Can I file for unemployment if my hours are reduced - Washington ESD eligibility question

Yes, you can file for partial unemployment benefits in Washington when your hours are reduced! You need to report your reduced earnings when you file your weekly claim. Washington ESD will calculate your benefit amount based on what you're earning versus what you could get in full benefits.

i went through this exact same thing last year when my retail hours got cut. filed on the washington esd website and it was pretty straightforward. just make sure you report ALL your earnings when you do your weekly claims or you'll get in trouble

You should definitely file, but here's what you need to know about partial benefits in Washington: You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before your benefits start getting reduced. So if your weekly benefit is $400, you can earn up to $405 without losing any unemployment money. After that, they reduce your benefits dollar for dollar.

I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD when I filed for partial benefits. Spent hours on hold and kept getting disconnected. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that basically calls for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration!

Make sure you're available for work and actively job searching even with reduced hours! Washington ESD requires you to be looking for full-time work. You can't just coast on partial benefits without meeting the job search requirements.

ugh the whole system is so confusing!! I tried to file for partial when my restaurant cut my shifts and somehow messed up the application. now im worried they think im trying to commit fraud or something

Been on partial unemployment for 6 months now while my construction hours are slow. Few things to remember: You still need to certify every week even if you worked, report your gross earnings (before taxes), and keep looking for full-time work. The extra income really helps when hours are unpredictable.

Just wanted to add - make sure you understand the difference between being on standby vs. regular partial unemployment. If your employer specifically puts you on standby status, the rules are a bit different. Most reduced hours situations are just regular partial claims though.

File online at secure.esd.wa.gov - it's way easier than calling. You'll need your Social Security number, employer information from the past 18 months, and bank info if you want direct deposit. The whole process took me maybe 30 minutes.

Word of warning - Washington ESD might take a while to process your claim if there are any issues. Mine went into adjudication because they needed to verify my reduced hours with my employer. Took almost a month to get resolved.

Pro tip: Keep detailed records of your work hours and pay stubs. Washington ESD might ask for proof of your reduced earnings later on. Better to have everything organized from the start.

honestly the hardest part is just getting started. once you file the initial claim and get your first payment, the weekly claims become routine. dont overthink it - if your hours got cut, you deserve help paying your bills

One more thing - don't forget about job search waivers if you're only temporarily reduced. Sometimes Washington ESD will waive the job search requirement if your employer has a definite recall date. Worth asking about when you file.

Bottom line - file the claim. Worst case they say no, but based on what you described, you should qualify for partial benefits. Don't let reduced hours sink your finances when help is available.