This whole thread should be pinned! So much good information about working part-time while on unemployment. Really glad the OP asked this question.

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - when you're working part-time and collecting unemployment, make sure to keep a simple spreadsheet or notebook tracking your hours worked each week and your gross earnings. This makes it super easy when you're doing your weekly claim filing, and you won't have to scramble trying to remember exactly how much you made or when you worked. I started doing this after my first week and it's been a lifesaver. Also, if you're unsure about anything on your weekly claim, there's usually a "help" or "?" button next to each question that gives you more specific guidance about what to report.

Just remember, you have rights as a claimant. Washington ESD has to provide you with a clear explanation of why you were disqualified. Don't let them brush you off with vague responses.

I went through something similar last year and it turned out to be a timing issue with when I reported some part-time work. Even though I reported it, I had reported it in the wrong week (when I got paid vs when I actually worked), which triggered an automatic disqualification. The system flagged it as unreported income even though I had been honest about everything. Once I explained the timing mix-up during my appeal, they reversed the disqualification and I got all my back pay. Definitely push for specific details about what triggered yours - there's always a reason in their system, even if the letter doesn't explain it clearly.

one more thing - dont tell ESD ur using weed even if they ask!! washington state says its legal but esd can still use it against u. just saying u hav to be careful what u admit

I'm in a similar situation but from a different angle - I've been clean for about 6 weeks now and just started testing negative on home tests. What I learned from researching this extensively is that the timing really matters. THC can stay in your system 30-90 days depending on usage frequency, body fat, and metabolism. From what I've gathered, the safest approach is exactly what you're doing - stick to positions that don't test until you're confident you'll pass. The legal protections are there in theory, but the practical reality is that proving THC was the sole reason for rejection is nearly impossible when employers can cite other factors. One thing that helped me was expanding my search to include more remote positions and smaller companies that typically don't have formal drug testing policies. Also, many retail and food service positions don't test unless there's an incident. The 25-day mark you mentioned puts you right on the edge - some people clear by then, others need longer. If you have the financial cushion to wait another few weeks while focusing on non-testing positions, that might be the lowest-risk approach to protect your benefits.

Does anyone know if they're actually working through these in order? Like do they take the oldest cases first? I'm wondering if calling repeatedly actually helps or if we're all just in a giant queue that moves at a snail's pace no matter what we do.

I'm going through something similar right now - filed in early February after being laid off from my retail job and I'm at week 4 of adjudication. What's really frustrating is that I was clearly laid off due to store closure (not fired or quit) but they're still reviewing it as a "separation issue." I've been keeping detailed records of all my calls and the different timeframes I've been told. First it was 2-3 weeks, then 4-6 weeks, now they're saying 6+ weeks. The financial stress is unreal - I'm having to rely on family help just to cover basic expenses. Has anyone had success with documenting all the delays and using that when contacting representatives or ESD supervisors?

Good luck OP! Remember that taking care of your child is not something to feel guilty about. You're doing the right thing.

I'm going through something similar right now - my childcare situation fell through unexpectedly and I'm trying to figure out if I should quit or try to make other arrangements work. Reading through all these responses has been so helpful! The documentation requirements seem overwhelming but it's good to know there are people who have successfully navigated this. @Logan Chiang I hope your claim gets approved quickly - it sounds like you did everything right by documenting your efforts with your employer and the daycare search.