How do I file for partial unemployment benefits in Washington?

Yes you can definitely file for partial unemployment! The process is the same as filing for regular unemployment through Washington ESD. You'll still need to file your weekly claims and report all hours worked and wages earned. They'll calculate your benefit amount based on what you earn vs what your weekly benefit would be.

I did this last year when my restaurant cut my shifts. The key thing is you have to report EVERY hour you work and EVERY dollar you earn, even tips. If you don't report accurately they'll hit you with an overpayment later.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about partial unemployment, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach a live agent. They have this system that calls ESD for you and gets you connected. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.

The formula is basically if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5, you'll get some partial benefits. So if your weekly benefit would be $400 and you earn $200 in a week, you'd still get some unemployment money.

Make sure you keep detailed records of your hours and pay! I kept a little notebook with date, hours worked, and gross pay for every shift. Saved my butt when they questioned something months later.

Do you still have to do the job search requirements if you're working partial unemployment? That part always confused me.

been there! filed for partial when my store cut everyone's hours during slow season. the weekly claims are straightforward just dont mess up the earnings reporting

I'm in a similar situation but my employer is being weird about it. They keep changing my schedule at the last minute and I'm worried ESD will think I'm not being truthful about my hours. Has anyone dealt with an unpredictable schedule while on partial unemployment?

One thing to watch out for - if you start earning too much they'll stop your benefits. But you can always reactivate your claim if your hours get cut again later.

Quick question - do bonuses or overtime pay affect partial unemployment differently? I might pick up some extra shifts occasionally.

If you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your specific situation, definitely try that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. I was skeptical at first but it really does work. Got connected to an agent in like 15 minutes instead of calling all day.

The Washington ESD website has a partial unemployment calculator that can give you an estimate of what you might get. It's under the benefits section somewhere.

Don't forget you'll need your employer information when you file - business name, address, phone number, dates of employment, reason for reduction in hours, etc.

my cousin did partial unemployment and said the hardest part was just keeping track of everything. once you get in the routine of reporting accurately its not bad

One last tip - file your weekly claims on the same day each week if possible. Makes it easier to remember what you earned and worked. I always did mine on Sunday evenings.

If your claim gets stuck in adjudication don't panic. Sometimes they review partial unemployment claims more carefully but it usually works out fine.

Washington ESD customer service is terrible but the actual system for filing claims works pretty well once you get used to it.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about filing now. I'm going to gather my employment info and file this week.

Partial unemployment saved me when my hours got cut. Definitely file sooner rather than later - benefits don't backdate very far.

Make sure your employer isn't going to contest your claim. Most don't for partial unemployment but it's worth mentioning to your manager that you're filing.