How do I apply for partial unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

Do I need to provide proof of my hour reduction when I apply or just when I file weekly claims?

You'll need to provide documentation of your reduced hours during the initial application. Pay stubs showing the reduction are usually sufficient.

How much do they typically deduct? Like if I make $300 in a week, how much would that reduce my unemployment benefit?

It depends on your weekly benefit amount, but generally they deduct about 75 cents for every dollar you earn over a small threshold. The exact calculation is on the Washington ESD website.

How does that work exactly? Do they just call for you or something?

They basically navigate the phone system and wait on hold for you, then connect you when they get an agent. Way better than sitting there listening to hold music for hours.

That actually sounds pretty useful. I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my partial claim.

Wait, I still have to do job searches even though I have a job? That seems weird.

Yes, because partial unemployment is meant to bridge you back to full-time employment. You need to show you're actively seeking to return to full-time hours or find additional work.

Have you had any issues with Washington ESD questioning your reported hours?

nope, as long as your consistent and honest they dont usually question it. keep your pay stubs just in case though

My boss was actually the one who suggested I apply for partial unemployment when they had to cut everyone's hours. Said it would help me stay afloat until business picks up again.

That's reassuring. I was worried my boss might think I was being ungrateful or something.

There's no specific minimum hour reduction required. It's based on your earnings reduction. If your weekly earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5, you may be eligible for partial benefits.

Thanks! I'll definitely apply then. Every little bit helps right now.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr - got stuck in adjudication and needed to talk to someone at Washington ESD to understand what was holding up my claim. Much easier than trying to get through on your own.

I might have to try that. This waiting is killing me financially.

Good thinking. How long does it usually take to get your first partial payment?

Mine took about 2 weeks after my claim was approved. The waiting week still applies even for partial unemployment.

Able and' available means'you re ready to work full-time if 'offered.' Standby is for temporary layoffs where you expect to return to your job. For partial unemployment with reduced hours,'you d typically 'be able andavailable.

Thank you! That makes so much more sense now.

What happens if you're late filing a weekly claim?

you might lose that weeks benefit and have to call washington esd to reactivate your claim. total pain

The standard job search requirement is 3 job contacts per week, regardless of whether you're on full or partial unemployment. You can use WorkSourceWA to track your activities.

Thanks! I've been doing 5 contacts per week just to be safe, but good to know the actual requirement.

I needed to hear that. I've been feeling guilty about even considering applying.

You paid into the system through your taxes and employer contributions. You have every right to use it when you need it.

You should report it on your next weekly claim. When you report full-time earnings, your benefit will automatically go to zero and your claim will become inactive.

Perfect, thanks. Hoping that happens soon!

That's encouraging. I wasn't sure if my reduced hours would be enough of a cut to qualify.

The calculation is based on your weekly benefit amount, so it varies by person. But most people with significant hour reductions will qualify for something.

I'm definitely going to check that out. I've been putting off calling Washington ESD because I know it's going to be a nightmare.

Same here. Anything that makes dealing with Washington ESD easier is worth trying.

How many pay stubs should I have ready? Just the most recent ones or should I go back several months?

I'd have at least 4-6 weeks worth showing your full hours, plus the recent ones showing your reduced hours. Gives them a clear picture of the change.

Oh I wouldn't have thought of that. Good to know!

Yeah, any earnings during a claim week need to be reported, even vacation pay or holiday pay.

Seasonal fluctuations don't disqualify you from partial unemployment. As long as you're still employed but with reduced hours/earnings, you can be eligible regardless of the reason for the reduction.

That's a relief! I was worried the seasonal nature might complicate things.

Good luck! Feel free to come back if you run into any issues during the process.

You've got this! The application itself isn't too bad once you have all your documentation ready.