Do you have to be laid off to get unemployment benefits in Washington?

No, you don't have to be completely laid off! Washington ESD offers partial unemployment benefits if your hours are reduced. You can work part-time and still collect UI benefits as long as you meet the requirements. The key is that the reduction in hours has to be involuntary - sounds like that's your situation.

There are actually several ways to qualify beyond just being laid off. You can get benefits if you're fired for reasons other than misconduct, if you quit for 'good cause' (like unsafe working conditions or harassment), or if your hours are significantly reduced like in your case. The Washington ESD website has a good eligibility quiz that walks through different scenarios.

I was in a similar situation last year and qualified for partial benefits. You'll need to report your weekly earnings when you file your weekly claims, and Washington ESD will calculate how much you can receive. There's a formula they use - I think you can earn up to about $200 and still get some benefits, but don't quote me on the exact amount.

wait so if i quit my job i can still get unemployment? that doesnt sound right

For partial unemployment like your situation, you'll still need to be able and available for work and actively searching for additional employment. Washington ESD requires you to log your job search activities each week when you file your weekly claim. Don't forget about that requirement!

The whole system is so confusing. I got denied twice before I figured out what I was doing wrong. Make sure you read all the instructions carefully when you file your initial claim.

Another thing to consider - you might be eligible even if you've been fired, as long as it wasn't for misconduct. Being late a few times or not being good at your job isn't usually considered misconduct. Stealing, harassment, or willfully violating company policies would be though.

I had to call Washington ESD so many times to get clarification on my eligibility. The phone system is absolutely terrible - I'd get disconnected after waiting 45 minutes. Eventually used Claimyr to get through and actually talk to someone who could explain my specific situation.

Don't forget about the monetary eligibility requirements too. You need to have earned enough wages in your base period to qualify. Washington ESD looks at the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file your claim.

File your claim as soon as possible! Benefits are effective from the week you file, not from when you first became eligible. Don't wait thinking you need to be completely unemployed first.

The system really needs to be more clear about partial unemployment. I see so many people who don't realize they might qualify when their hours get cut.

Make sure you understand the waiting week too. There's usually a one-week waiting period before you start receiving benefits, even if your claim is approved right away.

One more tip - keep detailed records of everything. Your reduced work schedule, any communications with your employer about the hour cuts, and all your job search activities. Washington ESD might ask for documentation later.

Honestly the hardest part for me was just getting started with the application. Once I understood the process it wasn't too bad, but figuring out eligibility was confusing at first.

If your claim gets denied for any reason, don't give up! You can appeal the decision. Sometimes there are misunderstandings about the circumstances that led to your reduced hours.

Last thing - if you do get approved for partial benefits, remember that you'll still need to file your weekly claims every week and report any income. Miss a week and you could lose your benefits entirely.

Good luck with your claim! Sounds like you have a solid case since your hours were cut involuntarily. The system exists to help people in exactly your situation.