Can you apply for unemployment if your hours are reduced in Washington ESD?

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

Same application process through the Washington ESD website. Just make sure to answer honestly about still being employed when they ask about your work status.

How much did they deduct? I'm trying to figure out if it's worth the hassle of filing weekly claims.

They subtract 75% of your weekly earnings from your benefit amount, so you keep 25% of what you earn plus whatever's left of your weekly benefit. For me it was still worth it.

Wait, I have to look for other jobs while I'm still employed? That seems weird.

Yeah it's one of the requirements. You're technically considered unemployed for the hours you're not working, so Washington ESD expects you to be seeking full-time employment.

That's so stupid. Why would they make you job hunt when you already have a job, just reduced hours?

How does that work? Do they call for you or something?

Yeah, they handle the calling and waiting so you don't have to sit on hold. Saved me so much frustration when I needed to verify my partial benefit amount.

Never heard of that but sounds useful. Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible.

Good point. Even if my hours increase later, I can always stop filing the weekly claims right?

Exactly. You just stop filing when you no longer need the partial benefits. No penalty for that.

I get the frustration but the rules exist to prevent fraud. The system works pretty well once you understand it.

Maybe for you but I've been fighting with them for months over my claim status.

What's adjudication? Should I be worried about that?

It's just their review process to make sure everything checks out. Pretty routine for new claims, nothing to stress about if you're honest on your application.

My adjudication took like 6 weeks though, so don't expect quick approval.

Yeah but at least I still have some job security this way. Hopefully business picks up and they restore my full hours.

Definitely better to keep the job if possible. Just wanted you to understand the benefit difference.

How exact do they need? Like down to the penny or just rounded amounts?

They want the exact gross amount before taxes. I just used the amounts from my pay stubs.

Yeah that does seem awkward. What if my current employer finds out I'm job hunting?

You're not required to tell potential employers why you're looking. You can just say you're seeking additional opportunities.

The requirement makes sense though - the goal is to get people back to full-time work, not just supplement part-time income indefinitely.

Easy for you to say. Some of us don't have other options right now.

You need to be able and available for work, but limited availability due to childcare is usually acceptable as long as you're genuinely seeking employment within your constraints.

Thanks, that helps. I was worried they'd deny my claim for not being available 24/7.

Is it expensive to use their service?

Worth every penny when you consider how much time it saves vs trying to call yourself. Plus getting accurate information about your benefits is important.

Mine took about 3-4 weeks for the initial determination. The first few weeks are always slow while they verify everything.

That's frustrating but good to know it's normal. I was starting to think something went wrong with my application.

Can they legally contest it if my hours were actually reduced?

They can contest anything but if you have documentation showing reduced hours, Washington ESD will side with you. Just keep good records.

Yes, losing one part-time job while keeping another still qualifies you for partial benefits. You'd report the wages from your remaining job on your weekly claims.

Great, thanks! I wasn't sure if having any job at all would disqualify me.

That actually helps a lot! I was trying to figure out the math. So I'd still get something even if I'm working part-time.

Exactly, as long as your wages don't exceed 1.33 times your weekly benefit amount, you'll get some partial payment.

What happens if I forget to file one week?

You can usually file a late claim but it might delay your payment. Better to set a reminder on your phone for the same day each week.

Good to know. I definitely don't want to deal with an overpayment situation down the road.

Yeah those overpayment notices are no joke. They want their money back with interest if you mess up.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about filing now.

You're welcome! Don't hesitate to ask if you run into any issues with your claim.