Is unemployment benefits worth applying for in Washington state?

Yes, it's definitely worth applying if your hours were reduced! You can get partial UI benefits even while working part-time. The key is that your weekly wages need to be less than what your weekly benefit amount would be. Washington ESD has been pretty good about processing claims lately - not like the nightmare it was during COVID.

You should definitely apply ASAP! The longer you wait, the more money you're potentially losing. I was in a similar situation last year - went from full-time to basically nothing overnight. Washington ESD benefits kept me afloat while I found something better.

I had a really hard time getting through to Washington ESD when I needed help with my claim last month. Spent hours on hold every day for like 2 weeks. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have this demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me so much frustration!

The benefits aren't huge but they help. For part-time work you're probably looking at maybe $200-400 per week depending on your previous wages. You have to do job search activities too - 3 contacts per week minimum. Keep track of everything because they do audit.

honestly the system is so broken, you'll probably wait forever and then they'll find some reason to deny you anyway. happened to my brother twice

Apply today! The sooner you file, the sooner your benefit year starts. Even if there are delays, you'll get backpay to your filing date. Don't let fear of the process stop you from getting help you're entitled to.

I'm dealing with Washington ESD right now and it's been a nightmare. My claim has been stuck in adjudication for over a month. They requested additional documents which I submitted weeks ago but still nothing. The phone lines are impossible to get through on.

For partial unemployment like your situation, the process is usually pretty straightforward. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and bank info for direct deposit. The online application takes maybe 30 minutes.

The job search requirement is no joke. They really do check. I got audited last year and had to provide detailed records of every contact I made. Keep a spreadsheet or use the WorkSourceWA portal to track everything.

One thing to keep in mind - if you're working part-time, you need to report those hours and wages on your weekly claim EVERY week. Even if you worked zero hours, you still need to file. Miss a week and you could lose benefits.

I was skeptical about applying because my situation was complicated - I had two part-time jobs and one ended while the other reduced hours. But Washington ESD handled it fine. Just be honest about everything and keep good records.

Also remember that UI benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay them when you file your tax return. Most people forget about this part.

The worst part is when they ask for additional verification and you can't reach anyone to explain what they need. I uploaded the same document like 5 times because I wasn't sure if it was right.

Just apply. Worst case they deny you and you're no worse off than now. Best case you get financial help while you figure out your next move. The application is free and you can do it online.

Make sure you understand the difference between 'able and available' vs. 'standby' status. If you're still employed part-time, you're typically 'able and available' for work. Standby is for temporary layoffs where you expect to return to the same job.

The online system is pretty user-friendly now. Way better than it used to be. You can check your claim status, view payment history, and file weekly claims all in one place. Just bookmark the secure portal.

Whatever you do, don't wait. Every week you don't file is money you can't get back. Even if your claim takes time to process, they'll pay you retroactively to your filing date if you're approved.

One last tip - if you do run into issues and need to speak with Washington ESD, don't waste days trying to call. Claimyr worked great for me and saved so much time. The video demo I mentioned shows exactly how it works.

Good luck with your application! Most people who qualify get approved without major issues. Just stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements.

Based on everyone's advice here, I just submitted my application! The online process was actually pretty straightforward - took about 25 minutes like someone mentioned. Now I'm just waiting to see what happens. Really appreciate all the detailed info from everyone, especially about the job search requirements and reporting part-time wages. Fingers crossed it goes smoothly, but at least I know about options like Claimyr if I run into issues getting through to them. Thanks for convincing me not to wait any longer!