Washington ESD unemployment - how many hours can I work while collecting benefits?

So it's based on earnings not hours? That makes more sense. Do I report gross or net earnings?

Always report gross earnings before taxes and deductions. Washington ESD is very strict about accurate reporting.

That's helpful to know! Are you still required to do the 3 job searches per week even when working part-time?

Yes, you still need to meet all the regular requirements including job searches unless you're specifically on standby status with your employer.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to actual Washington ESD agents without the endless calling. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much time and stress.

Interesting, never heard of that service. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - I was skeptical too but I actually got connected to a Washington ESD agent within a few hours instead of calling for days. Worth checking out if you're stuck.

Do you have a link to that handbook section? I've looked all over the Washington ESD site but can never find the specific rules.

It's in the unemployment insurance handbook under partial benefits. Should be on the main Washington ESD website under claimant resources.

Yikes! How did they find out about the cash work?

They cross-reference with other databases and the employer reported paying me. Learned my lesson the hard way.

This is exactly why I'm paranoid about reporting everything correctly. The system is designed to catch mistakes and they don't care if it was an honest error.

Perfect! So if my weekly benefit is $350, I can earn up to $355 and still get some unemployment?

Exactly. Your benefit would be reduced dollar-for-dollar by the amount over $5, but you'd still get something.

How many hours do you typically work at Target? I'm thinking about applying for similar part-time work.

usually 20-25 hours depends on their schedule. still gets me partial benefits most weeks

How do they determine if you're truly seeking full-time work? Is it just the job search log?

Job search activities, availability for interviews, not turning down suitable work offers. They look at the whole picture, not just the minimum requirements.

That sounds stressful! Did they continue your benefits after the interview?

Yes, but only because I could show I was still actively applying for full-time positions and available for interviews during business hours.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I used it last week and finally got through to someone who could actually help with my adjudication issue. Much better than the endless calling game.

Never heard of it. Is it one of those paid services?

Yeah but honestly worth it considering how impossible it is to reach Washington ESD otherwise. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo that explains how it works.

Good point! I definitely don't want to mess up the job search requirements. Still need to do 3 activities per week right?

Yes, unless you're on approved standby status with a specific return-to-work date. Regular part-time work doesn't change the job search requirements.

Wait, I thought it was dollar-for-dollar deduction after the $5. Are you sure about the 75% calculation?

I might be mixing up states - let me double check the Washington specific rules. The calculation can vary by state.

In Washington it IS dollar-for-dollar after the $5 disregard. The 75% rule is from other states.

What kind of audit? That sounds scary.

Random quality assurance review. They asked for proof of job searches, work hours, and earnings for a 3-month period. Took weeks to resolve because I hadn't kept good records.

This is the best advice. I've seen too many people get in trouble for trying to hide small amounts of work.

Thanks everyone! This has been super helpful. I feel much more confident about taking the part-time work now.

Should I tell them during the interview or after I'm hired?

I'd mention it after you're hired but before you start working. Most employers are fine with it, they just need to know for their reporting requirements.