Can I claim partial unemployment with ESD when still working 1 day per week?

ya u def can apply! my cousin got his hours cut to like 10 hrs a week last yr and he got partial benefits. just make sure u report ur wages each week when u file ur weekly claim

You absolutely qualify for partial unemployment benefits! This is exactly what they're designed for. When your hours are reduced significantly through no fault of your own, you can receive benefits to partially make up the difference. Here's what you need to know: 1. File your initial claim right away at esd.wa.gov 2. You'll need to report your current weekly earnings each time you file a weekly claim 3. ESD uses a formula where you can earn up to 1/3 of your weekly benefit amount without reduction, then benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar above that amount 4. You still need to complete 3 job search activities each week unless you're approved for standby status (which lets you skip job search if your employer certifies they'll return you to full hours within 8 weeks) Make sure you have your past wage information ready when you apply. Good luck!

I went thru the EXACT same situaton in 2025!!! My retail job cut me to 12 hours and I applied for partial benefits. YES you can get them BUT its not always worth it. ESD makes u do those stupid job search things every week even tho ur job says they'll give u hours back. And the website is a NIGHTMARE. I tried calling them for 3 WEEKS and never got through!!!!! The amount they give you might be super tiny depending on your previous earnings too. Just prepare for frustration dealing with them.

I help people navigate ESD claims, and I can confirm you're eligible for partial unemployment. Here's what you need to understand about your specific situation: - When you file, you'll establish a "weekly benefit amount" based on your previous earnings - Each week you work, you'll report your gross earnings (before taxes) - You can earn up to 1/3 of your weekly benefit amount without reduction - After that threshold, benefits reduce dollar-for-dollar For standby status (to waive job search requirements), your employer must verify they'll restore your hours within 8 weeks. They'll need to complete a form during your application process. One important note: many people struggle with the weekly claim reporting. Be extremely accurate with your hours worked each week - even small errors can trigger overpayment notices later.

After trying for WEEKS to get through to ESD about my partial unemployment claim (reduced hours similar to yours), I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and actually got through to a real person in like 20 minutes! They have this video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Totally worth it because the agent was able to fix an issue with my claim that was causing payment delays. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked when nothing else did.

Quick clarification on standby status for your situation - if your employer can't commit to restoring hours within 8 weeks, you'll definitely need to complete the 3 job search activities each week. For partial claims, remember you must: 1. Be physically able to work 2. Be available for additional work hours 3. Accept any suitable work offered 4. Complete those 3 job search activities unless on approved standby Many people with reduced hours find the job search requirement frustrating, but ESD's perspective is they want to help you find full employment rather than remain underemployed indefinitely.

Update: I applied yesterday! The process was a bit confusing but I got through it. My boss wouldn't commit to a timeline for restoring hours (said it depends on "market conditions") so I'll have to do the job search activities. They calculated my weekly benefit amount at $435, which will definitely help even after taxes. Thanks everyone for your advice! Now I just hope the payments start coming through quickly.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST US!!! I went through this EXACT situation last year and ESD kept denying my claims saying I "wasn't available for work" because I was still technically employed part-time. Had to FIGHT for months to get what I deserved! They make the rules impossible to understand ON PURPOSE so they can deny benefits. Watch your claim like a hawk and APPEAL EVERYTHING if they try to deny you!!!!!

Something else to watch out for - if your employer offers you more hours and you decline them, you could be disqualified from benefits that week. Always accept any hours your current employer offers, even if they're still below your normal schedule.

btw when u do ur weekly claims make sure u check ur eServices inbox every week too. sometimes they send u important messages there and dont email u about them. my friend almost got her benefits cancelled cuz she missed some questionnaire they sent