Can you file unemployment for reduced hours in Washington ESD?

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

Same process - file your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov and then file weekly claims reporting your part-time earnings. Just make sure to report every penny you earn.

6 weeks?? That's terrible. Did you ever find out why it took so long?

They said they needed to verify my work history and earnings. I tried calling but could never get through to anyone at Washington ESD.

This is exactly why I started using Claimyr.com - they help you get through to actual Washington ESD agents. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call.

The benefit amount depends on your previous wages and current earnings. Some people do get meaningful amounts that help bridge the gap.

Maybe if you made good money before. I was making $15/hour so my benefit was tiny anyway.

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

Yes, because you're considered 'underemployed' and available for more work. It's one of the requirements to keep getting benefits.

Actually I think if you're working part-time you might only need 2 job searches per week instead of 3. The requirements are different for partial claims.

They take your weekly benefit amount, subtract your part-time earnings minus $5, and that's your partial benefit. So if your weekly benefit is $300 and you earn $150, you'd get $155 in benefits.

That actually sounds pretty helpful. I might give it a try.

Should I tell them before I file or after? I don't want them to cut my hours even more.

I told mine after I filed. They can't legally retaliate against you for filing unemployment. Your employer will get a notice from Washington ESD anyway.

Is that the same service someone mentioned earlier? How does it work exactly?

Yeah, Claimyr.com - they help you get through the phone system to reach actual agents. Way better than spending hours on hold or getting disconnected.

Wage reduction alone doesn't qualify for unemployment benefits. It has to be a reduction in hours worked, not just pay rate.

That's disappointing but makes sense I guess.

That's encouraging! Any tips for the initial application?

Just have all your employment info ready - dates, wages, reason for hour reduction. And be patient - it might take a few weeks to get approved.

What does that mean exactly? I can work my current part-time job and still be available for full-time work?

Right, you have to be willing and able to accept full-time work if offered. You can't restrict yourself to only part-time availability.

How much did that service cost you?

Honestly don't remember the exact amount but it was worth it to finally get answers and move my claim forward.

Yes, you have to report all income including tips. Washington ESD requires you to report everything you earn, no matter how small.

Ugh, that's annoying but I figured. Thanks for the info.

Thanks for the encouragement! I think I'm going to apply tomorrow.

Good luck! The process is pretty straightforward once you get started.

Good point. I'll start keeping better records of my schedules and paystubs.

Screenshots of your work schedule and copies of paystubs are your best friends when dealing with unemployment claims.