Can you get unemployment if you have a job - Washington ESD partial benefits question
I'm really confused about this and hoping someone can help me understand. I've been working part-time at a retail store for about 8 months now, but my hours got cut way back due to slow business. I'm only getting like 15-20 hours a week when I used to work 35-40. My coworker mentioned something about being able to get unemployment even if you're still working, but that doesn't sound right to me? Can you actually file for Washington ESD benefits while you still have a job? I'm struggling to pay my bills with these reduced hours but don't want to do anything that could get me in trouble.
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Ruby Knight
Yes, you can absolutely get partial unemployment benefits in Washington if your hours were reduced! It's called 'partial benefits' and it's specifically for situations like yours. You have to report your earnings each week when you file your weekly claim, and Washington ESD will calculate how much you can receive based on what you earned that week.
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Nina Chan
•Really? I had no idea this was even a thing. Do I need to apply differently than regular unemployment?
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Ruby Knight
•Nope, same application process. Just make sure you're honest about your work situation when you apply and report all earnings accurately on your weekly claims.
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Diego Castillo
Your coworker was right! Washington allows partial benefits when you're underemployed. The key thing is that you have to be available for full-time work and actively searching for additional employment. You can't just be content with part-time work and collect benefits.
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Logan Stewart
•Wait, so even if I'm working part-time I still have to do job searches? That seems weird.
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Diego Castillo
•Yes, you still need to meet the job search requirements. The whole point is that you're seeking full-time work but taking what you can get in the meantime.
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Mikayla Brown
I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about this exact situation and can't get anyone on the phone. Their website is confusing too. Has anyone actually been able to talk to a real person there recently?
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Sean Matthews
•Oh man, calling Washington ESD is a nightmare. I spent literally 6 hours on hold last month and got disconnected right when someone picked up.
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Ali Anderson
•I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD. They handle the calling for you and get you connected to an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works. Saved me so much frustration.
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Zadie Patel
Just want to add that there's a formula Washington ESD uses to calculate partial benefits. You can earn up to a certain amount before it affects your weekly benefit amount. I think it's like $175 or something but don't quote me on that exact number.
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Nina Chan
•Do you know where I can find the exact calculation? I want to make sure I understand how much I might be eligible for.
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Zadie Patel
•It should be on the Washington ESD website somewhere, but their site is honestly pretty hard to navigate. The calculation involves your weekly benefit amount minus your earnings over a certain threshold.
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A Man D Mortal
Been there! I was in the same boat last year when my restaurant cut everyone's hours. Filed for partial benefits and it really helped bridge the gap while I looked for a second job. Just be super careful about reporting your wages correctly - any mistakes can cause problems later.
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Nina Chan
•How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I'm worried about waiting weeks for money I need now.
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A Man D Mortal
•Mine took about 2 weeks to process, but that was before all the crazy volume they've been dealing with. Could be longer now.
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Declan Ramirez
Make sure you understand the 'able and available' requirement too. Even though you're working part-time, you need to be available for full-time work. If you turn down a full-time job offer, that could affect your benefits.
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Emma Morales
•What if the full-time job pays way less than what I'm looking for? Do I have to take any job offered?
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Declan Ramirez
•There are rules about 'suitable work' but it gets complicated. Generally you can't hold out for your ideal job forever, but you don't have to take just anything either.
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Katherine Hunter
ugh the washington esd system is so confusing. why cant they just make it simple like other states? i've been trying to figure this out for my sister who's in a similar situation
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Lucas Parker
•Every state has different rules unfortunately. Washington's actually not that bad once you figure out how it works.
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Katherine Hunter
•maybe not bad for you but ive been going in circles trying to help her understand all this stuff
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Donna Cline
One thing to watch out for - make sure your employer knows you're filing for partial benefits. Some employers get weird about it even though it's totally legal. My old boss tried to tell me I couldn't file, but that's not true.
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Nina Chan
•Should I tell them before I apply or after? I don't want them to cut my hours even more out of spite.
