Can you work while on unemployment - Washington ESD rules?

Thank you! Do you know what that threshold is? I'm worried about earning too much and losing everything.

I think it's around 1.5 times your weekly benefit amount, but don't quote me on that. You should check the Washington ESD website for the exact numbers.

That's what I'm afraid of! I've heard those overpayment notices are a nightmare to deal with.

They really are. I got one last year for unreported work and it took months to sort out. Always better to be upfront about earnings from the start.

Never heard of that service before. Did they actually help clarify the work reporting rules for you?

Yeah, the Washington ESD agent explained the exact formula they use and answered all my questions about what counts as reportable work. Much better than trying to figure it out from their website.

You still have to meet job search requirements even if you're working part-time. The only difference is if you're on standby status with your employer, then you don't have to do job searches.

Oh okay, good to know. I was confused about that part.

That actually doesn't sound too bad! So I could potentially make more money overall by working part-time?

Exactly! That's the whole point of the partial benefit system - to encourage people to take work even if it's not full-time.

Just remember you also have to report the hours worked, not just the earnings. Both matter for your weekly claim.

As far as I know, there's no limit as long as you're still unemployed and available for full-time work. The key is you have to be genuinely looking for full-time employment.

Makes sense. I just didn't want to accidentally use up weeks or something.

I get the frustration, but the partial benefit system actually helps a lot of people transition back to full-time work. It's better than the all-or-nothing approach some states have.

i guess but its still annoying to figure out

Report it for the week you actually performed the work, not when you got paid. So if you work this week, report it on this week's claim even if the paycheck comes later.

Got it, that makes sense. Thanks for all the help everyone!

How do you get on standby status? Is that something the employer has to set up?

Yeah, your employer has to request it through Washington ESD. It's for when they expect to bring you back full-time eventually but need to reduce hours temporarily.

Standby is great if you can get it because you don't have to worry about the job search requirements. But you still have to follow all the same reporting rules for earnings.

You should report it as soon as you remember, even if it's weeks later. Washington ESD has ways to find out about unreported work, and it's much better to self-report than get caught.

This is exactly why I keep a notebook with all my work hours and pay. Better to over-document than under-document with Washington ESD.

Absolutely! Any work, including gig work, needs to be reported. You'll need to track your hours and earnings from all gig work and report it on your weekly claims.

That's going to be a pain to track, but I guess it's necessary.

I might have to try that if I have more questions. The Washington ESD phone system is impossible.

Yeah, check out their demo video if you're curious. It's at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Pretty straightforward service.

Good point! I hadn't thought about that. I'll need to check with those programs too.

What format do you use to track everything? Just a simple spreadsheet?

Yep, just a basic Excel file with columns for date, hours, gross pay, and any notes. Nothing fancy but it works.

Your benefit year ends on the same date regardless. Working part-time doesn't extend it, but it also doesn't use up your weeks any faster since you're still eligible for partial benefits.

Ok that's what I thought but wanted to confirm. Thanks!

You report ALL earnings, no matter how small. Even $1 needs to be reported. Washington ESD is very clear about this.

Wow ok, good to know. Better safe than sorry I guess.

That's a good point. I should make sure my part-time hours don't limit my availability too much.

You can log into your account and check your payment history to see if they calculated your partial benefits correctly. If something looks wrong, contact them right away.

That's another situation where being able to actually reach a Washington ESD agent helps. If you're not sure about the calculations, better to ask than assume.

You're welcome! Just remember the key points: report everything, keep good records, and don't be afraid to ask Washington ESD if you have questions.

Agreed, this has been really helpful. I'm going to accept the part-time position and just make sure I'm diligent about reporting.

Definitely going to be extra careful about that. Thanks for all the advice everyone!