just went through this exact situation myself! My hours at the grocery store got cut from 35 to 20 per week due to corporate budget cuts. Washington ESD approved my partial unemployment claim in about a week. The key thing they look for is that the hour reduction was involuntary and due to business reasons, not performance or attendance issues. Make sure you can document that your employer made the decision to cut hours - keep any emails, schedules, or notices they gave you about the reduction. The partial benefits really helped bridge the gap while I looked for additional work. Good luck with your claim!
Bottom line for the OP - file today! Don't overthink it, don't wait for the 'perfect' time, just do it. Every day you delay is money out of your pocket.
I just went through this exact situation last month - lost my job on a Friday and filed that same day online. Best decision I made! The Washington ESD online system is actually pretty user-friendly, and like others mentioned, you can always update missing info later. I was amazed at how quickly I got my first payment. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good - just get your claim started today and you'll thank yourself later when you see that first deposit hit your account!
The Claimyr service mentioned earlier really does work. I was skeptical at first but when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD for 3 weeks straight, I tried it and got connected the same day. The representative was able to tell me exactly what was holding up my case and when I could expect resolution.
I'm dealing with the exact same situation right now - been in fact finding for 3 weeks after a straightforward layoff. It's incredibly frustrating when you're already stressed about finances and they just leave you hanging with no updates. The advice about checking with your former employer is solid - I just found out my old company never responded to Washington ESD's inquiry, which explains the delay. Also keeping detailed records of everything like someone mentioned earlier is really important. Hope you get through to someone soon and can get this resolved!
Update us on what happens! This is important information for lots of workers in similar situations. If you end up having to quit and file for full UI, make sure you're very specific about the circumstances in your application - that you were forced to choose between termination or economic hardship due to their restrictions on outside employment despite reduced hours.
I've been in the workforce for 35+ years and have seen employers try this manipulation tactic before. What your casino is doing sounds like they're trying to have their cake and eat it too - reducing your hours to cut labor costs while still maintaining control over your ability to earn a living wage elsewhere. A few things to keep in mind for your HR meeting tomorrow: 1. Ask them to cite the specific policy that prohibits second jobs 2. Point out that you're seeking additional work BECAUSE they reduced your hours 3. Emphasize that there's no scheduling conflict or competition issue 4. Request any restrictions in writing If they can't provide a legitimate business reason for the restriction, you may want to consider this constructive discharge. The fact that multiple employees are in the same situation suggests this might be a pattern worth reporting to the appropriate agencies. Good luck with your meeting - you're fighting for something that affects a lot of workers in similar situations!
Diego Ramirez
Keep us posted on how it goes! Your situation will probably help other people in similar circumstances.
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Peyton Clarke
I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! The key is checking both your benefit year end date AND whether you've earned enough new wages since your last claim. Don't just assume you have to wait the full year - I was able to refile after about 8 months because I had picked up enough part-time work. The $3,850 wage requirement everyone mentioned is correct, but make sure it's from W-2 employment where UI taxes were paid. I'd definitely recommend calling Washington ESD to verify your specific situation before filing - it's worth the wait on hold to avoid any mistakes that could delay your benefits.
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