ESD denied my benefits because I'm still working 40 hours at one job after losing my second job - Is this right?

Unfortunately, the agent is correct. Washington's unemployment system doesn't really account well for people with multiple jobs who lose one of them. The 40-hour rule is strictly enforced - if you're working full-time hours (40) at any job, you're considered fully employed regardless of income loss. It's frustrating but that's how the system works. The unemployment system wasn't designed for people who work multiple jobs to make ends meet, it was designed for people who are completely or significantly unemployed.

yea same happened to me in 2024 when i lost my weekend job but kept my weekday one. esd told me since im still at 40 hrs im not eligible even tho i lost like $2200/month. system is messed up for ppl who hustle with multiple jobs

The issue is that eligibility is primarily based on hours worked rather than income lost. This is because Washington uses a specific definition of "unemployed" that focuses on available hours rather than just income reduction. It feels unfair, but from ESD's perspective, if you're working 40 hours, you're at "full employment capacity" regardless of what you were earning before. You might want to look into whether your second employer offered any severance options, or check with WorkSource about other assistance programs since unemployment won't be available to you in this situation.

This is why I HATE the ESD system!!! They don't care about real people's situations AT ALL. I worked 2 jobs for 5 years and when I lost the evening one they told me the exact same thing. Meanwhile I almost lost my apartment because I couldn't make rent!!! The whole system is designed to DENY benefits not help people!!!

Have you tried appealing the decision? Sometimes if you can demonstrate severe financial hardship despite working 40 hours, there might be exceptions. My cousin was in a similar situation last year and spent weeks getting nowhere until she appealed.

I've worked with many clients in similar situations. Here's what you need to understand about partial unemployment in Washington: 1. Hours are indeed the primary factor, not income loss 2. If you work 40+ hours in a week, you're considered fully employed 3. Even if you work less than 40 hours but earn more than your weekly benefit amount + $5, you won't receive benefits One option you might consider is reducing hours at your primary job temporarily (if possible) to below 40 hours, which could then potentially qualify you for partial benefits. However, this is a complex strategy with risks, so carefully calculate if it would actually benefit you financially. Another consideration: check if you qualify for any other assistance programs like Basic Food or temporary assistance programs that don't use the same hours-worked criteria.

guys i dont get why everyones so confused about this??? unemployment is for when your UNEMPLOYED. if ur working full time ur not unemployed lol. doesnt matter if u had 2 or 3 or 10 jobs before

This happened to my roommate last month! He kept calling ESD to explain his situation but could never get through to anyone. He spent HOURS on hold only to get disconnected. So frustrating when you're already stressed about money!

One thing to note is that in Washington, if your hours at your main job ever drop below 40 in any week (even temporarily due to holidays, business slowdowns, etc.), you should file for that specific week. The system evaluates eligibility weekly, not based on your regular schedule. So keep that in mind going forward - there may be occasional weeks where you could qualify.

Have you considered looking for a replacement second job? The job market is actually pretty good in some sectors right now. Maybe WorkSource could help with job placement to replace the lost income?