Lost one of my two jobs - can I still file Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

That's such a relief to hear! Do I need to report the income from my remaining job when I file my weekly claims?

Yes, you'll need to report all gross earnings from your warehouse job on your weekly claim. Washington ESD will reduce your benefit amount based on how much you earn, but you'll still get partial benefits.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I'm worried about the gap in income while waiting.

Mine took about 2 weeks to get approved, but that was pretty standard. Just make sure you report your remaining job's hours and wages accurately on every weekly claim.

Should I mention that I'm actively looking for another part-time job to replace the one I lost?

Yes, definitely mention that you're job searching. You'll still need to meet the job search requirements even with partial unemployment - usually 3 job search activities per week.

I had the same problem trying to reach them about my partial claim questions. I ended up using this service called Claimyr that calls for you and gets you connected to an actual Washington ESD agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Really? That actually works? I've been trying to call for three weeks with no luck.

Yeah, it worked for me. They handle all the calling and waiting, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Saved me hours of frustration.

Did you have any issues with adjudication or did it go through smoothly?

went smooth, just had to wait the normal processing time. make sure you report your hours and wages from the job you kept

That makes sense. So the more I was earning total before, the higher my potential benefit, but then it gets reduced by current earnings?

Exactly. In Washington, they deduct 75% of your weekly gross earnings from your benefit amount, so you keep 25% of what you earn plus your partial unemployment benefit.

Good point. I should probably get a letter from my former employer about the layoff too, right?

It doesn't hurt to have documentation, but Washington ESD will contact your former employer directly to verify the separation reason.

The key is to report gross wages (before taxes) for any week you work, even if it's just one shift. Don't try to calculate net pay or anything fancy.

Thanks, that helps clarify it. I was overthinking the reporting requirements.

What does 'available for full-time work' mean exactly? Like I need to be willing to quit my remaining job if I find full-time work?

Yes, basically you need to be ready and willing to accept suitable full-time employment if offered. You can't turn down good job offers just to keep collecting partial benefits.

Did you have to do anything special during the application process to indicate it was a partial claim?

No, you just file a regular unemployment claim. The system figures out it's partial when you report ongoing employment in your weekly claims.

Good to know! I was actually wondering if I should wait to see if my remaining job could give me more hours first.

Nope, file now. Even if your warehouse job gives you extra hours later, you can always stop filing claims when you no longer need them.

That's awesome! I might try that if I run into any issues with my claim. Did the agent have any specific advice about partial claims?

She emphasized making sure to report all wages accurately and on time. Said that's where most people mess up their partial claims.

Are you looking for full-time work to replace both jobs, or just another part-time job?

I'm looking for both options. Full-time would be ideal, but I'd take another good part-time job too. Washington ESD just wants to see you're actively seeking work.

That sounds like adjudication. Have you checked if there are any outstanding issues in your Washington ESD account that need to be resolved?

I can't even get into my account half the time. The website is terrible and customer service is nonexistent.

You should try using Claimyr to get connected to an agent. They can help figure out what's holding up your claim.

Yes, you need to report all income including tips. Washington ESD considers tips as part of your gross wages for the week.

Thanks! Better to be honest about everything I guess.

Definitely filing this weekend. Thanks for all the advice everyone!

Good luck! The process is pretty straightforward once you get started.

That's encouraging! Did she have any tips for the application process?

She said to have your Social Security card, ID, and employment information for both jobs ready before you start the application.

Good point about being careful with reporting. I'll make sure to double-check everything.

seriously, they're really strict about overpayments. better to be conservative with what you report

Definitely! From what everyone's saying, it seems like partial unemployment is pretty common.

Yeah, I had no idea this was even an option. Thanks for asking this question!

Good catch! I work Monday through Friday at the warehouse, so I need to think in terms of Sunday-Saturday weeks.

Exactly. It's a common mistake that can mess up your benefit calculations.

Awesome! Glad my question helped other people too. Good luck with your claim!

Thanks! This thread has been way more helpful than trying to navigate the Washington ESD website alone.