Can part-time employees collect unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

That's such a relief to hear! Do I apply the same way as someone who's completely unemployed?

Yes, you file the same initial application through the Washington ESD website. Just make sure to indicate that you're still working part-time when you complete the application.

How do they calculate how much I'd get? I'm making about $400-450 a week normally, but now it'll be like $150-200.

They'll base your weekly benefit amount on your earnings history from when you were working more hours. Then they'll reduce it based on what you're currently earning. It's confusing but the system calculates it automatically when you file your weekly claims.

Oh wow, I didn't know about job search requirements. How many jobs do I need to apply for each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep records of them. You can use WorkSourceWA to track your activities.

Thanks for the tip! I'm already dreading having to call them if I run into issues.

I've heard about Claimyr but haven't tried it yet. Does it actually work better than just calling directly?

In my experience, yes. It handles the waiting and calling process so you don't have to sit on hold forever or keep getting disconnected.

That's a common misconception! Washington state allows partial unemployment benefits for people whose hours or wages have been significantly reduced. It's designed to help bridge the gap when you're underemployed.

Oh that makes sense. I wish I had known this when my hours got cut at my old job!

Same here! I just suffered through months of reduced income when I could have been getting some help.

That sounds complicated. Is there a way to know ahead of time if I'll qualify for a particular week?

You can estimate it, but the system will calculate it when you file your weekly claim. Just be honest about your earnings and let the system do the math.

How long did it take for your first payment to come through?

It took about 3 weeks from when I first applied. The first couple weeks are usually the waiting period anyway, so it worked out.

Three weeks seems like forever when you're struggling with bills. I hope it doesn't take that long for me.

In my case, my manager told us they had to cut everyone's hours due to slow business. I didn't choose this reduction.

That sounds like a valid reason for partial unemployment then. Make sure to document that the hour reduction wasn't your choice when you apply.

Absolutely! In fact, you're encouraged to look for full-time work. That's part of the job search requirement. If you find a full-time job, you just stop filing weekly claims.

Perfect, that's what I hoped. Thanks for clarifying!

It's not required initially, but it's good to have documentation in case they request it later. Maybe ask your manager for something in writing about the hour reduction due to business conditions.

Good idea. I'll ask for that tomorrow when I go in. Better to have it and not need it than the other way around.

That's exactly what I'm worried about. I hate being on hold forever!

Same experience here. Worth it just for the peace of mind knowing you'll actually talk to someone.

I think I understand the able and available part, but what's standby? Is that different?

Standby is when your employer temporarily lays you off but expects to call you back within a specific timeframe. It's different from your situation where you're still working but with reduced hours.

It is confusing at first, but once you get through the initial application it gets easier. The weekly claims become routine pretty quickly.

maybe ill give it another shot if my hours get cut again. this thread is making it seem less scary

Good to know! How long after approval did you get the card?

It came about a week after my first payment was issued. You can also set up direct deposit if you prefer that.

That's encouraging coming from someone in HR. Do you see a lot of people successfully get partial unemployment?

Yes, especially in retail and restaurants where hour fluctuations are common. As long as the hour reduction wasn't voluntary and you meet the earnings thresholds, most people qualify.

How long were you on partial unemployment? Did your hours eventually go back to normal?

I was on it for about 4 months. Hours gradually increased as we got into the busy season, and I just stopped filing claims when I was back to full-time.

Thanks for that tip! I would have probably reported take-home pay without thinking about it.

Yeah, it's an easy mistake to make. The system needs to know your full earnings to calculate benefits correctly.

That's really helpful! I was wondering how I'd manage to apply for three jobs every week while still working.

Yes, and don't forget you can also count things like attending job fairs or networking events as job search activities.

You're welcome! Good luck with your application. Remember to file as soon as possible since there's usually a waiting period.

Definitely apply soon. And if you run into any issues or have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to ESD or use one of the services mentioned to get help.