How to apply for part time unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Yes, you can definitely apply for partial unemployment benefits in Washington! You file the exact same initial application as regular UI, but you'll report your part-time wages when you file your weekly claims. Washington ESD will calculate your partial benefit amount based on your reduced earnings.

I'm in the same boat - went from full time to part time at my warehouse job. Been trying to call Washington ESD for three weeks to ask about this but can never get through. The wait times are insane and I keep getting disconnected after waiting for hours.

Make sure you understand the earnings threshold. In Washington, you can earn up to a certain amount before your benefits start getting reduced. I think it's like $100 or something but don't quote me on that exact number.

The whole system is so confusing!! I've been trying to figure this out for my sister who had her hours cut at a restaurant. She's afraid to apply because she thinks working part-time disqualifies her completely.

When you file your weekly claims, you'll need to report your gross wages for that week. Washington ESD will automatically calculate your partial benefit amount. Don't try to calculate it yourself - just report your actual earnings honestly.

I tried this last year and it was a nightmare. They kept asking for more documentation and then put my claim in adjudication for months. Maybe the system is better now but just be prepared for potential delays.

Don't forget about the job search requirements! Even if you're working part-time, you still need to be actively looking for full-time work and log your job search activities.

The online application is pretty straightforward. Just go to the Washington ESD website and start a new claim. You'll answer questions about your work history and why your hours were reduced.

My cousin went through this process and said the hardest part was getting someone on the phone to explain how the partial benefits work. The website info is pretty basic and doesn't cover all the scenarios.

Just applied for partial benefits last month after my hours got cut. The process wasn't too bad but I'm still waiting to hear back. Hoping it goes smoothly!

Make sure you have all your employment information ready when you apply - employer names, addresses, dates of employment, reason for hour reduction, etc. Having everything organized will make the application go faster.

The key thing to remember is that partial unemployment exists specifically for situations like yours. Don't let anyone tell you that working part-time disqualifies you - that's just not true in Washington state.

I had to call Washington ESD multiple times to get clarity on my partial claim and it was frustrating getting through. Finally used Claimyr to connect with an agent who explained everything clearly. Worth the cost to save the hassle of trying to call on your own.

Applied for partial benefits 6 months ago and it's been a lifesaver. The extra money helps cover the gap from my reduced hours. Definitely worth applying if you qualify.

Remember that your employer might get notified about your unemployment claim. In most cases this isn't a problem, but just be aware that it could happen.

The most important thing is to file your weekly claims on time and report your earnings accurately. Even if you're working part-time, you still need to certify every week to continue receiving benefits.

Don't overthink it - if your hours were cut through no fault of your own, you likely qualify for partial benefits. The worst they can do is say no, but you won't know unless you apply.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you keep detailed records of your reduced hours and wages. If Washington ESD needs to verify your earnings during the claim process, having pay stubs and work schedules readily available can speed things up significantly. I learned this the hard way when they asked for documentation and I had to scramble to find everything. Also, don't wait too long to apply - you can file as soon as your hours are reduced, and benefits can be backdated only so far.