Can part time workers collect unemployment in Washington ESD?

Yes, part-time workers can definitely collect unemployment benefits in Washington! You don't have to be completely unemployed to qualify. If your hours get reduced significantly, you can file for what's called partial unemployment. Washington ESD will calculate your weekly benefit amount based on your reduced earnings.

Just went through this myself last year. The key thing is that you have to have earned enough in your base period to qualify for benefits in the first place. Check your wage history on the Washington ESD website to see if you meet the monetary requirements.

I tried calling Washington ESD about this exact situation last month and couldn't get through to anyone. Their phone lines are always busy and I kept getting disconnected after waiting for hours. Has anyone found a better way to reach them?

One important thing to know is that you have to be available for full-time work even if you're collecting partial benefits. So you can't restrict your job search to only part-time positions. Washington ESD requires you to be actively seeking full-time employment.

This whole system is so confusing! I'm in a similar boat - my restaurant cut my shifts from 35 hours to about 20. I filed for partial unemployment but I'm not sure if I'm doing the weekly claims correctly. Do I report gross or net wages?

Been dealing with this for months now. The partial unemployment thing works but the job search requirements are a pain. You have to log three job contacts per week and they all have to be for positions that pay at least your previous wage.

I had my part-time hours cut and applied for benefits. Got approved pretty quickly but then they put my claim in adjudication because they wanted to verify my work history. Took about 3 weeks to resolve.

Pro tip: when you file your initial claim, make sure you accurately report all your employers from the past 18 months. I forgot about a small side gig and it caused issues with my claim later.

The formula for partial benefits is weird. They take your weekly benefit amount and subtract 75% of what you earn that week. So if your weekly benefit is $400 and you earn $200, you get $250 ($400 minus 75% of $200).

Anyone know if you can collect partial unemployment if you're working two part-time jobs and one of them ends? I'm working at a coffee shop and a bookstore, but the bookstore is closing next month.

This thread is super helpful! I've been putting off filing because I thought you had to be completely unemployed. Going to start my claim today.

One thing to watch out for - if your employer offers you additional hours or a different shift and you turn it down, Washington ESD might consider that a refusal of suitable work and deny your benefits.

I've been collecting partial benefits for 6 months now. One tip - keep detailed records of all your job search activities. Washington ESD can audit your claim at any time and ask for proof of your job contacts.

The waiting period for partial unemployment is the same as regular unemployment - one week. So your first week of reduced hours won't be paid, but after that you should start receiving benefits.

I tried using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it actually worked! Got connected to a Washington ESD agent who helped me understand how partial benefits work with my specific situation. Way better than trying to call directly.

Just want to add that if you're a student working part-time, there are additional restrictions on unemployment benefits. Student eligibility rules are pretty complex so you might want to talk to someone at Washington ESD directly.

The key thing is don't wait to file your claim. You can't get benefits for weeks before you actually file, even if your hours were reduced earlier. File as soon as you know your hours are being cut significantly.

Last thought - partial unemployment can be a lifesaver when hours get cut, but remember it's temporary. Use the time to actively search for better employment opportunities. The job search requirements actually help keep you focused on finding something more stable.