Can you get Washington ESD unemployment if your hours are cut - part time work question

That's such a relief to hear! Do I apply the same way as regular unemployment or is there a different process for partial benefits?

Same application process through Washington ESD. Just make sure to report your part-time earnings when you file your weekly claims.

That's scary about the fraud thing. How do you report the earnings properly? Do you report gross or net pay?

Always report gross earnings for the week you actually worked, not when you got paid. Washington ESD is very specific about this timing.

OMG yes the phone situation is terrible! I found this service called Claimyr that actually helped me get through to a Washington ESD agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

The early morning calling trick sometimes works. I got through once at 7:58 AM right when they opened.

This is super helpful! So I need to figure out what my weekly benefit amount would be first. Is that based on my full-time earnings from before the hour cut?

Exactly! Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your earnings history from your base period, which would include your full-time wages.

Wait I'm confused... is the base period the last 4 quarters or something different? I keep seeing different info online.

Yes, you still need to meet the job search requirements even on partial unemployment. You have to be able and available for full-time work and actively seeking employment. However, you can indicate that you're looking for work that doesn't conflict with your current part-time schedule.

The job search thing is so annoying when you're just trying to supplement reduced hours. Like why do I have to prove I'm looking for other work when I already have a job?

Good point! My manager mentioned they might have some weekend shifts available occasionally. I should probably take those when offered.

Yeah don't refuse extra hours unless you have a really good reason that Washington ESD would accept.

6 months seems like a long time! Is there a limit to how long you can collect partial benefits?

Same 26 weeks maximum as regular unemployment in Washington. The partial payments don't extend the time limit.

Wait really? So if I use up partial benefits now, I won't have regular unemployment later if I get laid off completely?

Yes, the waiting week still applies to partial unemployment claims. You'll file for that first week but won't receive payment for it.

I hadn't thought of that. Should I give my manager a heads up that I'm applying for partial unemployment?

It's probably a good idea to explain the situation so they're not surprised when Washington ESD contacts them for verification.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. They actually got me connected to a Washington ESD agent who explained everything clearly. Way better than trying to navigate the website alone.

That's good to know! So the claim stays active, you just update the circumstances?

Exactly. You'd just report zero earnings instead of partial earnings on your weekly claim.

Definitely worth applying! Even if the benefit amount isn't huge, every little bit helps with bills.

Same here, my retail job cut everyone's hours after the holidays. Going to look into this partial unemployment thing.

Great advice! I'll start keeping better track of my pay stubs and schedules.

Screenshots of your work schedule are helpful too if your employer uses an online scheduling system.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! I'm feeling much more confident about applying now.

Good luck! The partial benefits really do help bridge the gap when your income gets reduced like that.