Can you apply for unemployment if your hours are cut - Washington ESD eligibility?

That's such a relief to hear! Do you know if there's a minimum hour reduction required or can any cut in hours qualify?

As long as the hour reduction wasn't your choice and you're earning less than your weekly benefit amount, you should qualify. The exact calculation depends on your previous wages.

So I file the same way as if I was completely unemployed? That makes it easier than I thought.

Yeah but good luck actually getting through to Washington ESD to file. I've been trying to call for weeks about my claim.

Never heard of that before. How much does something like that cost?

It's worth it when you consider how much time you save not sitting on hold for hours. Way easier than the endless busy signals I was getting.

Sounds too good to be true honestly. Why would Washington ESD make it so hard to reach them if there are services that can just bypass all that?

So even though I still have a job, I need to be looking for other work? That seems weird.

Exactly. The partial benefits are meant to be temporary while you search for full-time work or until your current employer restores your hours.

This is why I hate the unemployment system. They make everything so complicated and contradictory.

3 months?! I can't wait that long, I need help with bills now.

That's unusual. Most partial benefit claims get processed within 2-3 weeks unless there's an issue with your employer disputing the claim.

Well mine has been stuck forever and nobody at Washington ESD will tell me why.

Good point. Should I report gross or net earnings on the weekly claims?

Always report gross earnings before taxes and deductions. Washington ESD is very clear about this.

Easy for you to say. The online system crashes half the time and when you finally get through you can't reach anyone for help.

worked fine for me idk

My manager sent an email about the hour cuts. Should I save that as proof?

Absolutely! Any written communication about the hour reduction will help support your claim if your employer disputes it.

Screenshots of work schedules before and after the cut can also be helpful documentation.

I feel you on that. The system definitely feels stacked against regular workers.

The job search requirements exist for a reason though. Unemployment benefits are meant to be temporary assistance while you find stable employment.

I might have to try that if I can't get through normally. Thanks for the recommendation.

I used them too when I had adjudication issues. Got connected to an agent the same day instead of waiting weeks for a callback that never came.

How many jobs do I need to apply to each week for partial benefits?

Same requirements as regular unemployment - typically 3 job search activities per week, but check the current requirements on the Washington ESD website.

I didn't know that! I was planning to wait until next month when the cuts actually start.

You can file now and indicate your last day of full-time work. Don't wait or you'll lose out on benefits.

Of course, I just want to make sure I'm eligible before I apply.

The system is so complex though that you can accidentally violate rules without even knowing it.

Is there a calculator somewhere to estimate what I might get?

Washington ESD has a benefit calculator on their website, but it's more accurate for full unemployment. Partial benefits are trickier to calculate.

Good point. I don't want this to make my situation at work worse.

Most reasonable employers understand that partial benefits help employees during temporary hardships. It's better than losing good employees.

So there's still a one week delay even for partial benefits?

Yes, the waiting week requirement is the same whether you're fully or partially unemployed.

That's scary. I'll definitely keep screenshots and copies of everything.

Smart move. I learned that lesson the hard way when they claimed they never received my appeal documents.

Not union, but good advice for others reading this.

Yeah, union members sometimes have different options like work-sharing programs instead of individual partial benefits.

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm feeling more confident about applying now.

Just stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements. It becomes routine after a few weeks.

Will do! Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice. I'm going to file this week.

Good luck! And remember Claimyr is there if you need help getting through to an agent quickly.