Can I get a part time job while on unemployment Washington ESD?

Thanks! So I won't lose my benefits completely? That's my biggest worry.

No, you won't lose them completely as long as you're still considered partially unemployed and meet the work search requirements. Just make sure to report everything accurately.

Wait, I thought it was different? I've been scared to take any work because I heard they take away everything.

That's a common misconception! The $5 disregard plus your weekly benefit amount is the threshold. You should definitely look into part-time work if you can find it.

This is really helpful - so basically I could make around $400 a week and still get some benefits?

OMG yes the phone situation is ridiculous! I tried calling for 3 weeks straight and never got through. Finally used this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected - they have this system that keeps calling for you. Check out claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work?

Worked for me! Got through to an actual person within a day instead of spending weeks redialing. Worth it when you need answers about your claim.

Oh no! So I should call them before I accept the job offer?

I would definitely recommend it. Better to be proactive than deal with adjudication issues later.

Actually, you don't need to report before starting work - just make sure you report it on your weekly claim for the week you actually worked. The system is designed to handle part-time work.

That's exactly what I was hoping to hear! So it's pretty straightforward?

yeah just dont try to hide anything and youll be fine. they ask about work and wages every week when u file

Yes, you still need to meet the work search requirements unless your part-time job has the potential to become full-time. You can count looking for additional part-time work or full-time positions toward your 3 weekly job contacts.

Ugh, that's annoying but I guess it makes sense. Thanks for clarifying.

The work search requirement is there to ensure you're still actively seeking full employment. Part-time work is considered a step toward that goal, not a replacement for the search requirement.

There's no specific hour limit, but if you're working 30+ hours regularly, Washington ESD might consider you fully employed and ineligible for benefits. It's more about your earnings and availability for full-time work.

Good to know. I'll make sure to keep it under 25 hours to be safe.

Should I mention it in the interview or wait until after I'm hired?

I'd probably wait until after you're hired unless they specifically ask about your availability. No need to complicate things unnecessarily.

That's great! Part-time work can actually strengthen your position - it shows you're actively trying to get back to full employment.

Never thought of it that way. Thanks for all the advice everyone!

Yes, ALL income must be reported, including cash payments, freelance work, and odd jobs. Washington ESD considers any payment for work as wages that need to be reported.

Even if it's just a one-time thing?

Even one-time payments. The rule is simple - if you receive money for work, report it. Better to over-report than under-report and risk fraud allegations.

That's encouraging! I think I'm going to accept the retail position. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info.

Good luck! Just remember to report everything accurately and you'll be fine.

That would be illegal retaliation. If an employer reduces your hours because you're collecting unemployment, you should report it to the Department of Labor.

Good to know there are protections in place. Thanks!

I hadn't thought about that. The retail job probably won't offer insurance for part-time, but good point for others to consider.

Glad it worked for you too! Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person to get clear answers.

Exactly! Reading online is helpful but nothing beats talking to someone who knows the system.

This is excellent advice. Pay stubs, timesheets, tax documents - keep everything organized.

Will do! Better safe than sorry when it comes to documentation.

That's a great point about staying active in the workforce. Thanks for sharing your experience!

No problem! Part-time work really can be a stepping stone back to full employment.

Agreed! The information is there but it's buried in dense policy language that's hard to understand.

That's why forums like this are so valuable. Real people explaining things in plain English.

Thanks for that clarification! I definitely would have made that mistake.

Yes, always gross wages. Washington ESD needs to see your total earnings before any deductions.

You're welcome! Good luck with your job search and part-time work.

Agreed - this thread answered all my questions and more. Really appreciate everyone's help!

That's really good to know! I was wondering about that exact scenario - what happens if they offer me more hours. It's reassuring that Washington ESD recognizes the catch-22 situation where accepting more hours could actually hurt your financial situation by losing benefits. Documentation is key, like you said. Thanks for adding that insight!