How to file for partial unemployment with Washington ESD - reduced hours situation

That's a relief! Do you know what the earnings threshold is? I don't want to mess up the application.

It depends on your weekly benefit amount, but generally if you're earning less than 1.5 times your weekly benefit amount, you can get partial benefits. Washington ESD will calculate the exact amount when you file your weekly claims.

Did you have any issues with your employer? I'm worried they might not like that I'm filing for unemployment while still working there.

My employer was actually fine with it since they knew they had to cut hours due to business reasons. It's pretty common and employers understand that partial unemployment exists for this exact situation.

Thanks! I'll check that out. I was dreading trying to call Washington ESD with all the busy signals everyone talks about.

I've heard good things about Claimyr too. Sometimes it's worth talking to an actual person when you have questions about partial unemployment since everyone's situation is a bit different.

Oh wow, I didn't know that. So I still have to do the 3 job search activities per week even though I have a part-time job?

Yes, exactly. The idea is that you're considered partially unemployed and should be seeking full-time employment. You'll need to log your job search activities in WorkSourceWA just like regular unemployment claimants.

This is correct. I learned this the hard way when I got a notice about not meeting job search requirements on my partial claim. Don't skip the job search activities!

You just report exactly what you earned each week when you file your weekly claim. It doesn't matter if the hours vary - Washington ESD will calculate your partial benefits based on what you actually earned that specific week.

ok that makes sense. do i report gross or net earnings?

Always report gross earnings before taxes and deductions.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I'm worried about delays.

Mine took about 2 weeks to process, which seemed pretty normal. Just make sure you have all your employment information ready when you file.

That makes sense. In my case they just don't have the hours available, so I should be fine.

Right, if it's involuntary reduction in hours due to lack of work, you should qualify for partial benefits without issues.

You're subject to the same benefit year limits as regular unemployment - typically 26 weeks of benefits within your benefit year. But you can file a new claim if your benefit year expires and you're still in the same situation.

Got it, so it's not unlimited but you do get a decent amount of time to help bridge the gap.

That's exactly what I need! I have some specific questions about my situation that I'd rather ask a person directly.

Same here - I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for days about my partial claim. Definitely going to try Claimyr.

Can you explain how the calculation works? I want to have realistic expectations.

Basically, they take your weekly benefit amount and subtract your earnings minus a small disregard amount. So if your weekly benefit is $400 and you earn $200, you might get around $200 in partial benefits. The exact formula is on the Washington ESD website.

This is helpful! I was wondering if it was worth filing for partial unemployment but it sounds like it could really help.

That's encouraging! I think I'm going to file this week. Better to try and see if I qualify than struggle with the reduced income.

Exactly! The worst they can say is no, but if you qualify, it can really help with bills while you're dealing with reduced hours.

Good to know! I probably would have been confused about that.

Yeah, that's a common mistake. You're still working, just with reduced hours, so you need to report that work and earnings each week.

Employers can't retaliate against you for filing for unemployment benefits that you're legally entitled to. If they do, that's a separate legal issue you could pursue.

My employer was actually understanding about it. They knew they had to cut hours and that partial unemployment exists for exactly this situation.

Great advice! I'll start keeping better track of my hours and pay stubs.

Yes! I learned this from experience when I had to provide additional documentation for my partial claim. Better to have it and not need it than the other way around.

I'm definitely going to try it if I run into any issues with my claim. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Same here. I hate spending my whole day trying to get through to government phone lines.

Good luck! Feel free to come back and ask if you run into any issues during the process.

Hope it works out for you! Partial unemployment benefits can really help bridge the gap when hours get cut.