Can a part time worker collect unemployment benefits from Washington ESD?

Yes, you can definitely file for unemployment as a part-time worker! Washington ESD allows what's called 'partial unemployment' benefits. Since your hours got reduced significantly, you should qualify. You'll need to report your weekly earnings when you file your weekly claims, and they'll calculate a partial benefit amount.

I was in almost the exact same situation last year. Filed for partial UI when my restaurant cut me from 35 hours to 12 hours. Washington ESD approved my claim pretty quickly. The key thing is you have to be available for full-time work and actively job searching even though you're still working part-time.

Just a heads up - when I tried calling Washington ESD to ask about partial benefits, I spent literally 3 hours on hold and never got through. Their phone system is completely overwhelmed. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an actual agent. They have this video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Got through in like 20 minutes and the agent explained everything perfectly.

wait so if im working part time i can still get unemployment?? i thought you had to be completely unemployed to qualify

Be careful though - you still have to meet all the job search requirements even for partial UI. That means 3 job contacts per week and registering with WorkSource. Don't skip that part or they'll deny your benefits.

I tried filing for partial benefits last year and Washington ESD kept asking for more verification documents. Took like 6 weeks to get approved because they wanted proof of my reduced hours. Make sure you have everything documented from your employer.

Just file online at esd.wa.gov and answer all the questions honestly about your part-time work. The system will calculate your benefits automatically. Don't overthink it - worst case they deny you and you appeal.

One thing to remember is that you can only earn up to a certain amount per week before it affects your benefits. I think it's like 1.5 times your weekly benefit amount before they start reducing what you get. Someone correct me if I'm wrong on the exact number.

Filing for partial UI saved my butt when COVID hit and my hours got slashed. The extra money made the difference between paying rent and not. Definitely apply ASAP because there's usually a waiting period before benefits start.

honestly the washington esd website is pretty confusing for partial benefits. i kept getting different information every time i called. finally used that claimyr service someone mentioned and the agent explained it way better than the website does

Make sure you report your work hours accurately on your weekly claims! I accidentally put the wrong hours one week and it caused a huge mess with my benefits. They flagged it as fraud and I had to go through this whole appeals process.

Quick question - do you have to be available for full-time work to get partial benefits? I can only work certain days due to childcare issues.

The whole partial unemployment thing is actually pretty generous compared to other states. I moved here from Arizona and they barely had any support for reduced hours workers. Washington ESD does a decent job with it once you figure out the system.

Pro tip: when you file your weekly claims, they'll ask if you worked and how much you earned. Always round up to the nearest dollar on earnings - better to overreport slightly than underreport and get in trouble later.

I used Claimyr too when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD about my partial benefits. The agent told me something I didn't know - you can actually keep collecting partial benefits for up to a year as long as you're still actively looking for full-time work. Really helpful service.

Just wanted to add that you should file your claim as soon as possible after your hours get reduced. Benefits can't be backdated, so every week you wait is money you're losing out on.