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

Yes, you can absolutely file for partial unemployment benefits when your hours are reduced! Washington ESD allows claims when you're working part-time involuntarily. You'll report your weekly earnings and they'll calculate your partial benefit amount. The key is that the hour reduction wasn't your choice.

I'm in the exact same boat! My hours got cut from 32 to 12 last month. Filed with Washington ESD and got approved for partial benefits. You'll need to file weekly claims and report exactly how much you earned each week.

Just so you know, there's a formula Washington ESD uses for partial benefits. They'll take your weekly benefit amount and subtract your earnings minus a small disregard amount. If you're making $300/week, you should still get some benefit depending on what your full benefit amount would be.

I tried calling Washington ESD about this same thing but could never get through. The phone lines are always busy and I kept getting disconnected. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?

Make sure you're still looking for work even with partial unemployment. Washington ESD requires job search activities for partial claims too. Keep track of everything in your job search log.

ugh the whole system is so confusing... why can't they just make it simple? i'm in a similar situation but scared to file because what if they deny me and then i can't reapply later?

I got my hours cut too but from 35 to 25. Manager said it's temporary but it's been 3 months now. Should I file or wait to see if hours come back?

Update: I filed online and it was actually pretty straightforward. Now I just have to wait for them to process it. Thanks everyone for the encouragement!

Word of warning - make sure your employer doesn't try to say you voluntarily reduced your hours. Some employers will lie to avoid their unemployment insurance rates going up. Document everything!

does anyone know if you can get partial unemployment if you're working two part time jobs? my situation is weird

Quick update on Claimyr - I tried it after seeing the recommendation here and actually got through to Washington ESD on my first try. The agent was able to answer my questions about partial unemployment and even checked on my claim status. Definitely worth it if you need to talk to someone.

Another tip - when you file your weekly claims, be super accurate with your earnings. Don't round up or down. Washington ESD will eventually verify with your employer and any discrepancies can cause problems.

Just wanted to add that partial unemployment can sometimes be better than being fully unemployed because you're still earning something AND getting benefits. Plus you keep your foot in the door at your current job.

One more thing to remember - if your employer offers you additional hours or shifts, you generally need to accept them or it could affect your unemployment eligibility. Document any offers they make.

this thread has been super helpful! i'm going to file today. wish me luck everyone

Final update: Got approved for partial benefits! My first payment should come next week. Thanks to everyone who helped me understand the process. For anyone else in this situation - definitely file, don't wait around hoping your hours come back.

For anyone reading this later - I used Claimyr too after seeing it mentioned here and it's legit. Got connected to Washington ESD in like 15 minutes when I'd been trying to call for weeks. Really helpful when you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.

This thread is a great example of why community support matters. The Washington ESD website has the basic info but real experiences from people who've been through it are invaluable.

Update on my situation - finally filed after 4 months of reduced hours. Wish I'd done it sooner! Already got my determination letter and I'm approved. Don't wait like I did folks.

PSA for anyone dealing with partial unemployment - make sure you understand the earnings threshold. If you earn too much in a week, you might not get any benefit payment for that week. It's not an all-or-nothing thing though, it varies week by week.