Good luck with your claim! The process can be frustrating but it sounds like you have a solid case.

One thing to add - if you do file a claim for reduced hours, Washington ESD will likely want to see documentation of your previous work schedule versus the reduced schedule. Pay stubs, timesheets, or written communication from your employer about the hour cuts will really help your case. Also, be prepared for them to ask if you looked for other work to supplement the reduced hours before deciding to quit. Having evidence that you explored options but couldn't make it work financially will strengthen your claim. The 60% reduction you mentioned should definitely qualify as substantial, so you're on the right track!

I just went through this same situation a couple months ago - worked in Tigard, lived in Kelso. Definitely file with Oregon! I made the mistake of trying Washington first and wasted two weeks before they told me I had to file with Oregon instead. Pro tip: Oregon's website works much better on desktop than mobile. I kept getting kicked out when trying to file on my phone, but had no issues once I switched to my laptop. Also, make sure you have your last 18 months of pay stubs ready - Oregon asked for way more employment history details than I expected. The interstate thing isn't as complicated as it sounds once you get started. Oregon handles Washington residents pretty regularly since so many people cross the river for work. You got this!

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who's been through this recently. I worked in downtown Portland while living in Battle Ground and got laid off in January. Filed with Oregon as everyone's suggesting - it's definitely the right move. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that Oregon will mail your benefit debit card to your Washington address no problem, but it can take 7-10 business days to arrive. If you're tight on cash like I was, you might want to set up direct deposit instead during your initial application - it's faster once your claim is approved. Also, Oregon's customer service is rough, but if you absolutely need to speak with someone, try calling right at 8 AM when they open. I had better luck getting through then versus trying later in the day. The Claimyr service that @Zara Ahmed mentioned is legit too - I used it once when I had a payment hold and couldn't wait weeks to get through. Hang in there Diego, the initial setup is the hardest part but once you're in the system it gets easier!

Thanks everyone for all the advice! I'll make sure to arrive early, bring my job search documentation, and prepare some questions about training opportunities. I'm feeling much better about this now. Will update after my appointment next week!

Good luck with your appointment! I had mine at the Everett office a few months ago and it was actually really positive. The staff there seems genuinely interested in helping people succeed. A few quick tips: bring a notebook to write down any resources they mention, and don't be afraid to ask about their hidden job market resources - they often have connections with local employers that aren't posting publicly. Also, if you're in manufacturing, ask specifically about apprenticeship programs or skills training - Washington has some great programs for transitioning manufacturing workers. You've got this!

The good news is once you get everything set up, the weekly claims only take a few minutes each week. Just don't forget to do them or you won't get paid!

Hey there! I went through this exact same thing last year when I got laid off. The online system at esd.wa.gov is definitely the way to go - it's way easier than trying to call or visit an office. Just make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months ready before you start. The whole application took me about 45 minutes, and most of that was just gathering my employer information. Don't stress too much about getting every detail perfect - they'll verify everything with your employers anyway. The key thing is to file as soon as possible since your benefit week starts when you file, not when you lost your job. Good luck!

Bottom line - keep all your documentation, claim the deduction on Schedule 1, and don't let Washington ESD push you around if you think the overpayment is wrong. You have rights in this process.

I'm going through something similar right now - Washington ESD says I owe back $1,650 from benefits I received in 2023. Reading through all these comments has been super helpful, especially learning about the Schedule 1 deduction. It's frustrating that ESD doesn't clearly explain the tax implications when they send these overpayment notices. I had no idea I could deduct the repayment until I found this thread. Going to make sure I keep every piece of documentation they send me!