Reduced to 20hrs from 40hrs at my job - Can I get partial unemployment? Do I still need job searches?

Yes, you can absolutely file for partial unemployment if your hours have been reduced by 50%. This is called a 'partial claim' and it's specifically designed for situations like yours where you're still employed but earning significantly less. When you file, make sure to accurately report your current earnings each week, and ESD will calculate your partial benefit amount. As for job search requirements - yes, you'll still need to complete and document 3 approved job search activities each week, even while partially employed. The job search requirement applies to all unemployment claims including partial ones. The only exception would be if you get approved for 'standby' status, but that's typically only for temporary layoffs where you have a definite return date, not reduced hours situations.

i had somethin similar happen last yr. got cut to 15 hrs from 38. ESD gave me partial benefits but it wasnt much tbh. still better than nothing tho

The application process is the same for partial unemployment. When you file your weekly claim, you'll report your hours worked and gross earnings before deductions. ESD uses a formula where they subtract a percentage of your earnings from your weekly benefit amount. Here's how it works: - If you qualify for benefits, you'll have a Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) - When you work part-time, ESD will subtract 75% of your earnings from your WBA - You can earn up to 1/3 of your WBA without any reduction (this is called the earnings disregard) For example, if your WBA is $650 and you earn $400 in a week, they'll subtract $300 (75% of $400) from your $650 WBA, leaving you with a partial payment of $350 for that week. And yes, the job search requirements feel contradictory in your situation, but it's a standard rule ESD strictly enforces. Keep detailed records of your job search activities - they do conduct random audits.

I was in the exact same boat last year!!! My hours got cut from 45 to 25 and I applied for unemployment. It took FOREVER to get through to ESD to answer questions about my claim. I kept calling that 800 number over and over for daaaaays. So frustrating!!! I finally discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual ESD agent in like 15 minutes instead of wasting days trying to call myself. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Totally worth it because the agent was able to explain exactly how to fill out the weekly claims with my part-time hours.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but getting partial unemployment can be a NIGHTMARE. I got reduced to 18 hrs/week in 2024 and ESD kept messing up my claims saying I was "refusing suitable work" even though I was taking all hours offered!!! Took 7 WEEKS to fix and I had to appeal. The system is NOT designed for partial unemployment despite what they claim. Also - PRO TIP: if you miss even ONE job search in a week, they can deny your ENTIRE claim for that week. They don't care that you're still with your employer. The system is designed to frustrate you into giving up. Document EVERYTHING.

my sister got partial unemployment when her retail job cut hours. she said the annoying part was having to report her exact hours every week and if she worked even 1 hour extra than reported ESD would freak out and delay her payment lol. but she got like $280 a week which helped

One more thing worth mentioning - make sure you fully understand the potential impact on your benefits if you refuse any additional hours your employer might occasionally offer. If you're receiving partial unemployment and your employer offers you extra hours for a particular week (even if it's still less than your original 40), refusing those hours could potentially be considered refusing suitable work. This is why clear communication with both your employer and ESD is crucial. Document everything, including conversations about your reduced schedule. If your employer ever offers you additional hours that you can't work for some reason, make sure to have valid reasons documented. I'd also recommend checking out WorkSource Washington's workshops - some of them actually count toward your job search activities and can help you understand the partial unemployment process better.