Can I claim unemployment if I quit after my hours were cut from 31 to 16 hours weekly?

You might qualify for partial unemployment right now without quitting. With your hours cut that significantly (almost 50%), you could file a claim while still working those reduced hours. ESD has a formula where if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount, you can receive partial benefits. I'd recommend filing first before quitting - that way you establish your claim while still employed.

BE CAREFUL about quitting!! ESD is super strict about voluntary quits and they'll probably deny your claim. I quit after my hours got cut from 40 to 25 last year and got denied even though I couldn't pay rent anymore. They told me I should have tried to find additional part-time work before quitting. Had to appeal and everything - complete nightmare!

This is a common situation, and you have options. Under WA state law, a "substantial reduction in hours" can potentially qualify as good cause to quit. However, there's risk involved. Your best approach: 1. File for partial unemployment WHILE still working reduced hours (as mentioned above) 2. Document everything about the hours reduction 3. Actively seek additional part-time work alongside your current job 4. If you do decide to quit, clearly explain the financial hardship the reduction caused The key legal concept is that a substantial hours reduction can constitute "good cause" to quit if it creates unreasonable hardship. But ESD evaluates this case-by-case, and the burden of proof is on you.

u should ask ur boss 4 more hours first b4 quitting. esd will ask if u tried to fix the problem b4 quitting. they ALWAYS ask this!!!! gotta show u tried everything first or they say no benefits 4 u

I work in HR and deal with unemployment claims regularly. Most people don't know that Washington actually has a statute specifically addressing "substantial involuntary deterioration of the work." A nearly 50% reduction in hours would likely meet this threshold. However, before quitting, you should: 1. File for partial unemployment immediately 2. Request the reduction reason in writing 3. Formally request restoration of hours (email is fine) 4. Search for additional work and document all applications If you quit without these steps, ESD may determine you didn't take reasonable steps to preserve employment. If you do all this and still need to quit, you'll have a much stronger case.

I've been trying to reach ESD for weeks about a similar situation and can't get through to an actual person. I've called like 30+ times and either get disconnected or stuck on hold forever. Anybody know a better way to get through to a real agent who can answer these specific questions? The website FAQ doesn't cover these nuanced situations at all.

DONT QUIT!!!! Apply for partial unemployment right now while ur still working!!! My cousin did this when her retail hours got cut from 38 to 22 and she got partial benefits every week + kept her job. Then she found a better full time job while still getting some benefits. If u quit first u might get nothing!!!

One more important thing: if you do file for partial unemployment while still working reduced hours, you need to accurately report your earnings each week. Calculate your gross earnings (before taxes) for each week according to when you actually worked, not when you got paid. Also, be aware there's a formula ESD uses - they don't just pay the difference between your old and new wages. They deduct 75% of your earnings from your weekly benefit amount. So if your weekly benefit would be $400, and you earn $200 at your part-time job, they'd deduct $150 (75% of $200) from your benefit, leaving you with $250 in unemployment plus your $200 in wages.