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

That's really helpful to know! Do you know what the earnings requirements are? I'm worried I might not have made enough working part-time.

You need to have earned at least $3,500 in your base period and at least $2,500 in one quarter. Working 25-30 hours for 8 months, you should easily meet that threshold.

Did you have any trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about your claim? I'm worried about the application process.

Actually yes, calling Washington ESD was a nightmare. I kept getting disconnected or put on hold for hours. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Oh wow, I've never heard of that service. Is it legit? I really need to talk to someone about my specific situation.

Good point! What counts as job search activities? I've been looking for another part-time job to supplement my income.

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking activities, or contacting employers directly.

Adjudication just means they're reviewing your claim to make sure you meet all the requirements. It can take several weeks, especially if there are any questions about your work history or earnings.

several weeks?? i need money NOW not in several weeks. this is so frustrating

I totally get the frustration. That's actually why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - they can help you get through to Washington ESD to check on your adjudication status. Sometimes talking to an agent can speed things up.

That sounds complicated. Is there a way to estimate what I might get before I apply?

Washington ESD has a benefit calculator on their website, but it's pretty basic. Your best bet is to just apply and see what they determine your weekly benefit amount to be.

Good to know! I don't get tips at my retail job, but I'll make sure to report everything accurately.

If your employer contests your claim saying you quit, Washington ESD will investigate. You'll need to provide documentation showing that your hours were reduced involuntarily. Keep any emails, schedules, or texts about the hour reduction.

I do have texts from my manager about cutting hours due to 'budget constraints.' Should I upload those with my application?

Definitely keep those as evidence. You might not need them initially, but if your employer contests the claim, that documentation will be crucial.

You need to be available for full-time work, but you can search for either full-time or part-time positions. The key is showing you're actively seeking work that would increase your total hours and income.

That's encouraging! Did you have any issues figuring out the base period dates?

Yeah, that was the trickiest part. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January-December 2024.

Oh no! How did you fix that situation?

I had to call Washington ESD to explain the situation. It took forever to get through, but they eventually reinstated my benefits once I explained it was just a one-day medical appointment.

This is another situation where Claimyr would have been helpful - getting through to explain these kinds of issues is exactly what they're good for.

There's still a one-week waiting period for partial benefits, just like regular unemployment. So your first payable week would be your second week of filing.

I understand the frustration, but the job search requirement ensures that people are actively trying to become fully employed rather than staying underemployed long-term. It's part of the program's goal to get people back to full-time work.

easy to say when you're not the one scrambling to find time to do job searches between your existing job and trying to pay bills

That's really reassuring to hear! About how long did it take from when you applied to when you got your first payment?

It took about 2 weeks total - one week for the waiting period and then another week for processing. The payment came through direct deposit on a Wednesday.

Great advice! I'm definitely going to start keeping better records. Should I take screenshots of job applications I submit online?

Absolutely! Screenshots, confirmation emails, anything that shows you applied for a job. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities, so having proof is important.

That makes sense. My hours have been pretty unpredictable lately, so I'll keep that in mind when I file my weekly claims.

Yes! WorkSourceWA has job search resources and sometimes offers training programs that can help you find better employment. Some of their services can count toward your job search requirements too.

Good to know! I'll check out their website and see what's available in my area.

That's awesome! I think I'm going to try that service too. This thread has been incredibly helpful - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences!

Glad to hear it worked out! It's so much easier when you can actually talk to someone who knows the system.

That's really good advice. I was hesitating because I wasn't sure if I qualified, but it sounds like I should just apply and let Washington ESD make that determination.

That's a great perspective. I've been so focused on just surviving the hour reduction that I hadn't thought about using this as an opportunity to improve my situation long-term.

Exactly! Sometimes these setbacks can actually lead to better opportunities if you approach them strategically. Good luck with your application!