Washington ESD partial unemployment filing - confused about work hour reporting

Thanks! So I just go through the regular application process on the Washington ESD site? Do I need to mention it's for partial unemployment specifically?

Nope, just file normally. When you get to the weekly claims part, that's where you report your part-time work. Washington ESD figures out the partial benefit automatically.

Good to know! So even if I only take home $200 after taxes, I report the full gross amount?

Exactly. Washington ESD needs the gross amount to calculate your partial benefit correctly.

Interesting, never heard of that. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah, it connects you with an actual Washington ESD representative. Much better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

I was skeptical about services like that but honestly the Washington ESD phone system is so backed up, anything that helps is worth it.

That's confusing. So if I normally would get $250 a week in benefits and I earn $80 in part-time work, how much would I actually get?

With those numbers, Washington ESD would take 25% of your $80 earnings ($20) plus the amount over $5 ($75), so they'd deduct $95 total. You'd get $155 in partial benefits that week.

Wait, that doesn't sound right. I thought the calculation was different for partial unemployment in Washington.

Oh wow, I didn't think about that. So even though I'm working part-time, I still need to apply for other jobs?

Yes! You need to register with WorkSource Washington and keep looking for full-time work. The job search requirement doesn't go away just because you're working part-time.

This is exactly why the unemployment system is so messed up. You're already working but they still make you jump through hoops looking for more work.

Did you ever have any issues with the auditing? I'm worried about making a mistake.

I had one week where I miscalculated my hours and they caught it. Had to provide pay stubs to verify. As long as you're honest, it's not a big deal.

That's good to hear. I was worried it wouldn't be worth the hassle of filing.

Definitely worth it. Even if you only get $50-100 extra per week, that adds up over time.

No special documentation needed from your employer. Washington ESD will verify your employment and wages through their system.

Perfect, that makes it easier. I was worried about having an awkward conversation with my boss.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. I was in the same boat trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks. That service actually got me connected to someone who could help.

I might have to try that. I can't afford to keep taking time off work to sit on hold with Washington ESD.

Same here, spent 3 hours on hold yesterday and got disconnected. So frustrating when you just have a simple question.

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

Exactly. I keep a simple spreadsheet with dates, hours worked, and gross pay. Makes the weekly claims super easy to fill out.

Yes, you can file for partial unemployment with multiple part-time jobs. You just report the total earnings from all jobs on your weekly claim.

That's a relief. I was worried having two jobs would complicate things with Washington ESD.

Multiple jobs actually makes the math more straightforward - Washington ESD just looks at your total weekly earnings regardless of how many employers you have.

Mine took about 2 weeks to get approved. The initial processing time is the same whether it's partial or regular unemployment.

Thanks, I'll be patient then. Just anxious to know if it's going through.

Good reminder. I should probably have them withhold taxes since I'm already working part-time.

Yeah, it's easier than getting a surprise tax bill. You can change the withholding option in your Washington ESD account anytime.

That's encouraging to hear. I really hope my application goes smoothly.

It should! Just be honest about your work and earnings, and don't overthink it. Washington ESD's system handles most of the calculations automatically.

That makes sense. So if my boss offers me extra shifts, I should probably take them even if it reduces my unemployment benefits?

Generally yes, especially if it's regular hours. Washington ESD wants to see you're willing to work more when it's available.

This is tricky though because sometimes the extra shift pay might be less than what you'd lose in unemployment benefits.

As long as you're reporting everything accurately, you shouldn't have issues. Partial unemployment is a legitimate program - that's what it's there for.

Thanks, I guess I'm just nervous because I've never dealt with unemployment before.

If you do have questions or issues come up, that Claimyr service I mentioned can help you get through to Washington ESD to sort things out quickly.

Awesome! How long did it take from when you first filed?

About 3 weeks total from filing to first payment. The hardest part was just waiting for the initial approval from Washington ESD.

That's encouraging. I just filed mine yesterday so hopefully I'll see something in a few weeks.

Should I tell them before I file or after?

I'd mention it after you file but before you start receiving benefits. Just so they're not surprised if Washington ESD contacts them for verification.

Good point. Transparency with your employer usually works out better in the long run.

Agreed! I feel much more confident about filing now. This forum is so much more helpful than trying to navigate the Washington ESD website alone.

Happy to help! The partial unemployment program really is designed to help people in situations like yours. Good luck with your claim!