How long can I apply for unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Oh good to know about the partial benefits! I had no idea that was even a thing. Do I apply the same way as regular unemployment?

Yes same application process through the Washington ESD website. Just make sure to report your part-time earnings each week when you file your weekly claim.

There's no specific application deadline per se, but your benefit year is based on when you file your initial claim. So if you wait months to apply, you could be missing out on weeks of potential benefits during that time.

That makes sense, I definitely don't want to miss out on any benefits I might be entitled to.

3 weeks?? Wow that's longer than I expected. Was there any issues with your claim or is that just normal processing time?

Normal processing time plus the mandatory waiting week. My claim was pretty straightforward with no adjudication issues.

Yeah the waiting week is killer when you're already struggling financially. At least partial UI helps bridge the gap though.

Interesting, never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another service trying to make money off desperate people?

It actually worked for me. I was trying to get through about my adjudication status for days and this got me connected in like 2 hours. Worth it when you're stressed about your claim.

Good point. I guess there's no harm in applying and seeing what happens rather than assuming I don't qualify.

Exactly! And even if you don't qualify for regular UI, there might be other programs or resources available through WorkSource that could help.

What exactly do I need to do for the work search requirement? Is it different since I'm still working part-time?

You still need to do 3 work search activities per week and keep a log. Doesn't matter if you're working part-time, the requirement is the same.

Actually I think the work search requirement might be waived if you're on standby with your current employer expecting to return to full hours. Worth checking with ESD about your specific situation.

Yeah exactly, even a couple hundred dollars would make a huge difference right now. Thanks for sharing your experience.

No problem! Just don't overthink it - apply now and figure out the details as you go. The Washington ESD website walks you through everything step by step.

Good tip! I should gather all that stuff before I start the application.

Yeah and if you've had multiple jobs in the last 18 months make sure you have contact info for all of them. ESD needs to verify your work history.

There's no hard deadline but you can only get benefits going forward from when you file, not retroactively. So if you wait 6 months you've missed out on 6 months of potential benefits.

That makes sense. Better late than never I guess but definitely better to apply right away.

Try calling right at 8am when they open. That's usually the best time to get through.

I had luck with that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Saved me from sitting on hold all day.

Might have to try that if I can't get through the normal way. This whole process is so stressful.

That's encouraging! I was worried it would be super complicated but sounds like it might not be too bad.

Just be honest about your situation and answer all the questions accurately. The system is designed to help people in your exact situation.

Good point. I was worried that working even part-time would disqualify me completely.

Nope, that's exactly what partial unemployment is for! It's designed to help people whose hours have been reduced.

Awesome, thanks everyone for all the helpful advice. I'm going to apply this week and see what happens.

Exactly my thinking. Better to try and find out than assume I don't qualify and miss out.