Just wanted to add that if you're really struggling to reach Washington ESD for questions, that Claimyr service people mentioned actually worked for me too. Used it to clarify some stuff about my job search requirements and got through in like 20 minutes instead of wasting my whole day trying to call.

Just want to emphasize what others have said - don't wait to file your appeal! I made the mistake of trying to gather "perfect" documentation before submitting and almost missed the 30-day deadline. You can always add more evidence later, but once that deadline passes, you're out of luck. File the basic appeal first, then work on strengthening your case. Washington ESD is very strict about those timelines and won't make exceptions for almost any reason.

Last thought - consider consulting with an employment attorney before you quit. Many offer free consultations and can tell you if your situation likely qualifies for good cause. Better to know upfront than find out after you've already quit.

Just went through this exact situation myself. The combination of harassment and significant hour cuts you're describing could definitely qualify as good cause, but you absolutely need to document everything first. Start keeping a detailed log of every incident - dates, times, what was said/done, any witnesses present. Save all emails and texts related to the schedule changes. Most importantly, you need to show Washington ESD that you tried to resolve these issues before quitting. Even if your company doesn't have HR, document any conversations you've had with your supervisor or the owner about these problems. If you haven't formally complained yet, do that first and keep records of their response (or lack thereof). The adjudication process can take several weeks, so make sure you have some savings to cover that gap. But don't let the bureaucracy stop you from protecting your wellbeing if the situation is truly toxic.

One more thing worth mentioning - make sure you fully understand the potential impact on your benefits if you refuse any additional hours your employer might occasionally offer. If you're receiving partial unemployment and your employer offers you extra hours for a particular week (even if it's still less than your original 40), refusing those hours could potentially be considered refusing suitable work. This is why clear communication with both your employer and ESD is crucial. Document everything, including conversations about your reduced schedule. If your employer ever offers you additional hours that you can't work for some reason, make sure to have valid reasons documented. I'd also recommend checking out WorkSource Washington's workshops - some of them actually count toward your job search activities and can help you understand the partial unemployment process better.

Hey Benjamin! I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago when my hours got slashed from 35 to 18. Here's what I learned that might help you: 1. Apply ASAP - partial unemployment claims can take 2-3 weeks to process, so don't wait 2. When you file your weekly claims, be super precise about your hours and earnings. I kept a simple spreadsheet tracking every hour worked and every dollar earned before taxes 3. For job searches, online applications through Indeed/LinkedIn count, attending virtual job fairs counts, and even networking calls with former colleagues count as long as you document them properly 4. Get a letter from your employer NOW stating they reduced your hours due to business needs (not your request). This will save you headaches later if ESD questions anything The partial benefits won't replace your full paycheck, but every bit helps when you're trying to keep up with bills. In my case, I got about $240/week in partial benefits which covered my car payment and part of rent. One last tip - set up direct deposit if you haven't already. Paper checks take forever and you don't want payment delays when money's already tight. Good luck!

Looks like Tuesday/Wednesday is the standard for most people. Thanks for asking this question, I was wondering the same thing!

For what it's worth, I've been getting unemployment through Washington ESD for about 6 months now and I have US Bank - my deposits consistently come on Wednesday mornings around 4am. It was nerve-wracking the first few weeks not knowing when to expect it, but once you get into the rhythm it becomes pretty predictable. The key thing is making sure you file your weekly claim by Sunday night like others mentioned. I set a phone reminder for Sunday at 6pm so I never forget.

My cousin was making around $1600 monthly and I think he got about $225 weekly when he was on unemployment last year. But more importantly, don't forget that you'll also qualify for the EBT food benefits while on unemployment which helps a lot with groceries. You should apply for that right away too!

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble with the ESD online calculator, try calling the TeleCert line at 800-318-6022 - sometimes it's easier to get benefit estimates over the phone than trying to navigate their website. Also, since you mentioned you worked in a restaurant, make sure you have all your pay stubs handy when you apply because they'll want to see documented proof of your wages and any reported tips. The whole process can feel overwhelming at first but it sounds like you're being smart about planning ahead!