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Donna Cline
•Honestly, I'd probably wait until after you file. They can't retaliate against you for filing for unemployment benefits - that's illegal.
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Harper Collins
I used Claimyr too and it was totally worth it. I was spending hours every day trying to call Washington ESD and getting nowhere. They got me through in like 20 minutes and I was able to get my partial benefits situation sorted out. Wish I'd found them sooner.
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Kelsey Hawkins
•How much does that service cost? Is it expensive?
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Harper Collins
•It's really affordable considering how much time and stress it saves. Way better than losing your mind trying to get through on your own.
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Dylan Fisher
Don't forget you still need to keep looking for work and documenting your job search activities. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week I think, even for partial benefits.
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Edwards Hugo
•Is applying for jobs online considered a job search activity? Or does it have to be something more formal?
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Dylan Fisher
•Online applications definitely count. You can also do things like attend job fairs, network with contacts, or take career development classes.
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Gianna Scott
This is exactly what partial unemployment benefits are designed for. You're not gaming the system - you're using a program that exists specifically to help people in your situation. Don't feel bad about applying if you meet the requirements.
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Nina Chan
•Thank you for saying that. I was feeling guilty about it but you're right - if the program exists for this reason, I should use it.
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Alfredo Lugo
•Absolutely. That's what we pay into the system for - to have a safety net when we need it.
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Sydney Torres
Just a heads up - when you report your earnings each week, make sure you report the gross amount (before taxes), not what you actually take home. I made that mistake initially and it caused issues with my claim.
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Nina Chan
•Good to know! I probably would have reported net earnings without thinking about it.
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Sydney Torres
•Yeah, it's not intuitive but Washington ESD wants to know your total earnings before any deductions.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
The whole system is set up wrong IMO. Why should people have to jump through hoops to get help when their employer cuts their hours? It should be automatic.
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Caleb Bell
•I get your frustration but there have to be some checks in place to prevent fraud. The system isn't perfect but it does help people.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•I guess but it seems like they make it harder for honest people than necessary
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Danielle Campbell
When I had to deal with partial benefits last year, I found that calling Washington ESD first thing in the morning gave me better luck getting through. But even then it was hit or miss.
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Rhett Bowman
•What time exactly? I've been trying at 8 AM when they open but the lines are already jammed.
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Ali Anderson
•That's why I ended up using Claimyr - even the 'best' times to call were still impossible. They handle all the calling hassle for you.
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Abigail Patel
Make sure you keep good records of everything - your work schedule, pay stubs, any communication with your employer about hour cuts. If Washington ESD has questions later, you'll want documentation.
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Nina Chan
•That's smart advice. I should probably start keeping copies of my schedules now.
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Abigail Patel
•Definitely. Take photos of your posted schedules or ask your manager to email them to you if possible.
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Daniel White
I work in HR and see this situation a lot. Partial unemployment is completely legitimate and employers can't prevent you from filing. Just be honest about everything and you'll be fine.
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Nolan Carter
•Do employers get notified when someone files for partial benefits? I'm worried about creating drama with my boss.
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Daniel White
•Yes, they get notified, but they can't retaliate. It's actually pretty routine and most employers understand the situation.
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Natalia Stone
Been collecting partial benefits for 3 months now while looking for full-time work. It's been a lifesaver honestly. Just stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements.
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Nina Chan
•Have you had any issues with the process? Any gotchas I should watch out for?
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Natalia Stone
•The biggest thing is just being consistent with reporting. Don't skip weeks or forget to file - it can mess up your whole claim.
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Tasia Synder
To answer your original question directly - yes, you can absolutely get unemployment while working part-time in Washington. File your claim, be honest about your situation, and don't let anyone tell you you're not entitled to help when your hours were cut through no fault of your own.
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Nina Chan
•Thank you everyone for all this information! I'm going to apply this week. This thread has been incredibly helpful.
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Tasia Synder
•Good luck! The partial benefits program exists for exactly your situation, so don't hesitate to use it.
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