Can anyone get unemployment benefits through Washington ESD or are there restrictions?

You don't need to work full-time to qualify for Washington ESD unemployment benefits. The main requirements are that you've earned enough wages in your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters) and that you're unemployed or underemployed through no fault of your own. Since your hours were cut due to business reasons, that should qualify you. You'll need to file a weekly claim and show you're actively searching for work.

definitely apply! i was in a similar situation last year when my restaurant cut my hours from 35 to 12 per week. washington esd approved my claim for partial unemployment benefits. you can work part time and still collect benefits as long as you report your hours and wages correctly on your weekly claims.

Before you apply, make sure you understand the job search requirements. Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a detailed log. You also need to be available for full-time work, even if you're currently working part-time. The system will calculate your weekly benefit amount based on your earnings history.

Age doesn't matter for unemployment eligibility - I've seen people from 18 to 65+ get benefits. What matters is your work history and earnings. Since you've been working consistently for 8 months, you should definitely qualify. The key is that your hour reduction wasn't your fault, which it sounds like it wasn't.

File as soon as possible! There's a waiting week before benefits start, so don't delay. You can file online through the Washington ESD website. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history ready. The system will ask for details about your last 18 months of work.

just wanted to add - when i mentioned claimyr earlier, i should explain what it is. it's a service that helps you get through to washington esd phone agents without waiting on hold forever. there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. really saved me time when i needed to ask about my benefit calculation

the income requirements can be confusing but you'll probably qualify. washington uses something called the alternate base period if you don't meet the regular requirements, so they look at more recent earnings. with 8 months of consistent work you should be fine either way

One thing to keep in mind - if you're approved for partial unemployment, you can earn up to a certain amount each week before it affects your benefits. In Washington, you can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit amount without any reduction. After that, your benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar.

Don't let anyone tell you you're not eligible just because you're young or working part-time. I've seen too many people talk themselves out of applying when they actually qualified. The worst thing that happens is Washington ESD says no, but at least you tried.

Make sure you understand the difference between being 'able and available' for work versus 'actively seeking work.' Washington ESD requires both. You need to be physically and mentally able to work, available during normal business hours, and actively looking for employment. Working reduced hours doesn't disqualify you from being available for full-time work.

anyone else notice how hard it is to get washington esd on the phone lately? i've been trying to call about my claim status for days and either get busy signals or get disconnected after waiting for hours. so frustrating when you just need a simple answer

College graduate working retail - story of our generation lol. But seriously, you've been contributing to the unemployment insurance system through your paychecks, so you've earned the right to use these benefits when you need them. Don't feel guilty about applying.

To summarize the key eligibility requirements for Washington ESD unemployment: 1) Sufficient earnings in your base period, 2) Unemployed or underemployed through no fault of your own, 3) Physically able and available to work, 4) Actively seeking work. Based on what you've described, you meet all these criteria. File your application online and start your weekly claims process.

One more tip - set up direct deposit when you apply. It's much faster than waiting for checks in the mail. Also, keep copies of everything you submit to Washington ESD. You never know when you might need to reference something later.

washington esd's website has a benefit calculator that can give you an estimate of what you might receive. it's not exact but gives you a ballpark figure based on your earnings history. might be worth checking out before you apply

Remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly benefits or pay them when you file your tax return. Just something to keep in mind for planning purposes.

The fact that your employer cut your hours due to business reasons is actually perfect for unemployment eligibility. It's clearly not your fault, which is what Washington ESD looks for. You should have no problem getting approved as long as you meet the earnings requirements.

if you end up having issues with your claim or need to talk to someone at washington esd, definitely consider using that claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. i tried it last month when my claim was stuck in adjudication and finally got answers after weeks of trying to call myself. check out claimyr.com if you need it

Bottom line - yes, many people can get unemployment benefits in Washington state, including part-time workers whose hours have been reduced. Your situation sounds like a textbook case for partial unemployment benefits. Don't overthink it, just apply and let Washington ESD make the determination.