Can you apply for partial unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

That's great to know! Do I file the same way as regular unemployment or is there a different process?

Same process - just file a regular UI claim online. When you do your weekly claims, you'll report your earnings for that week and they'll automatically calculate if you qualify for partial benefits.

Wait, is it really 75%? I thought they took out more than that from your benefits.

Yeah it's 75% in Washington. They have a $5 disregard too, so the first $5 you earn doesn't count against your benefits at all.

This is correct. Washington has one of the more generous partial benefit formulas compared to other states.

Good point! Do I need to look for other jobs even though I'm still employed part-time?

Yes, you still need to do your job searches each week unless you're on standby with your current employer. The system treats partial claims the same as regular claims for job search requirements.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com. They help you get through to Washington ESD agents without waiting on hold for hours. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much stress!

Try calling right at 8 AM when they open. That's usually the best time to get through without using third-party services.

If you're still employed, there might be additional verification needed. Sometimes Washington ESD needs to confirm your reduced hours with your employer, which can add time to the process.

That makes sense. My employer is pretty slow with paperwork so that could be it.

Mine took about 3 weeks because they had to verify my earnings. Once it was approved though, I got all the back pay.

Yes, all unemployment benefits are taxable income whether they're full or partial. You can have taxes withheld when you file your weekly claims.

Good to know. I'll make sure to set aside money for taxes then.

Your employer will get notified when you file a claim because Washington ESD needs to verify your employment status and earnings. But filing for benefits you're entitled to won't get you in trouble - it's your legal right.

That's reassuring. I was worried they might see it as being disloyal or something.

Most employers understand that people need to file for partial benefits when hours get cut. It's not personal against them.

Yes, you report all earnings from all jobs when you file your weekly claim. Washington ESD will calculate your partial benefit based on your total weekly earnings.

Perfect! I was worried having two jobs would disqualify me somehow.

Oh no! How did you fix the overpayment issue?

Had to appeal it and provide all my pay stubs. Took forever to resolve. Just be super careful with your weekly reporting.

Yes, commission counts as earnings and needs to be reported. Report it for the week you actually receive it, not when you earned it.

Thanks! That's what I thought but wanted to make sure.

I was in the same boat until someone told me about Claimyr. They handle the calling for you so you don't have to waste time on hold. Check out their demo video - it's pretty clever how they do it.

Yes, you still need to be available and looking for work. The idea is that you're trying to get back to full employment, so partial benefits are temporary help while you're underemployed.

Got it. So I still need to do job searches and be ready to take a full-time position if offered.

Adjudication on partial claims often happens when there are questions about your work availability or earnings reporting. Sometimes they need to verify information with your employer.

That could be it. My employer has been pretty disorganized lately.

I had the same issue and ended up using Claimyr to get through and find out what was holding up my claim. Turned out they just needed one piece of documentation I could have provided weeks earlier if I'd known.

Same here! Good to know there's help available when work slows down.

Glad to help! Don't let reduced hours stress you out when there are benefits available to bridge the gap.

Great advice! I'll start keeping better track of everything.

Yeah, I learned that the hard way. Now I keep a simple spreadsheet with my hours and earnings each week.