Does your employer know if you file for unemployment with Washington ESD?

Oh no, that's exactly what I was afraid of. How quickly do they get notified?

Usually within 3-5 business days of filing. The notice includes your claim information and gives them 10 days to respond if they want to contest it.

I hope you're right, but my manager can be pretty vindictive about stuff like this.

Unfortunately some employers do retaliate, which is illegal but still happens. Document everything just in case.

Did your employer give you any grief when they found out you filed?

They weren't thrilled but they couldn't do anything about it since the hour cuts were due to slow business. As long as you're eligible, you're protected.

What's this Claimyr thing? Never heard of it before.

My hours were definitely cut involuntarily. Business has been slow and they cut everyone's hours.

Then you should be fine. That's exactly what partial unemployment is for - when you're still employed but working significantly reduced hours.

Wait, I'm confused. I thought you had to be completely unemployed to get benefits?

No, Washington has partial unemployment benefits for people who are still working but with reduced hours. You can work part-time and still receive some benefits.

This is what I'm worried about. My boss is already not happy about having to cut hours.

While employers' tax rates can be affected by claims, it's usually not significant for occasional claims. The bigger impact is on employers with frequent layoffs.

Still, they get pissy about it. Had a boss try to write me up for 'attitude problems' right after I filed. Coincidence? I think not.

No, there's no way to file secretly. The notification is automatic and required by law.

if you wait you might miss out on benefits you're entitled to. file now while you still qualify

I guess you're right. I need the money and I do qualify based on what everyone's saying.

Good to know. How would I prove retaliation though?

Document everything - save emails, write down conversations with dates and times, keep your work schedules. Any sudden changes in treatment after filing can be evidence.

This is solid advice. I kept records of everything when I filed and it gave me peace of mind.

Washington ESD calculates partial benefits based on your earnings for the week. You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 before your benefits are reduced. Anything above that reduces your benefits dollar for dollar.

So if my weekly benefit amount is $200 and I earn $100 that week, I'd get $105 in benefits?

Not quite. You'd get the full $200 since $100 is less than $195 ($200 - $5). If you earned $250, you'd get nothing that week.

Yeah, I used it when I needed to talk to someone about my eligibility. Way better than spending hours on hold or getting hung up on. Worth checking out their demo video.

I tried it last month when my claim was stuck in adjudication. Got through to an agent in like 10 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hour wait times.

how much does it cost though? seems like something that would be expensive

It's not free but considering how much time it saves and the frustration it avoids, it was worth it for me.

That's somewhat reassuring. I was worried they'd see how much I'm getting paid.

Nope, benefit amounts are confidential. They only see that you filed and general claim dates.

That's definitely a significant reduction. You should qualify for partial benefits. Just make sure you report your actual hours worked each week when you file your weekly claims.

Yes, a reduction from 32 to 15 hours is substantial. File as soon as possible since there's usually a waiting period before benefits start.

Thanks everyone. I'm going to file this weekend.

Yeah, I was really anxious about it but everyone here has been so helpful. Seems like as long as we're eligible, we shouldn't worry about it.

Exactly. These programs exist for situations like yours. Don't let fear of employer reactions prevent you from getting benefits you're entitled to.

Oh right, I forgot about that requirement. How many job searches do I need to do?

For partial benefits you typically need to do 3 job search activities per week, same as regular unemployment. You can do this through WorkSourceWA or document other job search activities.

Do I need to look for full-time jobs even though I'm still working part-time?

You should be looking for work that would increase your income, whether that's more hours at your current job, a second job, or a new full-time position.

That's interesting. At least your employer was communicative about it. Mine hasn't said anything about the cuts being temporary.

Yeah, some employers are more upfront about it. But even if they say it's temporary, you're still entitled to benefits during the period of reduced hours.

Smart move keeping it active. 'Temporary' can turn into months or permanent real quick.

That's a good point. I haven't actually talked to my manager about how the hour cuts are affecting me financially.

Just be careful with that approach. Some employers might see it as an ultimatum or threat. Know your manager's personality first.

True, it depends on the relationship you have with your employer. In my case, it led to them finding me some additional projects to make up some of the lost hours.

So they know every time I get paid benefits?

They get periodic reports, but not necessarily weekly notifications. It's more like monthly summaries of benefit charges to their account.

Correct, they get quarterly statements showing all benefit charges associated with their account, which includes ongoing claims.

Good for you! Remember to file your weekly claims on time and keep track of your work hours and job search activities.

Glad you went through with it. If you run into any issues with Washington ESD during the process, remember that Claimyr option I mentioned earlier. It really helps when you need to actually talk to someone.

Keep us posted on how it goes. Your experience might help other people in similar situations.

Thanks for the update! I'm going to file mine this week too. This whole thread convinced me it's the right thing to do.

yeah its scary but like everyone said, if you qualify then you qualify. employers cant change that

Exactly. The system exists to protect workers in these situations. Don't let fear of employer reactions prevent you from accessing benefits you've earned.