Can you draw unemployment while working part-time in Washington - confused about eligibility

That's a relief! Do I file the same way as someone who's completely unemployed? And when do I report my part-time earnings?

Yes, same initial filing process. You'll report your gross earnings when you file your weekly claims. Make sure to report earnings for the week you actually worked, not when you got paid.

Good to know someone else went through this. Did you have any issues with the job search requirements while working part-time?

yeah you still have to do job searches but they understand you're working. i kept track of applications in my job search log like everyone else.

That math actually makes sense! So I need to figure out what my weekly benefit amount would be first?

Exactly. Your weekly benefit amount is based on your earnings during your base period, typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file.

Wait, I'm confused about this base period thing. Is that why some people get different benefit amounts even if they work similar jobs?

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money.

It was worth it for me to get my questions answered quickly instead of wasting days trying to call. Much better than sitting on hold forever or getting disconnected.

Never heard of this but honestly the Washington ESD phone system is so frustrating. Might be worth checking out.

Thanks for the warning! So it's the amount before taxes come out, not what I actually take home?

Exactly! And if you mess it up, you might end up with an overpayment notice later. Not fun to deal with.

What if they only offer me one or two extra hours? Does that count as refusing work?

That's a gray area. Generally they're looking for substantial offers of work, not just an hour here and there.

The 'suitable work' provisions apply. Work is generally considered suitable if it pays at least your previous wage and you're qualified for it.

Yes, you still need to conduct job searches and document them in your job search log, just like someone who's fully unemployed.

Ugh, so I'm working, looking for more work, AND filing weekly claims. This system is exhausting.

Good advice! How long can you collect partial benefits? Is it the same as regular unemployment?

same benefit year - up to 26 weeks in washington, though that might change depending on unemployment rates.

Yes, tips count as earnings and should be reported for the week you received them, not when they appear on your paycheck.

That's going to be hard to track since I get cash tips daily. Do I need receipts or something?

Keep a daily log of your tip income. You're required to report all earnings, including cash tips.

mine took about 4 weeks to get approved last year. they seem to take longer with partial claims for some reason.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr to get through to someone. The waiting was killing me financially.

You should focus your job search on positions that either don't conflict with your current hours or would provide enough hours/pay to make it worth leaving your part-time job.

That makes sense. I guess I need to be strategic about what I apply for.

I'd be happy to have that problem! But good to know I need to report any hour increases right away.

So if I make $100 in part-time work, my benefits would be reduced by $95?

Correct, assuming your weekly benefit amount is higher than $95. If your weekly benefit amount was only $80, you wouldn't receive any unemployment benefits that week.

You report all work, whether it's part-time, temporary, or full-time. The key is that you report earnings for the week you performed the work.

Right, I get that. Just seems like the system could be more streamlined.

Good advice! I'll start a folder for all my unemployment paperwork.

What if the offered hours would make me lose money because of childcare costs? Do they consider that?

That's a complicated situation. You might want to talk to Washington ESD directly about circumstances like that.

This is exactly the kind of question where Claimyr helped me get connected to someone who could give me a real answer instead of guessing.

Washington eliminated the waiting week requirement several years ago, so you should be eligible for benefits starting from your first week of reduced hours.

Oh good! That was always frustrating when you needed money the most.

Glad this thread helped! I feel so much more confident about filing now.

same! the community here is really helpful with these confusing washington esd questions.

That's really good to know! I was thinking about waiting to see if my hours picked up but sounds like I should file now.

Exactly. You can always stop filing weekly claims if your hours increase, but you can't get back weeks you didn't claim.