Can you file unemployment if your hours are cut in Washington?

Thank you! Do I apply the same way as regular unemployment or is there a different process?

Same application process through Washington ESD. Just make sure to accurately report all your part-time earnings.

How much do they typically subtract? Is it dollar for dollar?

No, it's not dollar for dollar. There's a formula they use - I think they let you keep the first $5 and then deduct 75 cents for every dollar after that from your benefit amount.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay to reach our own state agency.

I totally agree we shouldn't have to, but Washington ESD phone system is just overwhelmed. The service was worth it for me to get my questions answered quickly instead of spending days trying to call.

Good point, I hadn't thought about that. Same job search requirements as full unemployment?

Yes, same requirements. You need to be able and available for full-time work and document your job search efforts.

What happens if you accidentally report wrong earnings? Like if you miscalculate?

Small mistakes usually aren't a big deal if you correct them quickly. Major discrepancies or patterns of misreporting can result in overpayment notices or even fraud charges.

Partial claims sometimes take longer to process because they have to verify your employment status with your employer.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr to call Washington ESD - to check on delays like that. Much easier than trying to get through myself.

Good advice! Should I get the hour reduction in writing from my supervisor?

Absolutely. Email, schedule changes, anything showing the reduction wasn't your choice.

With those numbers, you'd receive about $203. Washington ESD allows you to earn $5 without any deduction, then reduces your benefit by 75% of earnings above $5. So ($200-$5) x 0.75 = $146.25 deducted from your $350 benefit.

Thank you! That's actually not too bad then.

When do you certify? Same schedule as regular unemployment?

Yes, you file your weekly claim on the same schedule Washington ESD assigns you based on your Social Security number.

I feel you but at least Washington state has partial benefits. Some states don't even offer that option.

True, I guess that's something. Still frustrating dealing with Washington ESD bureaucracy though.

Yes, all earnings including tips must be reported to Washington ESD. They want gross earnings before taxes.

Thanks, wasn't sure about that since tips vary so much week to week.

That's encouraging! Did you have any issues with the application process?

Not really, just made sure to report my exact earnings each week. Washington ESD sends reminders when it's time to certify.

How would I know if that's what's happening?

Look for patterns - if they keep cutting hours for everyone but never actually lay people off, that could be a red flag. Document everything.

Six months seems like a long time - is there a limit on how long you can collect partial benefits?

Same limits as regular unemployment - you get a certain number of weeks based on your earnings history. Mine was 26 weeks total.

This is so important. The penalties for fraud are serious - not worth risking.

Thanks for the warning. I'll make sure to track everything carefully.

What kind of additional review? Did they think something was wrong with your claim?

Just routine verification of my employment status since I was still working part-time. Happens with a lot of partial claims apparently.

That makes sense. I was worried about applying too early but sounds like sooner is better than later.

Exactly! There's usually a one-week waiting period anyway, so filing early helps you get benefits faster if the situation continues.

Yes, but you need to report ALL earnings from both jobs. Washington ESD will calculate your benefit based on your total weekly earnings from all sources.

Good to know, thanks! Was worried taking a second job might disqualify me completely.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm going to apply tomorrow and see what happens.

Good luck! Make sure to keep detailed records of your earnings and job search activities.