How to apply for partial unemployment benefits through Washington ESD - reduced hours situation

Yes, you can definitely apply for partial unemployment benefits in Washington! You file exactly the same way as regular unemployment through the Washington ESD website. The key is when you do your weekly claims, you'll report the wages you earned that week and they'll reduce your benefit amount accordingly. You still need to meet the job search requirements though.

Been there! I got partial benefits when my restaurant reduced my shifts. You apply through the normal Washington ESD application process but when you file your weekly claims, you report your earnings. They use a formula to calculate how much you get - it's not just the difference unfortunately.

I was stuck trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about my partial claim questions. Kept getting disconnected after waiting on hold forever. Finally found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me through within minutes. They have this demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Totally worth it when you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

Make sure you understand the earnings deduction formula before you file. In Washington, they deduct 75% of your gross wages from your weekly benefit amount. So if your weekly benefit is $400 and you earn $200, you'd get $400 - ($200 × 0.75) = $250 in benefits that week.

ugh been trying to call Washington ESD about this same thing for DAYS. their phone system is absolute garbage

One important thing - you need to report your work hours AND gross wages when you file your weekly claim. Don't just put the wages. Washington ESD wants both pieces of information for partial unemployment.

Just want to add that you can work up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 and still get some partial benefits. So if your weekly benefit is $400, you can earn up to $405 and still get something. Above that and you get nothing for that week.

Does anyone know how long it takes for partial claims to get processed? I filed mine 2 weeks ago and still nothing.

Pro tip: keep detailed records of your work hours and pay stubs. Washington ESD might ask for verification later and you want to have everything ready.

Question about the job search requirement - if I'm working 25 hours a week, do I really need to look for other jobs? Seems counterproductive.

I used Claimyr too when I had questions about my partial claim. Really helped me understand the earnings formula and got me connected to someone who could explain it properly. Their system at claimyr.com actually works unlike Washington ESD's phone system.

Make sure you understand that your partial benefits will reduce your total benefit year amount. So if you're approved for $10,000 total and you collect $2,000 in partial benefits, you'll only have $8,000 left for regular unemployment if you lose your job completely.

For what it's worth, I've been collecting partial benefits for 3 months now and it's been a lifesaver. Yes the system is annoying but the money really helps bridge the gap.

One more thing - if your employer calls you back to full-time hours, make sure you report that on your weekly claim right away. Don't wait until the next week or you might get an overpayment notice.

Just to summarize for the OP - file the same way as regular unemployment, report your wages and hours on weekly claims, do your job searches, and keep good records. The system is confusing but the benefits can really help when you're dealing with reduced hours.