How to apply for partial unemployment Washington ESD - reduced work hours

Thank you! Do I need to do anything special when filling out the application to indicate it's for partial unemployment?

No, the application is the same. The partial aspect gets handled when you file your weekly claims and report your earnings.

Oh no, that's exactly what I'm worried about! How did you finally get it resolved?

Honestly I used a service called Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD agents. Found it at claimyr.com and they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Made all the difference in getting my partial claim sorted out.

I'll check that out if I run into problems. Hopefully it goes smoother for me.

That's really helpful! So if I'm earning $300 a week now, I could potentially get some benefits on top of that?

Exactly, depending on what your calculated weekly benefit amount is. The Washington ESD system will do the math for you each week.

It's totally legal! Partial unemployment exists specifically for people whose hours got reduced. As long as you report your earnings accurately, you're fine.

oh wow i had no idea. good to know for the future

Do I need to search for full-time work or can I look for additional part-time hours to supplement?

Both count as valid work search activities. The key is showing you're trying to increase your total work hours and income.

I didn't know this and got a letter asking for my job search records. Luckily I had been keeping track but it was stressful.

Good point about gross vs net earnings. Did Washington ESD catch your mistake or did you realize it yourself?

I caught it when reviewing my claim history online. Better to fix these things early before they become overpayment issues.

I'll look for that calculator, thanks! It would be nice to know what to expect.

Found it helpful too when my hours got cut. Gave me realistic expectations about the benefit amount.

How do I report changes between weekly claims? Is there a way to update them mid-week?

You can call Washington ESD or use their online messaging system. Don't just wait and report it on the next weekly claim.

That's reassuring to hear it can work smoothly. I tend to overthink these things.

Same here, been getting partial benefits for 4 months without any issues. The key is just being honest about your earnings.

Should I tell them before I apply or after I get approved?

I'd mention it when you apply. They might get a verification request from Washington ESD anyway, so heads up is courteous.

My boss was actually supportive when I told him. He understood the hours cut wasn't my fault and the partial benefits helped me stay afloat.

Same 26-week limit applies to partial unemployment as regular unemployment. But the weeks only count when you actually receive benefits, not when you work full-time hours.

So if I have some weeks where I work enough that I don't get benefits, those weeks don't count against my 26?

Correct. Only benefit weeks count toward your maximum entitlement.

How long did it take to get through with Claimyr?

Same day I submitted the request. Way better than spending hours calling Washington ESD directly.

Yes, all tips must be reported as earnings. Washington ESD considers tips part of your gross income for benefit calculations.

Thanks, I figured as much but wanted to make sure. Better safe than sorry with Washington ESD.

I learned this the hard way when I got audited. Had to provide tip records going back months.

Same here! This thread has been super helpful. Good luck with your application!

Thanks, good luck to you too! Hopefully we both get approved quickly.

Great advice! I'll definitely start doing that from day one.

Smart thinking. I keep a folder on my computer with all my Washington ESD screenshots and documents.