How many hours can you work and collect unemployment in Washington ESD?

Thanks! So if I work like 25 hours a week at $15/hour, I'd still get some unemployment?

Yes, but they'll deduct a portion of your earnings from your weekly benefit amount. The exact calculation depends on your weekly benefit amount and total earnings.

Yikes, good to know. Did you get your benefits back the following week if you worked less?

yeah as long as you report honestly and work under 40 hours the next week you should be fine

Never heard of Claimyr before but getting through to Washington ESD is definitely impossible these days. What did the agent tell you about the formula?

They said Washington ESD subtracts 75% of your weekly earnings from your benefit amount, but you keep 25% of what you earn as extra income. So if you earn $200 in a week, they subtract $150 from your benefits.

No, you can definitely work part-time and still collect benefits! The key is being honest about your hours and earnings on your weekly claim.

I feel like I've been missing out on income for nothing then. How do I make sure I'm doing this right?

Always report your work hours and gross earnings on your weekly claim. Washington ESD will do the math for you.

The system is designed to encourage work while providing a safety net. If you're working nearly full-time, you're probably earning close to what your benefits would be anyway.

I guess but it feels like they're punishing people for trying to work

40+ hours means you're considered full-time employed for that week and get no benefits. 39 hours and under means you can get partial benefits.

ok got it thanks

What do you mean available for full-time work? I thought if you're working part-time you're obviously available?

You have to be able and available to accept full-time work if it's offered. So if your part-time job restricts your availability too much, that could be an issue.

There's no specific limit on working part-time weeks, but you still have to meet job search requirements and be actively looking for full-time work.

Good to know, I've been keeping up with my job searches so I should be fine

Using the formula I learned from the Washington ESD agent, they'd subtract 75% of your $300 earnings ($225) from your $400 benefit, leaving you with $175 in unemployment plus your $300 in wages.

That actually works out pretty well! So working part-time really can help boost your total income.

Good point! So report what you earned before taxes, not your take-home pay?

exactly, before any deductions

Yes, self-employment income counts too. You need to report it just like regular wages. The hours might be harder to track but you still need to estimate them.

Thanks, I wasn't sure if freelance work was treated differently

How much does Claimyr cost? I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about a different issue.

It was worth it to finally get answers. Way better than dealing with the constant busy signals and disconnects.

Absolutely, I definitely plan to report everything accurately. Thanks for the warning!

Yeah I know someone who got in trouble for not reporting some cash work they did. Not worth the risk.

Nope, any type of work counts the same way for benefit calculations. The field doesn't matter as long as you're still actively seeking work in your usual occupation.

perfect, thanks!

Oh I didn't realize that! So even if I only get like $50 in benefits because I worked a lot, that still counts as using up a week?

Exactly, each week you file a claim counts toward your benefit year regardless of how much you actually receive.

That's exactly right! And don't forget to keep looking for full-time work and doing your job searches.

Will do, thanks everyone for the advice!