Thanks to everyone who contributed to this discussion! I learned so much about partial unemployment benefits. Filing my claim tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly!

Just wanted to add that Washington also has a "SharedWork" program that might be relevant for some situations. If your employer participates in this program, they can reduce everyone's hours instead of laying people off, and employees can get partial unemployment benefits to make up the difference. It's worth asking your employer if they've looked into this option - it can be a win-win since they keep experienced workers and you get some income support. Not all employers know about it, but it's administered through Washington ESD.

Final reminder - if Washington ESD does approve you for benefits while in school, they can always review your case later. Make sure you're completely honest about your availability and school schedule. Getting caught in a misrepresentation can lead to serious overpayment issues.

I'm in a somewhat similar situation - considering going back to school for a different program. From what I've read here and researched myself, it seems like the key is really whether you can demonstrate you're still "able and available" for work. Have you looked into whether your nursing program has any clinical rotations or externships that might count as job-related training? Sometimes those programs have different rules. Also, definitely document everything with your current employer about the schedule conflict - if they truly can't accommodate ANY flexibility for your education, that might strengthen your case. The constructive discharge angle mentioned earlier could be worth exploring too.

I went through this exact same worry when I had to file after my hours got cut at a retail job. Turns out my manager actually expected it and said it was totally normal - they even helped me gather the paperwork I needed. The whole process was way less dramatic than I thought it would be. Your employer has been paying into the unemployment insurance system specifically for situations like this, so don't feel guilty about using it when you need it!

I was in a very similar situation a few years ago when my restaurant job cut my hours from 35 to about 12 per week due to slow business. I was so worried about filing because I thought it would hurt my employer, but when I finally talked to my manager about it, she actually encouraged me to file! She explained that they pay unemployment insurance taxes specifically for these situations and that it's much better than having to lay people off completely. The filing process was straightforward - Washington ESD contacted my employer to verify the hours reduction, they confirmed it without any issues, and I was approved for partial benefits. My employer's unemployment tax rate did go up slightly the next year, but my manager said that's just a normal cost of doing business and they budget for it. Don't let guilt stop you from getting the help you're entitled to - this system exists exactly for situations like yours where your income drops through no fault of your own!

Just want to add that you should also have your bank routing and account numbers ready for direct deposit setup - it's much faster than waiting for a debit card to arrive in the mail. And don't worry if the system seems slow or glitchy, especially during peak hours. Just be patient and save your progress frequently. The Washington ESD website can be finicky but it will get you through the process. You're doing the right thing by filing quickly after your job loss!

Just to add to all the great advice here - make sure you understand the difference between your "date last worked" and your "date of separation." Sometimes people get confused because their last day of work might be different from when they were actually notified about the layoff. Use your actual last day of work for the application. Also, if you're eligible for any severance pay, that might affect when your benefits can start, so be upfront about that too. The Washington ESD system will walk you through these questions, but it helps to think about them beforehand. Good luck with your filing!

Just want to echo what others have said - definitely get this fixed ASAP! I made a similar error last year (reported 28 hours instead of 20) and was able to get it corrected through eServices messaging. Took about 5 business days to hear back and another week for the adjustment to process, but I did get the full amount I was owed. One thing I learned: when you submit your correction request, be very specific about which week you're referring to (include the exact dates) and attach clear documentation showing your actual hours. The more detailed and organized your request is, the faster they can process it. Also keep checking your eServices account - sometimes they'll send you a message asking for additional info rather than calling you directly. Good luck getting this sorted out!

Just wanted to add another option that worked for me - if you're having trouble getting through via phone or eServices messaging, try calling ESD first thing Monday morning right when they open (8am). I had a similar issue where I overreported my hours by 4 and couldn't get through for days. But when I called at exactly 8:01am on a Monday, I got through immediately and had it resolved in under 10 minutes. The agent was super helpful and processed the adjustment right away. Sometimes timing really makes all the difference with their phone system!