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

That's it? Just file like a regular claim? I thought there would be some special partial unemployment form or something.

Nope, it's all the same initial application process. The difference only shows up when you do your weekly claims reporting.

Do you know what the formula is? Like how much can I earn before they cut off my benefits completely?

I think it's something like they subtract your gross earnings minus $5 from your weekly benefit amount, but don't quote me on the exact numbers. The Washington ESD website has the current formula.

Never heard of Claimyr before. Is it like a service that helps you call Washington ESD?

Yeah exactly - claimyr.com helps you get through to actual agents instead of sitting on hold forever. Super helpful for getting specific questions answered about partial benefits.

Definitely file! Even if you only get a partial benefit, every bit helps when your hours are cut that drastically.

Going to start my application tonight. Thanks for the encouragement!

Wait really? I have to look for other jobs even though I already have one?

Yep, unless you're on standby status expecting to return to full hours. Most partial unemployment claimants still need to do the job search activities.

This is correct. The job search requirement applies to most unemployment claims, partial or otherwise.

What happens if they flag it? Just extra verification or something worse?

usually just means they want to verify your earnings with your employer. can delay your payments though so better to be accurate from the start

Would my employer dispute it? I mean, they're the ones who cut my hours.

Most employers don't dispute legitimate partial claims, but it's always good to have documentation just in case.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - saved me from making those kinds of mistakes by talking to someone who actually knew the system.

Wish I had known about that option earlier. Would have saved me a lot of stress and confusion.

Good point. My manager keeps saying hours might go back to normal 'soon' but it's been 6 weeks already.

Exactly - and you can always stop claiming if your hours do go back up. Better to have the safety net in place.

So I report what I earned before taxes get taken out, not my take-home pay?

Correct - always report gross wages. That's what they use for the benefit calculation formula.

The main page has a big 'Apply for Benefits' button, but I agree the site layout isn't very intuitive.

yeah i eventually found it but man they could make it clearer for people who are already stressed about money

That's encouraging! About how long did the whole process take from filing to getting your first payment?

About 3 weeks total, including the waiting week. Pretty standard timeline for Washington ESD claims.

I hadn't thought about that. Are there specific programs that work well with partial unemployment?

SNAP benefits often complement partial unemployment well since both consider your reduced income situation.

How do you report changes like that? Is there a specific form or do you just call Washington ESD?

You can report changes through your online account, but major changes like complete job loss might need a phone call to ensure proper processing.

6 months?! I hope my situation doesn't last that long. Has your employer given any indication about returning to normal hours?

its retail so depends on the season. partial unemployment has been a lifesaver though - couldn't have made it without those extra payments

That depends on whether you qualify for standby status. If Washington ESD approves standby, then yes, job search is waived. But most partial unemployment situations don't automatically qualify for standby.

Ah okay, so I probably still need to do job searches. Thanks for clarifying!

Thanks for saying that. I was feeling a bit weird about filing since I'm still technically employed.

That's exactly what the system is designed for - helping people when their employment situation changes, whether that's complete job loss or reduced hours.

You've convinced me. Going to check out that website and get some direct answers about my specific situation.

I used Claimyr too for my partial claim questions. Really helpful when you need specific guidance rather than general website information.

Good luck with your claim! Feel free to update us on how it goes.

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

Agreed! Would have saved me days of confusion if I had found this information earlier.